Brands like UrbanStems, H&M and Chobani are refining partnerships to match audiences, drive cultural relevance and unlock new growth. Here's more on how execs from these brands say their approach to partnerships has changed over the years.

Tariffs

Fuel, freight and tariff costs are complicating holiday importing

August 03, 2026

Higher fuel and freight costs are driving up prices for importers during the peak season.

What to know about new proposed tariffs on Canadian goods

July 24, 2026

A fresh round of Trump tariffs on Canadian goods were announced this week that target industries like dairy, alcohol and automobiles.

Other news to know

  • Inside Walmart’s evolution
  • Walmart+, the retailer’s paid membership program, has launched in Canada, marking the first time it has been available outside of the U.S.
  • Walmart announced it would begin delivering Subway items as part of Express Delivery, either on its own or alongside other products such as groceries. 
  • Walmart executives are now training associates to use AI widely throughout the organization.
  • Walmart has announced Upstream Facility Services, a new business through which it will sell its in-house maintenance services to other U.S. companies.
Top Stories Aug 14

Target builds digital-twin platform to improve inventory availability

August 13, 2026

Target has unveiled a new technology play as it continues to work to improve inventory levels in stores.

Big-Box Briefing: Who’s in, who’s out in major retailers’ C-suites

August 13, 2026

This year has been a big one for executive transitions throughout big-box retail. Sometimes, it feels like there's a new leadership appointment on a weekly basis. In this week's Big-Box Briefing, we break down how these new appointments, promotions and exits have shaped out so far in 2026.

Anthropologie is giving its beauty business a makeover

August 13, 2026

Anthropologie is upping its beauty assortment and creating in-store beauty installations as it sees more demand for the category.

How Stanley 1913 is adapting its marketing for the AI search era, without losing a ‘human touch’

August 13, 2026

Adapting to AI search is a muscle memory problem, not a hacking problem — at least that's how Stanley 1913 sees it. The brand is trying to increase how often it is mentioned by AI search engines, without resorting to hacks and easy wins.

What it takes to succeed as a DTC brand today

August 13, 2026

At the most recent Modern Retail+ and Glossy+ Town Hall, editorial staff and subscribers gathered to discuss the future of DTC. Hot topics included: what distribution channels make sense for burgeoning brands and where young startups should spend their precious marketing dollars.

Frida aims to solve personal care gap with new product line for older kids

August 12, 2026

Frida is getting into the kids personal care and hygiene category as its core demographic raises older children.

Brands Briefing: More brands are on the hunt for a head of TikTok Shop as they try to define a social commerce strategy

August 11, 2026

Harry's, Jool Baby and Stila Cosmetics are among a growing group of companies recruiting for TikTok Shop directors. But the candidate pool also remains tricky.

Tariffs

What to know about new proposed tariffs on Canadian goods

July 24, 2026

A fresh round of Trump tariffs on Canadian goods were announced this week that target industries like dairy, alcohol and automobiles.

Nike says it expects $986 million in IEEPA tariff refunds

June 30, 2026

Nike says it’s in a better financial position as it awaits nearly $1 billion in refunds related to IEEPA tariffs.

Marketplace Briefing: Online merchants welcome Trump customs crackdown amid wave of tariff evasion pitches

June 11, 2026

Online merchants are encouraged by a new Trump administration effort to crack down on customs fraud after a surge in tariff evasion schemes rattled sellers over the past year.

Podcasts

Technology

Inside Best Buy’s push to sell shoppers on a new generation of TVs

August 11, 2026

One of Best Buy’s big priorities this year is pushing a new generation of RGB LED TVs to consumers. The hope is that customers will find the technological improvements convincing enough to make an upgrade, six years after many of them bought a new TV during the Covid-19 pandemic.

gray phone on a white and green background displaying a text conversation. One person texts "what's the status of my order?" and a robot replies with three dots, indicating they are typing back

Kroger’s AI shopping assistant has ads at launch

August 04, 2026

Kroger made advertising part of its AI shopping assistant on day one, following the implementation of advertising features on competitors’ chatbots.

The new rules of cross-border commerce after de minimis

July 27, 2026

Juan Pellerano-Rendon, Chief Marketing Officer, Swap On July 1, the duty-free era of European e-commerce ended. As reported by Modern Retail, every parcel entering the European Union now owes customs duty, regardless of value. Shipments under €150 carry a €3 charge per line item, and the liability lands on brands and retailers. Under the new […]

Marketing

Walmart-backed gaming publication lays off editorial team

August 12, 2026

In December 2024, Walmart did something perhaps out of character: It helped start a video gaming news website. But the publication’s editor-in-chief said she has been laid off alongside the “entire editorial team.”

Walmart finally lets advertisers exclude certain search terms

August 11, 2026

Walmart’s advertising platform is giving brands more control over where they show up in searches, marking a significant change in how their ad budgets are spent.

TikTok Shop is increasingly attracting brands selling high-ticket items

August 11, 2026

TikTok Shop is increasingly drawing higher-priced home and lifestyle brands due to increased user trust, effective creator content and improvements in logistics.

Operations

Missile strikes on warehouses are threatening Ukraine’s consumer brands

August 10, 2026

A Ukrainian apparel startup is rebuilding after losing its entire latest collection in a recent Russian missile attack on a logistics facility.

The wellness M&A hot streak shows no signs of slowing down

August 10, 2026

P&G’s $3.8 billion acquisition of Thorne is yet another strong signal that large CPG conglomerates are increasingly seeking out science-backed, high-growth brands to add to their portfolios as consumer priorities shift.

Brand playbook: How brands are building long-term loyalty with students

July 30, 2026

With $593 billion in spending power, college students are one of the most valuable audiences a brand can engage. Acquiring these consumers while they’re forming brand relationships can help brands build lifelong customer relationships. Giving college students verified, exclusive offers is a highly effective way to help brands win them for life. Ninety percent of […]