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Big retailers’ fortunes are diverging as the holiday shopping season gets underway. On Wednesday, Target cited “lingering softness in discretionary categories” as a top factor in its disappointing third-quarter sales, as many budget-conscious shoppers continue to focus on necessities. It’s the latest sign that discounts will be the driving force this holiday season, as they’ve been for much of this year. “We’re starting to get back to normal here.”U.S. retail sales rose 0.4% overall in October, federal data showed last month, beating analysts’ forecasts. In the meantime, the steady expansion of e-commerce looks set to continue this holiday season.

Persons: ”, Brad Thomas, they’ve, TJ Maxx, John David Rainey, “ We’re, “ They’re, they’re, ” Thomas, Matthew Shay, TransUnion, Neil Saunders, Saunders, Helene, Milton, who’ve, ” Saunders Organizations: Target, Walmart, KeyBanc, Marshalls, CNBC, “, National Retail Federation, GlobalData, NBC

☆ Why your next new car could very well cost more than $50,000
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-16 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Americans paid a whopping $47,612 on average for a new car in October, according to data from Edmunds. That means new car prices have risen much faster than most goods and services. But much of the reason Americans are paying nearly $50k for a car is that automakers decided to go all-in on expensive cars. The combination of higher interest rates and higher car prices, along with the biggest average loans ever taken out to buy them, lifted the average monthly car payment to $742 in October. And that would make every car built in America more expensive, because no vehicle is made with 100% American parts.

Persons: New York CNN — It’s, That’s, Buyers, ”, Ivan Drury, “, didn’t, Charlie Chesbrough, Drury, –, ” Drury, Donald Trump, Jeff Schuster, GlobalData, They’re Organizations: New, New York CNN, Cox Automotive, Nissan, Infiniti, General Motors, Ford, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, GM, Federal Reserve Locations: New York, Edmunds, American, United States, Stellantis, Mexico, America

☆ Everything is under $20 at Amazon’s newest store
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-13 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Amazon is targeting retail rivals Shein, Temu and TikTok Shop with a new deeply discounted storefront that sells a wide array of products for $20 or less. Called “Amazon Haul,” the mobile-only experience debuted Wednesday in the Amazon app and has everything from fashion accessories to home goods, plus clothes and electronics. Amazon said in an announcement that a “majority” of the Haul items are under $10, with some even less than $1. However, the cheap prices come with a caveat that items can take one to two weeks to be delivered. Also, the store only accepts returns on items that are $3 or more.

Persons: Neil Saunders, ”, ” Saunders, it’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Shein, CNN, Amazon, Consumer Product Safety Locations: New York, United States, GlobalData

☆ Why Ralph Lauren, the all-American luxury brand, is a hit in China
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-10 | by ( Maria Noyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Classic luxury, which Ralph Lauren encapsulates, is resonating with Chinese consumers. "I've said it before but it bears repeating in a volatile environment, Ralph Lauren is firmly on offense," Patrice Louvet, the CEO of Ralph Lauren, said on a conference call with analysts on Thursday. Ralph Lauren classics like Polo shirts and cable-knit sweaters are a hit with Chinese consumers. Ralph Lauren targets Chinese consumers in six key cities and on local Chinese social media platforms. Sebastian Ng/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesWith its brick-and-mortar stores, Ralph Lauren has prospered by doing more with less.

Persons: Ralph Lauren, —, Ralph Lauren's, I've, Patrice Louvet, Xi Jinping's, Neil Saunders, Edward Berthelot, Martin, Louvet, Ralph Lauren doesn't, Zers, Sebastian Ng, Olivia Plotnick, Roll, Donald Trump's, It's Organizations: Service, New, GlobalData, McKinsey, Getty, Wai, China Locations: Asia, China, New York City, China China, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Milan, China —, Beijing, Chengdu

While on the campaign trail, Trump threatened retribution against some tech companies, including jailing Meta's chief, Mark Zuckerberg. "That is likely to have devastating consequences for US tech companies that sell in foreign markets as well as crippling domestic consumption." Hay said that while most presidents wouldn't have any say on existing cases, "Trump is a bit more of a wild card." AdvertisementBut still, he said, new guidelines wouldn't have much impact on the biggest tech companies. There are fears that if H1-Bs are restricted under the second Trump administration, the US could lose its competitive edge on the world stage.

Persons: Donald Trump, —, Trump, Elon, marveling, — Musk, jailing, Mark Zuckerberg, Zuckerberg, Mark Lemley, Lemley, GlobalData's Neil Saunders, Chris Walton, Walton, there's, George Hay, Hay, wouldn't, Kamala Harris, Dan Romanoff, Joe Biden, Anna Rathbun, Biden, he's, Rathbun, James Brundage, Saunders, Valerie Wirtschafter, Harris, Romanoff, Wirtschafter Organizations: Trump, Big, Service, SpaceX, Big Tech, Google, Justice Department, Department, Barclays, Stanford Program, Law, Science & Technology, Business, Retail, Target, Apple, Cornell University, Republicans, Morningstar, AT, Time Warner, Republican, Walmart, Brookings, Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technology Initiative Locations: Americas

For retailers and consumers finally feeling some relief from inflation, President-elect Donald Trump's tariffs proposal introduces fresh uncertainty around how prices could change during his presidency, analysts said Wednesday. Companies, retail trade groups and industry analysts have warned the move could fuel higher prices on a wide range of Americans' purchases such as sneakers and party supplies. "The adoption of across-the-board tariffs on consumer goods and other non-strategic imports amounts to a tax on American families," National Retail Federation CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement Wednesday. "Despite Trump's assertions to the contrary, tariffs are paid by the companies or entities importing goods and not by the countries themselves. Over time, supply chains would adjust to this change in tariff policy but it would be "incredibly disruptive" in the short term, said Saunders.

Persons: Donald, Trump, Matthew Shay, GlobalData, Neil Saunders, Saunders Organizations: NBC, China . Companies, Retail Federation Locations: China

☆ Elon Musk bet big on Trump. Here’s what he stands to gain — and lose — from his win
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

New York CNN —No single business leader did more to support former President Donald Trump’s candidacy than Elon Musk. Musk has donated nearly $119 million so far to a political action committee he set up to support Trump, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Elon Musk steps onto stage as Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump addresses a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on October 5. It will only help Tesla,” Musk posted on X in July. It’s not likely Trump would want to cut that support, and the promise of jobs in those states, even if they will eventually provide competition for Musk and Tesla.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Elon, Trump, Musk, He’s, ”, Daniel Ives, Tesla, Kamala Harris, “, Biden, Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Anna Moneymaker, he’s, ” Musk, Ives, ” Ives, It’s, Jim Farley, Jeff Schuster, we’re, Jade Gao Organizations: New, New York CNN, Trump, Wedbush Securities, SpaceX, —, Treasury Department, Republican, EV, Tesla, EPA, Industry, Getty, Boeing, NASA, International Space Locations: New York, Tuesday’s, America, United States, Butler , Pennsylvania, Trump’s, Europe, Asia, California, China, Shanghai, Beijing, AFP, Tesla

Peloton announced that Ford executive Peter Stern will join the company as its new CEO. The fitness company is betting Stern can help turn things around. He's expected to focus on trimming spending and retaining current Peloton subscribers. Peloton announced in May 2024 that CEO Barry McCarthy would be stepping down. McCarthy's departure came as the fitness company announced it was cutting around 15% of its workforce.

Persons: Peter Stern, Stern, —, Simeon Siegel, Neil Saunders, Saunders, Siegel, Scott Markman, Barry McCarthy, Everest Organizations: Ford, Service, Capital Markets, GlobalData, Apple

☆ McDonald's sales dropped for the 2nd quarter in a row as customers keep tightening their belts
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-29 | by ( Nora Redmond | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

McDonald's global sales fell for the second consecutive quarter, down 1.5%. AdvertisementGlobal sales at McDonald's have fallen for a second consecutive quarter as the fast-food chain struggled in international markets, especially France, the UK, China, and the Middle East. Sales were down 1.5% in its third quarter, following from a 1% slide in the previous quarter, ending June 30. Comparable sales in the US were virtually flat, up 0.3% from the same period in 2023, while sales in international markets dropped 2.1%. Sales in licensed international markets fell 3.5%.

Persons: —, Chris Kempczinski, Neil Saunders Organizations: Service, Consumers Locations: France, China, McDonald's

☆ Denny's is closing 150 locations in the latest sign of the squeeze on family dining
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-25 | by ( Nora Redmond | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AdvertisementDenny's is the latest casualty of the squeeze on family dining chains, announcing this week that it plans to close about 150 locations before 2026. "We believe this is absolutely the right thing to do to make our system stronger," Denny's CEO Kelli Valade told investors. "Everyone has lost traffic," Denny's CEO Valade said. The turn toward takeoutThe rise in takeout has also impacted family dining as more customers look to order food in rather than go out. "They are drawing customers away from traditional family dining establishments," Puzhakov said.

Persons: —, Kelli Valade, Valade, Gregg Majewski, Neil Saunders, Tomas Gorny, Gorny, Elijah Puzhakov, Puzhakov Organizations: Service, Securities, Exchange, Craveworthy Brands, McDonald's, KFC Locations: Olive, takeout

☆ Amazon Prime wants to help you save on gas
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-24 | by ( Erika Tulfo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Prime members can now add “fuel discounts” to their ever-growing list of benefits. Members can avail themselves of the discount by linking their Amazon account to Earnify, a loyalty program app by BP. Amazon’s newest savings benefit could alleviate some of that potential grief for its over 184 million Prime subscribers. How Amazon is retaining its leadFuel and energy probably isn’t the first sector to come to mind when you think of Amazon, but analysts say that the recent inclusion of gas savings doesn’t come as too much of a surprise. “Other retailers are still playing catch up to Amazon, and Amazon wants to retain its lead,” Saunders said.

Persons: ”, Neil Saunders, Saunders, Wayfair’s, ” Saunders Organizations: CNN, Amoco, BP, GlobalData, Walmart, that’s, Target

☆ Why inflation isn't returning to pre-pandemic levels — and 3 trades to capitalize on an overheating economy
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-23 | by ( Christine Ji | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The central bank has been aiming to keep the long-run inflation rate at this level to maintain stable prices and a healthy economy. "There is now a higher base inflation rate than there was before COVID for a number of reasons." Related storiesBut there are other factors contributing to an increased long-term inflation rate, many of which Blitz tracked even before the pandemic. AdvertisementChanging demographics in the workplace are also driving increasing debt and higher long-term inflation, according to Blitz. In Blitz's perspective, all of these factors add up to an inflation rate exceeding 2% going forward.

Persons: isn't, Steven Blitz, —, Mark Higgins, Blitz, Bonds Organizations: Service, Fed, stoke, Blitz, Technology, iShares Semiconductor, Index

☆ Abercrombie’s worst nightmare is back. But its customers have moved on
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-23 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“We are a positive, inclusive brand, with a nice sensibility, very different from what they encountered in the past,” Fran Horowitz, now Abercrombie’s CEO, said in 2016. Today, Abercrombie’s stores are lighter than they once were and its clothes are looser. Abercrombie’s sales have grown and its stock has increased more than 400% since Jeffries stepped down as CEO. But retail analysts say that Abercrombie’s brand won’t be hurt by the indictment because of how much separation Abercrombie has been able to create from its former CEO. Older Abercrombie customers who remember the brand’s sexualized marketing have accepted Abercrombie’s rebrand, while a new generation of customers are too young to remember the old era.

Persons: Fitch, Mike Jeffries, Jeffries, Abercrombie, “, ” Fran Horowitz, Jeffries ’, ”, ” Jeffries, Fran, Marni Shapiro, Neil Saunders, Shapiro, Papa John’s, Shaq, John Schnatter, Chip Wilson, Wilson, Lululemon, CNN’s Brynn Gingras, Kara Scannell, John Towfighi Organizations: New, New York CNN, Abercrombie, Attorney, Eastern, of, XXL, Netflix, Fitch, Penske Media, GlobalData, CNN Locations: New York, Peace, U.S, of New York

☆ Convenient No More: Why CVS, Walgreens, 7-11 Are in Trouble
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-21 | by ( Emily Stewart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

What's more, many pharmacies serve as a convenient destination for all sorts of essentials, from aspirin to mascara. Big chains like Walgreens and CVS make their money in two main ways: selling prescriptions in the back of their stores and selling everyday goods out front. As Walgreens and CVS stores have proliferated over the past decade or so, many of their locations are basically right on top of each other. On the other end of the business, pharmacies are expensive to run. In the current landscape of commoditized pharmacies, there's no such thing as personalized service.

Persons: What's, Elizabeth Anderson, Neil Saunders, nilly, they've, Douglas Hoey, Jason Goldberg, Waits, Duane Reade, Brian Tanquilut, I've, Goldberg, Saunders, I'm, Nick Fabrizio, Steven Anderson, Fabrizio, Emily Stewart Organizations: Walgreens, CVS, Rite, Evercore ISI, Walmart, National Community Pharmacists Association, Express, Groupe, Jefferies, MTV, Cornell University, National Association of Chain Drug, Business Locations: mascara

☆ Butterball is making the worst part of cooking a Thanksgiving turkey much easier
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-18 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Cooking a Thanksgiving turkey presents a host of unique challenges, including making sure it’s not dry, and making sure it’s delicious. But thawing out a multi-pound frozen bird is the first big one. Butterball has a solution with a new frozen turkey that the company says eliminates the hours-long thawing process. This week, the country’s largest turkey producer unveiled a new “Cook from Frozen” turkey that only has two steps to make it, which are unwrapping it and popping it in the oven. Butterball made a “specially formulated” brine that keeps the meat moist during the roughly 5-hour long roasting process.

Persons: Butterball, Cook, it’s, Neil Saunders, ” Saunders, Harris Teeter Organizations: New, New York CNN, GlobalData, CNN, Walmart, Kroger Locations: New York, Turkey

Walgreens said Tuesday it plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years as it seeks to further downsize its footprint amid flagging sales and changing consumer behavior. Walgreens announced the closures as part of its fiscal fourth-quarter and full-year earnings, which beat Wall Street's expectations. In June, Walgreens said it planned to close a “significant” number of its underperforming stores by 2027. Both Walgreens and rival CVS are facing a difficult operating environment, fighting to be profitable as consumers shift their habits. In 2021, CVS said it would close about 900 stores, or about 10% of its U.S. locations, from 2022 to 2024.

Persons: Tim Wentworth, ” Wentworth, ” Neil Saunders Organizations: Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Pharmacy, CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ Americans love TJ Maxx. Here's why big brands do, too
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-15 | by ( Ryan Baker | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

TJX Companies, which owns Marshalls, HomeGoods and T.J. Maxx, has nearly doubled its annual sales over the past decade, reaching $54.2 billion in fiscal 2024. One way that T.J. Maxx accomplishes this is by making designer brands unsearchable on its website. It's not a T.J. product. It's that brand's product. Watch the video to learn more about why both consumers and brands love T.J. Maxx.

Persons: It's, Neil Saunders, Simeon Siegel, Maxx, Siegel Organizations: TJX, BMO Capital Markets, Maxx Locations: HomeGoods

☆ Even the strongest pillar of the Chinese economy is showing signs of weakness
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-15 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

China's export growth slowed in September, raising concerns about future economic stability. China may delay further economic stimulus ahead of the US election, anticipating potential tariffs. The market had expected China's exports to grow 6% on-year in September, according to a Reuters' poll of economists. AdvertisementThe timing of the decline in China's exports also came at an untimely moment — weeks before the US presidential election. Beijing has rejected this view, saying the West's accusations are protectionist and aimed at containing China's economic growth.

Persons: —, hasn't, Lu Daliang, Donald Trump, Rory Green, GlobalData.TS Lombard, Green Organizations: Service, Reuters, EU, Administration of Customs, Nomura, BofA Securities, Republican, Authorities, Trump, US Locations: China, Japan, South Korea, Beijing

☆ It's the first day for Nike's new CEO. He has a long road ahead.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-14 | by ( Alex Bitter | Jordan Hart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Nike veteran Elliott Hill started as the new CEO on Monday. Hill, a Nike veteran who retired in 2020, is tasked with getting the sneaker and apparel giant back on track. Related storiesThree decades with Nike — and now, a new chapterHill joined Nike in 1988 as an apparel sales representative intern, according to his LinkedIn profile. AdvertisementIndeed, Hill's long history at Nike is a contrast with his predecessor, John Donahoe, who joined the company as CEO in 2020. He will serve as president and CEO and hold a director position on Nike's board.

Persons: Elliott Hill, Hill, Nike, —, He'll, Louise Deglise, he's, Thomas Roulet, John Donahoe, Donahoe, Matthew Friend Organizations: Nike, Service, Air Force, Air, Favre, GlobalData, Bloomberg, Nike —, University of Cambridge's Judge Business School, eBay

☆ New Croc clogs mean matching togs for your dogs
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-12 | by ( Erika Tulfo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —From cowboy boots to fried chicken-scented charms, foam footwear maker Crocs has a reputation for quirk. This month, Crocs is putting its best paw forward: The quirky-but-comfortable footwear maker is releasing a line of clogs for dogs. Pet Clogs are part of a partnership with pet supply company and subscription service BARK as part of Crocs’ annual “Croctober” campaign, when it releases a fan-inspired product. And sales of the footwear brand soared in 2020, thanks to the rise of casual fashion during the pandemic. “In many instances these will be fun purchases which people will share on social media, helping to amplify the Crocs brand,” he said.

Persons: Crocs, Andrew Rees, “, Justin Bieber, Bad, ”, Neil Saunders, Lightning McQueen, Saunders Organizations: CNN, Labor Statistics, American Pet Products, Disney, DreamWorks Locations: Crocs

☆ 7-Eleven is closing more than 400 locations
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-11 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Several hundred “underperforming” 7-Eleven locations across North America are closing, the convenience store announced. Seven & I Holdings, the chain’s Japan-based parent company, revealed in an earnings report Thursday that 444 locations of 7-Eleven are shutting down because of a variety of issues, including slowing sales, declining traffic, inflationary pressures and a decrease in cigarette purchases. A specific list of closing locations wasn’t immediately released. The chain has more than 13,000 stores across the United States, Canada and Mexico, so the number of closures amounts to 3% of its portfolio. Competitors like Wawa and Sheetz are earning higher customer satisfaction scores for their overall offerings, while 7-Eleven ranked way lower, according to a recent survey.

Persons: hasn’t, Neil Saunders, ” Saunders, it’s, Couche Organizations: New, New York CNN, Holdings, GlobalData, CNN, “ Locations: New York, North America, Japan, United States, Canada, Mexico, Wawa

☆ Why U.S. auto factories are so unproductive
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-27 | by ( Robert Ferris | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A record 17.5 million cars sold in the U.S. in 2016, according to forecasting firm GlobalData. High prices are keeping customers away or sending them to used markets, said GlobalData's Global Vice President of Automotive Research Jeff Schuster. "We have all these plants that are ready to build 200,000 or 300,000 electric vehicles and nobody to buy them. For more than a century, nearly all cars ran on gasoline. Automakers were hoping for a clean jump to a world where all cars ran on batteries.

Persons: hasn't, Automotive Research Jeff Schuster, Sam Fiorani, I've, Michael Robinet Organizations: Global, Automotive Research, AutoForecast Solutions, P Global Mobility Locations: United States, U.S

☆ Why a jump in economic growth could be the stock market's nightmare scenario
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-24 | by ( Matthew Fox | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

An acceleration of US economic growth is a major risk for investors, says economist Steven Blitz. Blitz warns a "no landing" scenario could lead to inflation rebound and Fed rate hikes. The fed funds rate should be around 4% due to economic resilience, Blitz advises. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. AdvertisementAn acceleration of economic growth in the US might be the stock market's worst-case scenario, according to GlobalData TS Lombard chief economist Steven Blitz.

Persons: Steven Blitz, —, Blitz Organizations: Service, GlobalData, Federal Reserve

☆ How Foot Locker is waging a comeback after its breakup with Nike
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-23 | by ( Gabrielle Fonrouge | In Gabrielle-Fonrouge | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +14 min

Foot Locker turns 50 while on a bit of an upswing two years into Dillon's tenure as CEO. Coi Leray performs at Foot Locker 50th anniversary event on September 16, 2024 in New York. "Whereas Foot Locker looks vulnerable because it just doesn't have all these other strings to its bows," said Saunders. Foot Locker store location on 34th street in New York City. The company is working to refresh two-thirds of its global Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker doors by the end of 2025, and said 40% of its North American footprint is now off-mall.

Persons: Patrick T, Mary Dillon, Locker, Mike Vitelli, Isabella Picicci, we've, Dillon, Neil Saunders, Dick's, Saunders, they're, Frank Winfield Woolworth, Janine Stichter, Foot, Frank Bracken, Bracken, America sputtered, WSS, …, she's, That's, Stichter, they'd, Kim Waldmann, it's, Waldmann, that's, Foot Locker Organizations: Nike, Foot, Beverly Center, Fallon, Bloomberg, Getty, PR, Adidas, CNBC, Goods, JD, JD Sports, City of, Forbes, Jordan, she's Locations: Los Angeles, New York City, New York, City, City of Industry , California, U.S, America, North America, GlobalData, Foot

☆ It's a tough time in retail — and CEO heads keep rolling
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-20 | by ( Mary Hanbury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

More retail bosses have walked the plank post-pandemic, with boards demanding better performance. Being CEO of a retail company is not an easy job right now. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementJohn Donahoe is the latest retail CEO to hit the chopping block.

Persons: —, John Donahoe, Elliott Hill, Neil Saunders Organizations: Nike, Service, GlobalData Retail, Business

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