Despite Doubts, Data Shows College Still Pays in NWA
A growing number of Americans question the value of college—but in Northwest Arkansas, the income gap between degree holders and high school grads tells a different story.
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
Toyota Opens $13.9B Battery Plant, Pledges $10B More for U.S.
Toyota launches production at its first U.S. EV battery hub in North Carolina, signaling deep investments in domestic supply chain and electrification.
Free Shipping, AI, and Speed Dominate Holiday 2025 E-Commerce
DHL’s latest study shows U.S. e-commerce leaders are prioritizing free delivery, AI-driven personalization, and fast domestic fulfillment for peak season success.
USPS Sets 2026 Shipping Rate Hikes Across Core Services
USPS will raise rates in January 2026 across Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and other services, impacting last-mile logistics and retail shipping costs.
Supreme Court Weighs Presidential Tariff Power in Landmark Case
A Supreme Court case questioning Trump's emergency tariff authority could reshape sourcing strategies across retail and supply chain sectors.
Agentic AI is the New Frontier for Retail & CPG Workflows
In retail and CPG, the shift from automation to agentic AI unlocks real‑time decision‑making, operational agility and higher customer trust across supply, merchandising and marketing.
Six Supply Chain Trends Shaping Retail in 2025
KPMG identifies six pivotal supply chain shifts for 2025—from GenAI to ESG—that retailers must master to stay competitive and resilient.
U.S. Exempts 200+ Food Imports from Reciprocal Tariffs
The U.S. has lifted tariffs on key agricultural imports like coffee, tea, and bananas, signaling trade deal progress and easing omnichannel food supply pressures.
DBB Hosts “AI in Retail” Breakfast Event for Walmart Vendors
Doing Business in Bentonville invites retail leaders to a Dec. 11 event focused on AI-driven shopper strategies, content optimization, and operational tools.
Consumers in Flux: Key Insights from Mintel’s 2025 Global Trends
Mintel’s 2025 Global Consumer Trends unveil how the interplay of home, community and global contexts is reshaping shopper behaviour—vital intelligence for omnichannel leaders.
Social Commerce Becomes Retail’s New Checkout Channel
TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are transforming content into commerce, requiring retailers and vendors to adapt fast to in-app buying trends.
Retailers Shift from Mass Market to Micro Targeting
U.S. retailers adopt hyper-personalized approaches, using AI and real-time data to deliver tailored omnichannel shopper experiences.
Retailers Favor Automation as Holiday Hiring Declines
With holiday hiring at decade lows, retailers turn to automation and lean operations to manage peak season demand efficiently.
Retail Real Estate Shows Growth Despite Store Closures
Though closures remain headline‑driven, the underlying market momentum shows investors placing bets on the next‑gen store formats and fulfilment nodes rather than traditional big‑box expansion.
Retailers Cut Holiday Hiring Despite $1T Sales Forecast
U.S. retailers expect record holiday sales in 2025 but are hiring fewer seasonal workers, signaling a shift toward automation and leaner operations.
Louvre Heist Highlights Cybersecurity Risks in Retail
A Louvre security breach underscores urgent cybersecurity gaps facing retailers ahead of the high-risk holiday shopping season.