TJ Maxx Signs Herald Towers NYC Lease
TJ Maxx is returning to NYC with a 40,000-square-foot Herald Towers lease, directly across from Macy’s flagship in Herald Square.
Staff Report
Global insights on omnichannel retail and commerce from the Doing Business in Bentonville Staff Report Team—expert analysis and trends shaping Bentonville’s role in the future of business.
5102 W Pauline Whitaker Pkwy Unit 120, Rogers, AR 72758
Middle-Income U.S. Consumers Struggle to Keep Up
Nearly 70% of middle-income Americans are struggling with the rising cost of living, prompting increased reliance on savings and credit card debt, according to new data.
First Brands Founder Patrick James Indicted on Federal Fraud Charges
Federal prosecutors have indicted First Brands founder Patrick James and his brother on fraud charges tied to deceptive financing practices that contributed to the auto parts supplier’s bankruptcy.
Mattel Builds He‑Man Movie Buzz With New Action Figures Ahead of 2026 Release
Mattel fuels He‑Man buzz for its June 2026 Masters of the Universe film with a new line of movie‑based action figures that engage collectors and fans ahead of the release.
Social Media Giants in Court: Meta, YouTube Face Youth Addiction Claims
A landmark California trial has begun against Meta and YouTube over claims their platforms deliberately harm youth mental health through addictive design features, a case that could shape social media liability and youth safety standards nationwide.
ChatGPT’s Consumer AI Dominance & New Paid Tiers Spark Next Phase of Adoption
OpenAI expands ChatGPT’s consumer AI reach with new paid tiers and upcoming ad testing, reinforcing its leadership in everyday AI use.
Storm‑Driven Retail Rush: Foot Traffic Spike Ahead of Winter Storm Fern
Placer.ai’s data shows U.S. retail visits spiked two days before Winter Storm Fern hit, with Bentonville’s shoppers rushing to stock up on essentials ahead of heavy snow and ice.
UPS Retires MD-11 Fleet After Deadly Crash, Adds Boeing 767s
UPS has permanently retired its MD-11 aircraft fleet following a fatal crash in November, incurring a $137M charge while preparing to add 18 Boeing 767s over the next 15 months to maintain air capacity.
Tesla Ends Model S & Model X Production for Optimus Pivot
Tesla will end production of its long‑running Model S and Model X vehicles next quarter, reallocating factory capacity to focus on the Optimus humanoid robot program as part of CEO Elon Musk’s strategic shift toward robotics and autonomy.
Home Depot Cuts 800 Jobs, Pushes Back‑to‑Office Work for Corporate Employees
Home Depot has revealed plans to eliminate approximately 800 corporate jobs tied to its Atlanta area operations and will require remaining corporate staff to return to the office five days a week beginning April 6, as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and boost agility.
Amazon Follows Through With 16,000 Job Cuts
Amazon has confirmed plans to cut 16,000 corporate jobs, offering impacted employees transitional support, including internal job search opportunities, severance pay, health benefits, and outplacement assistance as part of broader restructuring efforts.
Tractor Supply’s Fourth‑Quarter Performance Falls Short of Expectations
Tractor Supply’s Q4 financial results showed declines in net income and EPS, with both metrics missing analyst expectations and prompting share volatility amid signs of softer consumer demand.
MLS and Walmart Partner for Weekly ‘Saturday Showdown’ Spotlight Series
Major League Soccer and Walmart partner to launch “Saturday Showdown,” a weekly spotlight game that kicks off in February on Apple TV.
Trump Threatens 25% Tariff Hike on South Korean Imports Over Trade Pact Dispute
President Trump plans to raise tariffs on South Korean imports to 25%, citing delays in enacting a 2025 trade agreement, sparking new global trade concerns.
Scarcity Redefines the 2026 Supply Chain Playbook
Copper, critical minerals, and medical supplies lead the list of 2026 shortages, pushing firms to overhaul supply chains for resilience and risk readiness.
Costco Faces Class-Action Over Rotisserie Chicken Labeling
A class-action lawsuit challenges Costco’s rotisserie chicken label claims, alleging the presence of preservatives not disclosed to consumers.