October 10, 2025
- U.S. consumer sentiment edged lower early in October, per University of Michigan data. “Pocketbook issues like high prices and weakening job prospects remain at the forefront of consumers’ minds. Consumers do not expect meaningful improvement in these factors,” said survey director Joanne Hsu (via CNN Business).
- The Body Shop is restarting operations in the U.S., this time in a digital format. The company previously filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2024 (via Cosmetics Business).
- Amazon Prime Big Deal Days is a wrap, and analysis of the results indicated that consumers were still a bit hesitant on holiday shopping, that tariffs continued to impact spend, but also that Amazon loyalists were ramping up for future buys as the holidays approach (via Chain Store Age).
- Wells Fargo’s Agri-Food Institute is reporting that U.S. consumers can expect the price of chocolate to rise into the Halloween season. Cocoa costs have more than doubled since early 2024 (via Reuters).
- Cava is revamping its loyalty program, introducing three tiers — Sea, Sand, and Sun — as incentives for loyal customers. “As someone who has always loved the thrill of a strong loyalty program through tracking status, unlocking perks, and feeling at home with certain brands, I couldn’t be more excited to bring that same sentiment to Cava,” said Andy Rebhun, Cava’s chief experience officer (via Chain Store Age).
- Levi Strauss raised its full-year profit forecast, beat third-quarter profit and revenue estimates, and saw online sales trend upward by 16% in its Q3 report. However, it has also taken steps to secure the majority (70%) of its holiday inventory in a pull-forward move, and admitted to slight price increases, in response to ongoing tariffs (via Reuters).