August 15, 2025
- CEO confidence improved greatly during Q3, improving from a rating of 34 during the second quarter to near-neutral territory of 49 (out of 100), per The Conference Board data. Trade and tariff concerns eased, while geopolitical concerns and tech worries persisted (via Chain Store Age).
- U.S. retail spending improved slightly in July, growing by 0.5% according to Commerce Department data. That figure fell short of June’s revised growth of 0.9%, but fell within analyst estimates (via CNN Business).
- SHEIN saw its U.K. sales surge to $2.8 billion in 2024, a YoY improvement of 32.3%. The e-commerce business continues to eye a Hong Kong IPO (via Reuters).
- U.S. jewelry sales are bolstering the broader global segment. Pandora and Richemont (owner of the Cartier brand) both suggested that strong U.S. sales had reinforced their bottom lines as international markets show relative softness (via CNBC).
- Instacart has refreshed many elements of its Carrot Academy shopper learning platform. New features, nearly 40 new, optional lessons, and multimedia content have been incorporated into the app (via Chain Store Age).
- Lowe’s has launched a skills academy for military members and spouses looking to transition into the trades. The Lowe’s Foundation and Hiring Our Heroes are supporting this initiative (via FOX Business).
- Kodak suggested that reports surrounding its fiscal troubles are “misleading.” “Kodak has no plans to cease operations, go out of business, or file for bankruptcy protection,” the company stated (via Forbes).
- U.S. consumers appear relatively unfazed by tariff pressures, per a Resonate report. A majority (62%) indicated that tariffs had not affected inventory of desired items, and nearly half (49%) said they were spending the same amount they had six months ago (via PR Newswire).
- Beyond Yoga opened its tenth brick-and-mortar location, located in Skokie, Illinois, on Aug. 15. The athletic lifestyle brand, based in Los Angeles, continues to enjoy growth (via Chain Store Age).