The Russian invasion will have the most significant impact on any retailer or brand doing a material amount of business in the region. Beyond individual companies, the disruption to the flow of raw materials and their downstream impact on product availability are already being felt in gas prices. But all these things aside, the biggest concern is how this conflict could escalate into a world war that creates major disruptions around the world.

In my personal opinion, it is incumbent on every company and person of goodwill to cut all economic ties with Russia. The country should be isolated as much as possible as a consequence of its actions. This may be challenging but, for most US retailers, the volume of sales made in Russia is comparatively small. Those ordering from Russia should, and likely will need to because of sanctions, find alternative suppliers. Aside from the terrible consequences for the Ukrainian people, my biggest concern is the impact this will have on inflation – especially if there is an energy embargo. Inflation is already running hot and this will stretch household budgets even further. However, while serious, this is a minor price to pay compared to having your country invaded and bombed.

The quick response to this crisis by the retail industry highlights the massive impact consumers have on issues far beyond their own back yard. While governments work through multitudes of bureaucracy, brands and retailers quickly pivot to support the wishes of their customers. From environmental sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and animal rights, to supporting Ukrainian freedom – retailers have consistently led the way for getting it done.

U.S. retailers will see a proportionate reduction in total business due to the Ukraine/Russia conflict. It is now a matter of whether principle or capitalism win.

Global retailers and brands are doing the right thing – isolating Russia and holding the country accountable for invading Ukraine.

The impacts of the war are and will be astronomical and devastating from a human loss perspective.

From a retail lens, the increase in price of oil is substantial enough to impact any man-made synthetic textiles and products. This would directly affect the cost of raw material in the leggings we love so much and the comfort categories that are trending right now, not to mention the fuel need to operate machinery to manufacture products.

This war is disastrous and devastating. Striking Russia’s economy and pocketbook is how brands can retaliate but at the end of the day, innocent Russians and Ukrainians are truly the ones that are losing the most.

Applying harsh federal sanctions against Russia is imperative, including barring every drop of Russian oil from coming into the United States, which has yet to be done. Unfortunately, the longer this continues, the more disruption we’ll see in global supply chains. And if the U.S. doesn’t start producing its own energy, the price of oil could easily zoom up to $200/barrel. And if this happens, we’re going to see skyrocketing prices on nearly all consumer items.

Less disposable income in the near term until oil and gas prices can recede to well under current hyper-priced levels – this will pinch the average consumer by $1,000 annually. Ukraine is a soil rich nation, thus impacting food prices – again raising prices and the inflation rate. The good news is $3 trillion in savings over the past two-plus years so while prices are high vs. 2019 levels in consumable goods, more disposable income will counter-balance the net effect.

There is no choice. It must be done. We’ve seen this movie before, and too many of us on this thread know the legacy of ignoring this kind of thing. On the plus side, for the most part, it seems to be unifying Americans, for the first time in I don’t know how long. This cannot stand. If I have to pay more for gas, so be it.

Perhaps retailers can find a creative way to deal with this. Regardless, it needs to be stopped. Now.

The “cancellation” of Russia was remarkably swift and broad in scope. I would guess most or all of those with operations in Russia have already cut off their affiliates there. I believe the biggest impact to American consumers will be the acceleration of inflation as fuel prices go up.

While the conflict between Russia and the West is economic for now, the trade disruptions are likely to cause more price pressures on raw materials and stress on the supply chain. And, of course, any decision by the U.S. (with or without its allies) to cut off Russian oil and gas will drive high gas prices even further. This is the one issue that will most likely affect U.S. consumers’ discretionary incomes.

As Bob Amster points out, this economic pain in the defense of democracy is a price worth paying — as long as U.S. consumers buy into the policy.

Individual companies will each have to make careful decisions about their specific business dealings with and/or in Russia, including Russian products in their assortments but, as an industry, we need to be prepared for further supply chain challenges and even higher inflation. Those who effectively prepare and plan for both with strategic supply chain planning and price planning will be those best able to weather this storm.

For years, we’ve seen a rise in purpose-led brands. Now consumers expect companies to choose sides on controversial issues — especially Russia’s war on Ukraine. Right now, global consumers are paying close attention to companies’ public statements and business decisions.

To compensate for reduced reliance on Russia, U.S. retail needs a coordinated plan to mobilize supply chain partners in allied countries. More than ever, companies need efficient, integrated retail processes to minimize the impact of price hikes and market complexity.

As for risk, Ukraine’s role as “the bread basket of Europe” suddenly makes food security an international concern. Global threats of the war spreading will further increase inflation and supply chain disruption.

Most retailers have already removed any product on their shelves with reference to Russia or stopped doing business with Russia because of the conflict.

Unfortunately, the biggest concern will remain the cost of fuel which in some locations is past the $6/gallon range. I just don’t where the tipping point will be before Americans will stop paying the increased costs or limiting their travel because of the cost.

There are severe consequences and actions that have been taken on Russia’s actions. It has been a swift and targeted move by global companies to cut economic ties and dependencies on Russia. While the Ukrainian people face a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, the impact on the worldwide economy will emerge over the coming weeks and months. The economic sanctions against Russia and other consequences need to be swift, impactful and it will have a devastating impact on their economy.

It appears as though the U.S. economy, while in recovery mode in a post-pandemic state, will be impacted, with rising prices, increasing inflation rates, increases in the price of oil and gas. However U.S. customers are resilient and appear to be willing to take on the price increases and other supply chain disruptions if it would help contribute to the cause of democracy and freedom for the Ukrainian people.

How fast can we slam the door shut on Russia? And keep it shut for a long, long time? This situation might not be winnable as a military victory, but it might be winnable on the economic front (if winnable is even the right word at this point). Even on the economic front, there will be plenty of pain. Problematic inflation will only get worse. But the kind of naked aggression we are witnessing cannot be tolerated. It has to be dealt with without plunging the whole world into military chaos. Hopefully consumers everywhere will understand the real root cause of the pain they are experiencing at the pump and the grocery store.

One of the major impacts of this war on retail will be in the food sector. Russia and Ukraine are major food producers. While this will have a much bigger impact on Europe and some of the third world countries the impact will reverberate into the U.S. Gas will also have a major impact on manufacturing in Europe and if the war goes on for any length of time that will impact supply of goods to retail. Global wheat futures are already at an all-time high. This is just the first indicator of what is to come.

U.S. citizens and businesses are feeling the impact of higher oil prices. In addition to having a direct and immediate impact on the wallets and spending habits of many Americans, the high oil prices can also lead to higher freight and delivery costs, which consumers will also likely pay for.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will also likely have a large impact on wheat supply and prices, as Ukraine is a big exporter of wheat. This would make certain groceries and dining out much more expensive.

Of course, the biggest concern is for the safety of the Ukrainian people and stopping Russia’s invasion of sovereign countries. 


Paying higher prices for goods is just something that U.S. retailers and consumers will have to take on.
 I’m glad to see that many global retailers reacted swiftly in pausing sales and business dealing with Russia.

The biggest thing we should be preparing for are dramatic price hikes associated with increased fuel costs. Well — that and nuclear war. Oh and, by the way, only 1.3 percent of U.S. vodka imports actually come from Russia.

In grocery, the obvious move for retailers is to stop selling Russian food and beverages, That largely means vodka. It won’t have a major impact, but it’s something. Sometimes it’s good to make a statement, no matter how small the impact.

For now, the immediate impact will be the trickle down effect from Europe. Supply chain and demand are both being significantly disrupted there, not to mention the far-reaching impact of this on Europe’s overall energy policies.

Uncertainty due to war isn’t the bigger problem. I think the biggest concern of the Russia-Ukraine war is inflation. The supply chain is getting disrupted due to a hike in oil prices, thereby triggering inventory shortages and increased demands.

However, since retailers are unable to export their products because of inflationary pressures, I wonder how they will manage that extra inventory? And also, what will be the effect of this excess inventory on inflation?

Although Covid sensitized retailers to supply chain disruptions in Asia, geopolitics has not been considered a worthy topic or risk area. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is generating an appealing (and appalling) narrative in other parts of the world. The current economic sanctions against Russia and the SWIFT decision may be a precursor of more troubles ahead. Retailers that cast a more comprehensive risk assessment net will be better positioned to respond to the dangers ahead.