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International banks like Japan-based Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company and UAE-based Liv have signed up so far. It scored its first US rollout with the Affirm Card in November. VFC and Mastercard One Credential also share a partner: Marqeta became the first issuer processor to offer VFC thanks to a July tie-up.

Nintendo delayed its US Switch 2 preorders, saying it’s evaluating the effect of 24% tariffs on Japanese imports, signaling a potential price increase for the console. Tech giants must diversify: Focusing on businesses that they can control rather than those undergoing trade turmoil could help offset mounting losses.

The wild economic fluctuations of the pandemic era are receding. Last year reintroduced an air of relative predictability, and the forecast for 2024 and beyond shows smooth sailing. For the next two years, retail sales will grow 4% to 5%, and ecommerce more than 8%.

Retailers turn to genAI to help with product listings: Puma, Walmart, and Amazon are among the companies that see the tech as an opportunity to deliver a more personalized, relevant experience to shoppers while improving productivity.

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Meanwhile, 7-Eleven is giving its US food selection a Japanese-style spin to differentiate its offering and entice consumers. Our take: Couche-Tard has long relied on acquisitions to grow, but Seven & i may be the one that gets away.

Not only do brick-and-mortar stores account for the majority of retail sales, but they also act as billboards to build brand awareness with shoppers even if they’re not in the market to make a purchase.