Retail Layoffs Highlight Growing Divide Between Growth and Employment
Despite strong consumer demand, retailers lead in job cuts as companies prioritize automation and tech-driven operations over headcount growth.
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.
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Only 17% of Retailers Achieve Unified Commerce Maturity
Most retailers struggle to unify digital and in-store systems, exposing a major gap in delivering seamless omnichannel experiences.
Retail Logistics Shift Demands Faster, Smarter Vendor Ecosystems
Retailers are reshaping vendor relationships and logistics expectations, favoring agility, integration, and performance-driven partnerships.
Retailers Struggle to Prove ROI on In-Store Technology
Nearly half of North American retailers can’t quantify the return on in-store tech, raising concerns about investment impact.
Amazon Launches “Haul” Storefront and Early Holiday Sale
Amazon debuts an ultra-low-price “Haul” storefront with items under $10 and launches an early Black Friday-style event.
Burberry Returns to Growth with China and Heritage Focus
Burberry posts its first quarter of growth in two years, crediting British heritage revival and strong sales in China.
Columbia Sportswear Appoints Co‑Presidents in Succession Plan
Columbia Sportswear appoints two co-presidents to support its succession strategy and drive global brand and DTC growth.
Skims Reaches $5 B Valuation, Plans Physical Store Expansion
Kim Kardashian’s Skims brand reaches a $5 billion valuation and plans to significantly expand its physical retail footprint.
Target Cuts 1,800 Corporate Roles, Deploys AI for Shoppers
Target is eliminating 1,000 jobs and closing 800 open roles while rolling out AI tools to enhance gift discovery for holiday shoppers.
Starbucks Baristas Strike on Red Cup Day Over Contracts
More than 1,000 unionized baristas at Starbucks Corporation across over 40 U.S. cities have initiated an indefinite strike during Red Cup Day, pressing for a collective bargaining agreement that addresses pay, staffing and benefits.
Walmart Names John Furner as President & CEO
Walmart Inc.’s board has elected John Furner as President and Chief Executive Officer effective February 1, 2026, marking a key transition in the retailer’s omnichannel leadership.
Etsy Holiday Campaign Focuses on Personalized, Purposeful Gifting
Etsy’s 2025 holiday ads celebrate small moments and real-world characters, promoting personalized gifts amid a leadership transition.
Holiday Shoppers Shift to Early Deals and Delayed Payments
U.S. consumers are starting holiday shopping earlier, leaning on buy-now-pay-later, and hunting discounts as inflation and job worries shape spending habits.
Walmart Faces Scrutiny Over Omnichannel Price Transparency
New York’s proposed pricing transparency law could fine retailers like Walmart $250 per violation if online and in-store prices aren’t clearly disclosed.
Bloomberg Terminal’s AI Evolution Drives Real‑Time Market Insight
The Bloomberg Terminal is integrating generative AI and large‑language‑model capabilities to transform hours of manual analysis into minutes — while maintaining rigorous controls.
AI’s Sameness Problem: Why Marketers Should Take Notice
Generative AI is delivering undeniable scale — but its growing “sameness” in content poses real risks for marketers striving to stand out.