Demand for memory chips and other hardware due to the AI boom is pushing prices of consumer electronics higher. Apple’s product lineup, the Nintendo Switch 2, Sony’s PlayStation 5, and other popular pieces of consumer tech are all experiencing significant price hikes (more).

Refreshers are becoming big business in the QSR and c-store spaces, and concerning the latter, big players such as Sheetz and Dash In are doubling-down. “We continually observe our guests integrate flavor, aroma, texture, color and variety in new combinations, basically redefining the refresher to a personal preference in real time. Refreshers are whatever the guest wants,” said Sheetz category manager Steve Murray (more).

Saks Global has exited bankruptcy with a new name, Exemplar Luxury Group. Debt has been reduced by 75%, store count has been brought down by more than half, and the new company is looking to entice customers to bolster its bottom line (more).

U.S. spending on July 4 could total as much as $22 billion this year, according to Numerator data. Nearly three-quarters (71%) of those polled indicated plans to celebrate Independence Day, with 95% of celebrators saying they will be making a purchase tied to the holiday (more).

A change in consumer habits, a declining rate of population growth, and high pricing could create the “perfect storm” leading to a weakened U.S. auto industry, according to analysts. By 2040, sales could fall from current levels by approximately 2 million units (more).