In 2023, PetSmart began shipping some of its orders from the stores themselves instead of its seven distribution centers. Just two years later, 90% of PetSmart's shipped orders placed online or through automatic, scheduled deliveries are now fulfilled from its 1,600-plus stores.

Analysis

Brands Briefing: Executives have decided that the best tariffs action plan is to resist knee-jerk moves

April 01, 2025

After months of whiplash, executives say they are done trying to figure out which countries will be immune to tariffs and are just focused on building an overall diversified supply chain.

Modern Retail Index: Retailers adjust their return policies, store locations and delivery options in pursuit of profits

March 18, 2025

The second installment of the Modern Retail Index ranks retailers based on their e-commerce fulfillment strategies. That includes features like product accessibility through expedited shipping and delivery, post-purchase modifications and tracking, ease of online returns, and online payment options​​​​​​​. 

Other news to know

  • President Trump revealed sweeping tariffs on Wednesday afternoon, including a 10% baseline tariff on all trading partners and a “discounted reciprocal tariff” on many countries, including some of America’s biggest trading partners.
  • On Wednesday, RH shares plunged after the company issued a weaker-than-expected outlook while citing “the worst housing market in 50 years.”
  • The National Retail Federation expects slowed retail sales growth in 2025, the trade organization shared on Wednesday. Compared to 2024, it is projecting a 2.7-3.7% sales boost, to $5.42 trillion-$5.48 trillion.

 

54%
The new tariff rate on goods imported from China
Top Stories Apr 04

Oura to sell on QVC in the brand’s first live shopping experiment

April 03, 2025

Oura is debuting on QVC as it looks to market its holistic health monitoring tools with its mostly-female viewership.

AliExpress is ramping up its outreach and offerings for US sellers

April 03, 2025

AliExpress is rolling out new programming and tools to try and woo more U.S. merchants.

The Honey Pot’s Bea Dixon on why ‘better-for-you is the new conventional’

April 03, 2025

The Honey Pot's Bea Dixon joined the Modern Retail Podcast to talk about what her company's been up to since selling a majority stake to Compass Diversified last year, and how the feminine care space overall has evolved.

Cannabis beverage brands are making inroads with liquor chains like Total Wine

April 02, 2025

With chains like Total Wine & More and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits embracing hemp THC beverages, brands gear up for a busy season kicking off this 4/20.

Limited Series
The Modern Retail Vanguard

In our annual series, the Modern Retail Vanguard, we’re highlighting 15 people who exemplify the skills needed to succeed in today’s retail environment across three categories: operations, marketing and technology. These are the people who, behind the scenes, helped companies grow amid an uncertain retail environment.

Podcasts

Technology

Phone screen that displays a "TikTok" logo sits on a green and white background. Other icons pop up out of the phone, displaying products like lipstick and footwear.

Marketplace Briefing: U.S. brands eye global expansion on TikTok Shop amid nationwide ban

April 03, 2025

As TikTok barrels closer to a U.S. ban, American brands aren’t waiting around to find out how it ends. Instead, they’re taking their businesses abroad.

Wayfair and ThredUp see promise in new visual search tools

April 02, 2025

Companies like Wayfair and ThredUp are experimenting with visual search as a way to help users find more specific products.

How scenario planning accounts for economic uncertainty

March 19, 2025

Bradley Keefer, CRO, Keen Decision Systems The current economic outlook is uncertain, with consumer confidence declining, egg prices climbing and new tariffs in place. Meanwhile, supply chain disruptions caused by understaffing and trade war implications pose broader risks to the global economy. With so much turmoil, long-term marketing budgets pose a challenge for retailers. To […]

Marketing

How Albertsons Media Collective is positioning itself to brands after failed Kroger merger

April 01, 2025

In a post-Kroger world, Albertsons’ ad business is a big priority for the company’s growth. In an interview with Modern Retail, its media and measurement executive talked about how the company is positioning itself with brands trying to better understand their customers.

How Nordstrom uses in-store displays and social content to build its retail media business

April 01, 2025

Nordstrom Media Network has worked with more than 100 brands on creative campaigns that aim to differentiate with in-store experiences.

How Liquid Death is tackling the soda wars

March 28, 2025

Liquid Death says it’s entering the healthy soda wars with a unique take: classic flavors made with healthy ingredients, but in a way that incorporates its unorthodox branding.

Operations

Women in Halara athleisure with text overlay that reads "The Halara Circle. Shape the Styles You'll Love."

Halara’s new loyalty program turns customers into product testers

April 02, 2025

Halara, the fast-fashion brand known for its TikTok-viral activewear, has launched a new loyalty program, the Halara Circle, which gives customers free products in exchange for their honest opinions. 

money boat

Brands Briefing: Executives have decided that the best tariffs action plan is to resist knee-jerk moves

April 01, 2025

After months of whiplash, executives say they are done trying to figure out which countries will be immune to tariffs and are just focused on building an overall diversified supply chain.

How AI-powered customer service preserves the human touch

March 10, 2025

Jennifer Baker, senior director of demand generation, Gladly Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming customer service. By the end of this year, 80% of customer service and support operations will apply some form of generative AI to improve efficiency, enhance customer interactions and drive upsell opportunities. While AI presents immense potential, its success depends on thoughtful […]