Retailers Face “Consumer Joy Deficit” This Holiday Season
“Consumer joy deficit” describes 2025 holiday shoppers’ cautious mindset amid high prices and stress, prompting retailers to adopt more empathetic marketing and value‑driven strategies.
U.S. Consumer Spending Growth Expected to Slow in 2026
Moody’s projects U.S. consumer spending growth to slow to roughly 1.5% in 2026, with labor market and affordability pressures dampening demand.
Holiday Pop‑Up Bars Spark Festive Experience Boom
Seasonal holiday pop‑up bars are rapidly expanding across the U.S., offering immersive experiences that drive foot traffic, social engagement, and revenue for venues during the winter season.
Holiday Meal Bundles Drive Omnichannel Retail Growth
Retailers are using holiday meal bundles to drive convenience, loyalty, and cross-category growth across omnichannel touchpoints.
U.S. Returns Rise in 2025, Shoppers Retract Purchases
The inaugural Seel 2025 Returns and Refunds Report shows rising consumer return rates driven by defective items, “change of mind” returns, and economic uncertainty, reshaping retail post‑purchase strategies.
Bundle the Feast, Own the Shopper
Holiday meal bundles are reshaping retail by turning planning into a simple choice. Learn how value focused feasts boost convenience basket size and loyalty through smart assortment omnichannel execution and margin minded strategy.
3 Ways Retailers Can Strengthen Supply Chains for 2026
Retailers can prep supply chains for 2026 by optimizing inventory, building flexibility, and leveraging data-driven forecasting to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
AP-NORC Poll: Americans Tighten Holiday Budgets Heading Into 2026
AP-NORC poll shows U.S. consumers tightening holiday budgets in 2025. Rising costs and cautious spending are shaping the shopping season and 2026 outlook.
The Psychology Behind Returns: Balancing Rules and Customer Loyalty
Even standard return policies can feel unfair. Learn how loss aversion, fairness, and smart strategies help retailers reduce friction and build loyalty.
Disney Invests $1B in OpenAI to Power AI Video with Disney Characters
Disney’s $1 billion investment in OpenAI unlocks 200+ characters for AI‑generated video via Sora, blending classic storytelling with generative AI innovation.
Walmart Stock Outlook 2026: Nasdaq Debut and Growth Momentum
Walmart’s 2025 Nasdaq transition, holiday-driven sales surge, and bullish analyst forecasts set the stage for potential stock gains and stronger tech-enabled growth in 2026.
Walmart Business 2026: B2B Retail Goes Enterprise-Ready
By 2026, Walmart Business aims to transform supply procurement for businesses and nonprofits, combining Walmart’s vast assortment with tailored tools, flexible payments, and efficient digital workflows.
Demand vs Order Forecasting: What Suppliers Should Know
Understanding the difference between demand forecast and order forecast helps Walmart suppliers align inventory, avoid stockouts, and respond to true consumer demand.
How Store-First Thinking Is Costing Retailers Growth
Retailers stuck in siloed, store-first models risk losing to competitors who unify physical and digital operations around the omnichannel customer.
Smucker Drops Coffee Price Hike After Green‑Bean Tariffs Removed
After the U.S. lifted tariffs on green‑bean imports, J.M. Smucker has canceled its planned winter coffee price hike — easing inflationary pressure for consumers and retailers alike.
Tyson’s Strategy to Manage Shrinking Cattle & Hog Supply in 2025
As U.S. cattle and hog supplies reach historic lows, Tyson Foods turns to value‑added products and plant efficiencies — but processing closures and price pressure signal a challenging year ahead for beef supply and cost.