PwC Holiday Outlook 2025: Shoppers cut back
Holiday spending is expected to decline by 5%, with Gen Z leading the cutbacks. Traditions endure, while value, food, and gift cards define the season.
Thorvardur de Shong
Retailers rush imports before tariffs, driving up trade deficit
U.S. retailers pulled in consumer goods and gold ahead of Trump’s August tariffs, lifting imports nearly 6% in July and widening the trade gap.
Couche-Tard Q1 profit steady as U.S. convenience turns positive
Alimentation Couche-Tard reported net income of $782.5 million for its first fiscal quarter, with U.S. same-store merchandise sales rising for the first time in several quarters.
Aldi aims to dominate the US grocery market
Executives say the timing is right as inflation-conscious Americans look for lower grocery bills without sacrificing quality.
Elliott takes $4B stake in PepsiCo, launches activist campaign
The activist fund is urging PepsiCo to overhaul its underperforming beverages unit, echoing calls for Coca-Cola-style refranchising and sharper marketing.
Kraft Heinz breakup ends a decade of merger misery
The breakup mirrors a broader industry trend: Kellogg split into two companies in 2023, while Mars and Ferrero have recently struck multibillion-dollar deals for snack and cereal makers.
Independent retailers show optimism, Toast survey finds
Results highlight a resilient sector that is focused on smart growth, technology adoption, and enhancing the customer experience.
Wawa expands in North Carolina with new Travel Center concept
Wawa celebrated a milestone with the grand opening of its first Travel Center in Hope Mills, North Carolina.
H-E-B announces ten finalists in the 12th Quest for Texas Best competition
Finalists to compete for $100,000 in combined prizes and placement on H-E-B shelves.
Walmart courts U.K. sellers for global Marketplace expansion
Walmart is recruiting U.K. and European businesses to join its online marketplace, opening doors to customers across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Chile.
Hy-Vee earns triple national honors for workplace and veteran support
“Our people are our greatest strength,” said Jeremy Gosch, Chairman and CEO of Hy-Vee.
Dollar General raises 2025 outlook after strong Q2
The discounter lifted its 2025 earnings outlook to as much as $6.30 per share following a better-than-expected second quarter.
Michelle Larson to lead Albertsons’ merchandising transformation
The grocer’s new merchandising structure places Larson at the helm, with oversight of Own Brands, pricing, space planning, and strategy as Albertsons sharpens its value proposition.
Instacart and MDI team up to bring digital solutions to local grocers
Independent grocers across MDI’s retailer network to adopt Instacart Storefront Pro and launch on the Instacart App with a new partnership.
bp’s retail brands join the Axonet Retail Media Network
The partnership marks a major expansion for Axonet’s RMN, boosting reach and connecting brands with convenience store shoppers.