2022 will be another tricky year as retailers navigate a new set of challenges, including sustained inflation and inventory planning troubles. Total retail sales growth will slow across channels before returning to pre-pandemic levels next year.

Hasbro and Mattel are optimistic about the future: The resiliency of the toy category coupled with strong IP properties should keep both companies in the green, even in the event of a recession.

Stores are Target’s not-so-secret weapon: The retailer adds three new sortation centers to bolster its ecommerce strategy of using stores to handle online orders.

Macy’s, Nordstrom bet on smaller stores as shoppers move away from malls: Department stores are taking a localized approach to reach more consumers and speed up fulfillment.

We expect back-to-school sales to rise just 0.7%: Inflation is having a big impact on what consumers buy and when they buy it.

Pinterest unveils its social commerce ambitions: Its shift from a discovery engine to major commerce player under new CEO Bill Ready has begun.

On today's episode, we discuss why Net Promoter Score (NPS) usage isn't translating into a better customer experience for many, how to use it effectively, and tactics for dealing with angry customers. "In Other News," we talk about how neobanks can use customer service to stand out from the crowd and the significance of Target adding coffee pickup and returns to its curbside service. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Patty Soltis.

Consumers shift their spending from goods to services: US household spending rose at its slowest pace this year in May as inflation dragged on people’s purchasing power.

Bed Bath & Beyond’s early-pandemic inventory revamp had unforeseen consequences: The decision to reduce its in-store SKU count and launch private-label brands left the retailer vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

For companies across an expanding range of industries, community offers a distinct, competitive business advantage in everything from customer acquisition to R&D.

Harrods delays its summer sale due to supply chain challenges: Logistics continues to challenge retailers, even as the Asia supply chain shows signs of healing.

Retail sales in May show a weakening demand for goods: Rising prices and interest rates are starting to have an impact on consumers’ willingness to spend.

Retailers look to promotional shopping events like Prime Day to juice sales: Amazon, Alibaba, Walmart, and others hope the prospect of a good deal will lure customers in.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion is seen as a marketing imperative: Verizon announced the results from its initiative to drive DEI change.

A proposed antitrust bill could end Amazon Prime as we know it: The retail giant is ramping up its fight against “degrading” regulations as it seeks to maintain its ecommerce dominance.

Consumers are returning to their pre-pandemic spending patterns: People are shifting their spending to services, which is leaving retailers with a slew of excess inventory.

CPG brands are struggling to compete with private labels: As the industry reaches a "breaking point," companies like Procter & Gamble are shifting tactics to appeal to price-conscious consumers.

It’s a difficult landscape for retailers: We break down how some retailers have successfully navigated the shifting terrain—and why others couldn’t.

Retailers take multiple approaches to inventory as supply chain woes wear on: Companies like Utz and DSW are cutting down on SKUs while Walmart and Target are stocking up early.

The beauty industry is getting a digital makeover, thanks to Gen Z, viral TikTok trends, AR capabilities, and new consumer behaviors. Brands will need to take a multichannel approach to keep up.