U.S. retail sales are up about 2% over the course of the first 10 weeks of 2026, per Circana data. “The economy is underscoring the changed behaviors and purchase dynamics consumers developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the focus on usage and replenishment has evolved,” said Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry advisor for Circana (via Chain Store Age).

Food giant Sysco has annouced that it will be acquiring cash-and-carry food wholesaler Jetro Restaurant Depot in a deal valued at $29.1 billion. “Together, Sysco and Jetro Restaurant Depot will enhance value for small independent restaurants and the consumers they serve by expanding access to more affordable, fresh food products and delivering more choice and convenience,” Sysco CEO Kevin Hourican said (via press release).

Approximately three-quarters of Americans believe businesses aren’t doing enough to be transparent about AI usage (76%), or that government is failing to do enough to regulate AI usage (74%). “Americans are not rejecting AI outright, but they are sending a warning. Too much uncertainty, too little trust, too little regulation, and too much fear about jobs,” said Dr. Chetan Jai of the Quinnipiac University School of Computing and Engineering (via Quinnipiac).

Unilever will be spinning off its food business in a merger with McCormick, with a deal being reached Mar. 31. The deal is said to be worth $45 billion on the Unilever brands side, and $21 billion on the McCormick end, with the former’s shareholders holding 55% and the latter’s 35% — and Unilever itself holding a stake in the remainder, as well as a $15.7 billion payment (via CNN Business).

Gas prices stateside crossed the $4 per gallon mark for the first time since 2022. This represents a price hike of about $1 per gallon since the Iran conflict kicked off, and presents serious concerns around affordability for both businesses and individuals (via AP News).