June 18, 2025

  • Kirkland’s is rebranding as The Brand House Collective and converting many of its stores into Bed Bath & Beyond Home locations. The move is part of a broader strategy to become a multi-brand retail operator and revive legacy names like Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock, and buybuy Baby (via Kirkland’s).
  • Amazon CEO Andy Jassy told employees that AI will cut corporate jobs in the coming years, citing efficiency gains. The announcement sparked internal backlash, with workers questioning leadership’s vision (via Business Insider).
  • Japan’s exports fell 1.7% in May — the sharpest drop in eight months — as shipments to the U.S. plunged 11.1%, driven by steep declines in auto exports. Analysts warn that worsening trade conditions could continue to weigh on Japan’s economy (via CNBC).
  • Walmart is developing shoppable ads for Vizio TVs that would let viewers make purchases directly with their remotes, part of its plan to expand retail media following its $2.3 billion acquisition of Vizio (via PMNTS).
  • Meta has reportedly offered OpenAI employees signing bonuses of up to $100 million in an aggressive bid to recruit top AI talent, according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Altman says that so far, none of OpenAI’s top staff have accepted the offers (via CNBC).
  • The Trump Organization announced a $499 smartphone it claims is “built in the U.S.,” but analysts say it will likely be made in China, making it subject to tariffs championed by Trump himself. Experts say full domestic production is unrealistic (via Fortune).
  • Albertsons Media Collective has launched an in-store digital display network, starting with a pilot this summer, to boost brand engagement and enhance the shopping experience (via Albertsons Companies Inc.).
  • Tractor Supply Company plans to open over 90 new stores in 2025 — including up to 10 Petsense locations — with even more expansion coming in 2026. The retailer also recently acquired 18 Big Lots leases to support its growth (via USA Today).
  • 35% of retail executives say they plan to adjust prices in response to rising tariffs, with many already passing costs to consumers or pressuring suppliers, according to new data from 7thonline (via Sourcing Journal).
  • ASOS has opened its first U.S. pop-up store in New York City. The pop-up, running through June 22, offers curated summer styles and may lead to similar activations in other U.S. cities (via Forbes).