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In April, Walmart led the retail rankings thanks to its advanced grid-based delivery system and an elevated in-store beauty experience. Amazon followed closely with the testing of a new AI-powered 鈥淏uy For Me鈥� feature designed to simplify purchases. Meanwhile, Temu and Shein adjusted their pricing strategies due to rising import costs, risking their low-price appeal. Here are the eight most interesting retailers and brands from last month, as ranked on our 鈥淏ehind the Numbers鈥� podcast.

Ecommerce shipments from China plunged by 65% YoY in the first three months of 2025, per The Guardian. While shipments to Europe rose 28% in the same period, proposed de minimis clampdowns in the EU and the UK could severely crimp Shein鈥檚 ability to rely on those markets for growth.

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions and regulatory scrutiny in the US and Western Europe, Chinese ecommerce giants are increasingly turning their focus to Asia-Pacific.

Last November, our analysts made some predictions about how the retail category would fare in 2025. Now that we鈥檙e halfway through the year, it鈥檚 time to check back in on what has (or hasn鈥檛) happened. "We're seeing many of our predicted trends playing out, though not always in the ways we anticipated," said our analyst Suzy Davidkhanian on a recent episode of the "Behind the Numbers" podcast. "The retail landscape is evolving rapidly, with some developments accelerating faster than expected while others face unexpected headwinds."

Without de minimis, those businesses are now on more equal footing with their domestic counterparts, although the agile supply chains of the largest Chinese ecommerce players will continue to offer an advantage. The crackdown will also affect Amazon, which uses the exemption to offer ultra-low prices on its Amazon Haul marketplace.

Discuss the latest trends in digital media consumption and consumer spending as they reshape Latin America鈥檚 advertising and retail industries. Provide insights into the convergence of business models in the face of digital transformation and technological advancements. Explore innovative strategies for advertisers and retailers to effectively engage鈥攁nd convert鈥攃onsumers in the digital era.

JCPenney joins forces with Aeropostale鈥檚 owner to form Catalyst Brands: The new company aims to tap into its vast pool of customer data to cross-sell across its portfolio.

Cryptocurrency volatility has tempered expectations for crypto payments. But it hasn鈥檛 erased them: Retail, remittance, and cross-border B2B payments remain in growth mode.

Forever 21鈥檚 long-shot plan to emerge from bankruptcy involves copying Shein: The fast-fashion retailer plans to adopt an ecommerce-only model if it fails to find a buyer to manage its stores.

Cross-border sales are booming in Western Europe despite a slowdown in adoption. As China鈥檚 ecommerce giants eye European expansion, local retailers face a competitive threat鈥攁nd a substantial opportunity.

Brazil will also be home to the world鈥檚 third-most-penetrated cross-border buyer market this year, behind only Singapore and Canada, per our forecast. Listen Next. Around the World: Economic effects on retail and ecommerce. Around the World: The international forecasts of past (2023), present (now), and future (2024).

Ant Group鈥檚 cross-border payments arm will help wallets from across Asia-Pacific operate in mainland China during the 2022 Asian Games.

Now operating six clinics, the retailer reports that customers acquired through these locations are outperforming expectations, with stronger cross-category shopping and post-visit purchases on Chewy.com since Q2.

Alibaba鈥檚 domestic ecommerce growth signals promise for China鈥檚 retail landscape: However, price-conscious consumers and a trade war could derail recovery.

Tariff escalation reshapes Latin America trade: New duties disrupt retail margins, inventory flows, and regional growth forecasts.

Amazon can stake a claim as one of Canada鈥檚 top mass merchants, even without having physical stores. It has reached this milestone after more than three years of accelerated retail ecommerce in the country.

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

No other market in the world comes close to China when it comes to ecommerce. Its highly competitive digital market has spurred retail innovations that are making their way around the world.

Retail, remittance, and cross-border B2B payments continue to draw in market participants. Read the full report.

Chinese ecommerce platforms seek new paths for growth: Temu expands into South Korea amid challenges in Western markets.