Cole Haan says it's getting "more intentional" about its travel offerings as it solidifies its place as an everyday lifestyle brand.

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 06

OpenAI brings product carousels to ChatGPT ads

August 06, 2026

ChatGPT appears to be experimenting with a new ad type: a product carousel. Digiday viewed and verified screenshots of the new ad format.

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.

Hims & Hers says its first-ever gummy prescription is driving a high adherence rate

August 05, 2026

Hims & Hers achieved an 88% daily adherence rate with its first-ever gummy prescription medication. It's another example of how beauty brands, wellness startups and prescription drug providers are all leaning more into gummy formats.

Gorilla Commerce built a 9-figure business on Amazon. Now, it’s launching in Walmart stores

August 05, 2026

Gorilla Commerce, most well-known for its slip-resistant bath mats, has found tremendous success primarily through Amazon, surpassing nine figures in sales. But the company wants to prove it's more than just an Amazon brand. Two years ago, it launched on Walmart's marketplace, and last month, the company brought Gorilla Grip to more than 2,600 Walmart stores.

Brands Briefing: Why apparel IPOs are creeping back up

August 04, 2026

Fashion companies are slowly shrugging off the IPO slump that has plagued the consumer-goods industry over the last several years.

It’s the summer of food merch drops

August 04, 2026

Food service brands like Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Wawa are using limited-edition fashion merchandise to reach new audiences and build everyday brand loyalty.

Modern Retail+ Research: The 2026 guide to holiday marketing strategies, including A-Frame Brands, Mastercard and Ritual

August 04, 2026

Modern Retail+ Research examined which commerce channels are dominating marketers’ holiday strategies, what discounts brands and retailers are offering, and what revenue expectations are guiding their marketing decisions ahead of the critical fourth quarter.

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

Orange grocery bag containing a carrot, apple, baguette, bottle of wine and milk carton on a green background

Schnucks’ new health-tracking AI assistant is a model for other retailers

July 27, 2026

St. Louis-based regional grocer Schnucks just launched a new AI assistant, but behind it is a larger idea around how agents could eventually take over the shopping process and help people eat healthier.

Michaels says Google-powered AI assistant doubles conversion rate of traditional search

July 24, 2026

Michaels has lifted the curtain on how its new Google Gemini-powered AI assistant has performed so far.

Playbook: Inside the next phase of retail media

May 13, 2026

Retail media has shifted from a niche tactic to a foundational advertising strategy. As the market landscape evolves, outcomes-focused channels are in the spotlight as more brands prioritize conversions. As retail media becomes a core part of the advertising mix, the next question is where it can drive the greatest impact. Because most sales still […]

Marketing

Circle K gets serious about retail media

August 03, 2026

Circle K is more openly promoting and expanding its retail media network, Full Circle Media, as a way for advertisers to reach shoppers across its convenience stores, fuel pumps and digital channels in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

How new wellness brand Plainspeak is using mail-in samples to acquire customers

July 30, 2026

New women’s wellness brand Plainspeak is using USPS mail-in samples to drive subscriptions for its women’s supplement, sidestepping paid ads. The founders are betting on the analog strategy to build a loyal customer base.

Nike, Lululemon hit with lawsuits alleging deceptive ‘phantom discounts’

July 30, 2026

The retail industry is facing a significant surge in legal scrutiny as “phantom discount” practices come under fire, and major brands like Lululemon and Nike have been hit with lawsuits in recent weeks.

Operations

Big-Box Briefing: This back-to-school season is all about low prices and social trends

August 06, 2026

For major brick-and-mortar retailers, back-to-school season this year is largely about a race to the bottom in price and a push to offer the most popular products seen on social media.

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.

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 […]