Rising Gas Prices Drive 73% of U.S. Drivers to Cut Spending
A new Numerator report reveals that surging fuel costs are forcing most Americans to slash discretionary spending and adopt aggressive new strategies to save at the pump.
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
Small Business Tax Guide: Navigating the 2026 Deadlines and OBBBA
As the April 15 tax deadline arrives, small business owners must navigate significant changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) while optimizing for permanent deductions and credits.
The Rise of Private Label: Transforming Modern Retail Data
Industry experts discuss how high-velocity data, quality improvements, and omnichannel integration are driving the meteoric rise of private label brands in the modern retail landscape.
Walmart Stock Boosted by AI Innovations and Private Label Refresh
Walmart (WMT) shares see positive momentum as the retail giant leverages generative AI, launches new B2B services, and modernizes its multi-billion dollar Great Value brand.
New York Fed Reports Continued Contraction in Empire State Manufacturing
The April 2026 Empire State Manufacturing Survey indicates a persistent decline in New York's manufacturing activity, with the general business conditions index remaining in negative territory.
Apple to Shutter First Unionized Retail Location in New Jersey
Apple announces the closure of its Short Hills, New Jersey, store, the first of its retail locations to unionize, citing mall relocation and store modernization strategy.
Walmart Joins U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol for Sustainable Sourcing
Walmart enhances its environmental corporate strategy by joining the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, aiming to improve transparency and sustainable practices across its global apparel and textile supply chain.
Starbucks Debuts ChatGPT Beta App for AI-Driven Drink Discovery
Starbucks launches a first-of-its-kind ChatGPT integration, allowing shoppers to discover personalized beverages through natural language prompts and images as part of its "Back to Starbucks" digital strategy.
Target Lands Exclusive Pokémon 30th Anniversary Collection and Celebrity Partnership
Target secures status as the exclusive U.S. mass retailer for Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, debuting a 100-item collection and a high-profile campaign featuring global superstar Joe Jonas.
7-Eleven to Close Over 600 Stores Amid Shifting Consumer Demand
7-Eleven announces the closure of 600-plus North American locations as the convenience retail giant adjusts its corporate strategy to address evolving omnichannel shopper behaviors and inflationary pressures.
Walmart Unveils Major Design Overhaul for Great Value Private Label
Walmart launches a comprehensive visual rebranding of its Great Value line, modernizing the packaging of thousands of products to enhance shelf appeal and digital visibility for omnichannel shoppers.
Navigating Peak Ambiguity in 2026 Omnichannel Retail Strategies
Retailers in Bentonville and beyond are leveraging unified commerce and AI to navigate industry ambiguity while meeting evolving consumer demands for seamless, high-speed omnichannel experiences.
U.S. Inflation Surges Most Since 2022 Amid Iran Conflict
March inflation jumped 0.9% as war-induced gasoline price spikes drove consumer sentiment to a record low, challenging retail stability and household affordability across the nation.
Beyond SEO: Making Product Detail Pages Machine-Readable for AEO
Transitioning from SEO to Answer Engine Optimization requires a shift toward machine-readable PDPs, ensuring AI agents can trust and recommend products in the era of agentic commerce.
Amazon to Acquire Globalstar in Massive $11.57 Billion Satellite Deal
Amazon strengthens its orbital capabilities with an $11.57 billion acquisition of Globalstar to accelerate direct-to-device connectivity and compete with SpaceX’s dominant Starlink network.
Port of Los Angeles Stable Amid Growing Iran War Concerns
Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka reports stable transpacific trade and steady March volumes despite geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.