蘑菇AV

This sponsored article by Roundel will explore the fast-moving retail media landscape.

The news: Save A Lot introduced a new Hispanic-focused store format鈥攊ts second鈥攊n partnership with Leevers Supermarket as it explores ways to build deeper connections with Hispanic consumers. The takeaway: The rationale for opening these stores is clear: Hispanic consumers wield increasing buying power and account for an outsize share of growth in categories like CPG, beauty, and food and beverage. By targeting these shoppers with formats and products best suited to their needs, grocers can win lasting loyalty.

The data point: Constellation Brands expects to take a $20 million hit this fiscal year due to the Trump administration鈥檚 aluminum tariffs, CFO Garth Hankinson said on the company鈥檚 earnings call. Our take: Constellation Brands is one of the few companies openly acknowledging the real-time impact of the administration鈥檚 policies. With both hardline deportation rhetoric and tariffs hitting at once, the company faces a dual challenge that could weigh heavily on its performance throughout the year.

This was originally featured in the Retail Daily newsletter. For more retail insights, statistics, and trends, subscribe here.

McDonald鈥檚 Minecraft meal鈥攊ntended to run for four weeks鈥攕old out in most US markets within 10 to 14 days. The adult meal came with a Big Mac or 10-piece McNuggets, spicy-sweet "Nether Flame" sauce, and one of six exclusive collectibles. 鈥淭he response certainly exceeded what we were planning for,鈥� CEO Chris Kempczinski said on the company鈥檚 earnings call.

The challenge: Chocolate makers are feeling the squeeze as cocoa powder prices have jumped nearly 16% YoY due to a global shortage, per Bloomberg. Our take: Small price increases add up鈥攅specially in an environment where consumers are still scarred by the coronavirus-era wave of inflation. Today鈥檚 shoppers are hyperaware of price hikes and increasingly willing to switch brands, delay purchases, or trade down. That puts added pressure on retailers and manufacturers to either justify price increases through quality and innovation鈥攐r find new ways to absorb rising costs without compromising brand trust.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the state of some of our 2025 predictions, including GenAI鈥檚 influence on business growth, the influence of China鈥檚 e-commerce disruptors, the squeeze on retail media networks, and more. Then, we offer a few more slightly spicier predictions for the remainder of the year ahead. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Vice President Suzy Davidkhanian and Senior Analyst Carina Perkins.

The opportunity: Bloomingdale鈥檚 and Nordstrom are gaining ground while some of their luxury rivals stumble. Our take: Execution matters鈥攅specially in a luxury market where consumers are increasingly anxious about the economy. These shoppers have little tolerance for poor experiences, operational missteps, or inventory gaps. Retailers that deliver consistency, trust, and seamless service will be best positioned to retain loyalty and capture share.

鈥淥ne of our greatest sources of awareness amongst all consumers is seeing us on Amazon or seeing us at Walmart.com,鈥� said Hasselberg. The brand recently launched a new deodorant on Amazon, using the platform to gather consumer feedback on creative elements, reviews, and purchasing patterns. These insights can be packaged as proof of concept for approaching wholesale retail partners.

In our exclusive survey with ESW, data from shoppers in 18 countries reveals new twists in the path to purchase, the rising momentum of marketplaces, and the resilience of age-old fundamentals.

The news: Saks Global鈥攖he roughly year-old troubled parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus鈥攕ays it is finding its footing and has no plans to close stores, Retail Dive reports. Our take: Saks Global needs more than fresh financing鈥攊t needs a clear strategy that will make clear how it can navigate economic headwinds and rebuild trust with suppliers. With luxury spending softening as consumers grow more cautious, execution in the months ahead will be critical鈥攏ot just for stability, but for long-term survival.

Grocery delivery intermediaries like DoorDash and Uber are gaining ground, offering new ways to reach high-intent shoppers. Meanwhile, retailers like Walmart and Amazon continue to lead with strong delivery infrastructure and valuable customer data.

As Walmart celebrates its 63rd birthday this year, the retail giant continues to differentiate itself through data capabilities, technological innovation, and a willingness to experiment with new strategies.

The strategy: Starbucks is testing better-for-you products in a bid to win over more health-conscious consumers, per Bloomberg. Our take: Starbucks is making some necessary changes鈥攂ut there鈥檚 still plenty of work to do. Consumers want brands that meet them where they are, and that means prioritizing ingredient transparency and wellness without sacrificing flavor or convenience. For Starbucks, that could mean cutting back on sugar in key drinks, expanding nutritional add-ins, and offering more customizable options. If executed well, this strategy could help Starbucks reassert its leadership in the premium coffee space.

Restaurant sales rose 5.3% YoY in May, the third straight month of growth above 5%, per the US Commerce Department. That鈥檚 a clear sign that consumers are still spending but being pickier. Editor's note: This content is part of 蘑菇AV鈥檚 subscription Briefings, where we pair daily updates with data and analysis from forecasts and research reports.

This was originally featured in the Retail Daily newsletter. For more retail insights, statistics, and trends, subscribe here.

Why it matters: Social media health influencers hold significant sway with consumers, especially younger generations. 70% of Gen Zers and 53% of millennials follow advice from someone on social media even if it contradicts guidance from a medical professional, per 蘑菇AV鈥檚 US Digital Health Survey in December. 85% of physicians say their patients have mentioned social media influencers during medical

The news: Lululemon is suing Costco for selling dupes. In a lawsuit filed June 25, the athleisure brand accuses the wholesale giant of infringing on its design patents by selling knockoff sweatshirts, jackets, and other activewear. Lululemon seeks an immediate halt to sales of the disputed products and unspecified monetary damages. Our take: For nearly as long as there have been name brands, there have been knockoffs. But the rise of dupe culture on TikTok鈥攃ombined with increasingly cost-conscious consumers looking鈥攊s pushing more shoppers toward cheaper alternatives and more brands to the brink. It's become a growing headache for companies like Est茅e Lauder, which have struggled as buyers opt for low-priced lookalikes. Lululemon鈥檚 lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the brand鈥檚 efforts to protect its designs. If it succeeds, it could set a precedent鈥攁nd signal that the era of unchecked dupes may be nearing a turning point.

The news: As the 2025 economy tightens under the pressure of tariffs, AI disruption, and shifting global trade policy, brands are embracing adaptability. Retail growth forecasts have been slashed, inflation-wary consumers are scaling back, and even luxury sentiment is weakening. Our take: Resilient brands are leaning into agile planning, reallocating media spend to ROI-focused channels like search and digital out-of-home, and anchoring value in trust and quality鈥攏ot just price. As emotional volatility shapes consumer decisions, marketers who show relevance and reassurance will lead. The brands that win won鈥檛 wait for stability鈥攖hey鈥檒l build strategies that succeed amid constant change.

The news: Unilever acquired men鈥檚 personal care brand Dr. Squatch鈥攚hich recently made headlines for offering soap containing actress Sydney Sweeney鈥檚 bathwater鈥� for an undisclosed amount as it looks to establish a greater foothold in the fast-growing category. It鈥檚 a notable move for a company that is otherwise shedding brands to speed its turnaround, and a clear sign that Unilever counts men鈥檚 personal care as one of the 鈥減remium and high growth spaces鈥� to prioritize. Our take: While men are hardly a monolithic entity, their optimism about the economy makes them more likely than women to increase their spending this year. At the same time, shifting consumption habits are turning male consumers into a more valuable commodity鈥攁s Saks and Unilever see only too clearly.

A young, culturally influential, and economically powerful group, Black consumers are shaping digital trends through high engagement with streaming and social media while shaping retail with their distinct shopping preferences.

At Cannes Lions 2025, commerce media partnerships once again reigned supreme. Once the domain of digital shelf tactics and retail data, commerce media is now reshaping how brands show up across social platforms, connected TV (CTV), and in-store displays. This year鈥檚 festival offered a glimpse into a more integrated, AI-driven future鈥攐ne where conversational ads, programmatic pipes, and real-world touchpoints blur the lines between media and purchase.