As more shoppers use AI chatbots for recommendations, supplement brand Olly is updating its product pages with clearer descriptions and FAQs to boost AI-driven sales.

Tariffs

Why tariff refunds won’t necessarily go back to consumers

April 29, 2026

Thousands of U.S. retail companies are eagerly awaiting tariff refunds from the Trump administration. But not all of them will share that money with their customers -- even if shoppers think otherwise.

‘It’s like getting Taylor Swift tickets’: Brands rush to request tariff refunds, with some snags

April 21, 2026

The tariff refunds process has been smoother for some folks than others, according to conversations Modern Retail had with half a dozen brands and entrepreneurs.

Other news to know

  • Amazon sellers’ new struggles
  • Amazon hit pause on a controversial change to its advertising payment system after backlash from sellers who said the update would strain their finances.
  • Amazon merchants are bracing for more cash flow troubles and margin pressure this year, thanks to a bevy of new fees and policy changes. 
  • One major part of Amazon’s business was largely absent from CEO Andy Jassy’s annual shareholder letter this year: the millions of sellers who power the company’s marketplace.
Top Stories May 26

How 2 very different DTC startups balance paid and organic marketing

May 26, 2026

Made-to-order rug brand Ernesta and pet-tracker startup Tractive are trying to boost their customer bases at a time of larger macroeconomic uncertainty. At the Lead Summit in New York City, both brands spoke about how they crafted their marketing playbooks and balance paid and organic marketing.

Brands are getting creative as fuel costs raise shipping fees

May 25, 2026

New fuel surcharges are forcing brands to get creative by comparing more carriers for shipments.

Modern Retail+ Research: The marketers’ 2026 guide to a shifting CTV landscape, including YouTube, Peacock and Roku

May 26, 2026

Modern Retail+ Research's fifth annual report analyzes the state of ad-supported streaming and the challenges streaming companies pose to marketers.

How Nocturnal Skincare created a spring campaign for under $100

May 25, 2026

Two-year-old brand Nocturnal Skincare created its recent spring campaign on a $100 budget. Thanks to the DIY approach, the brand was able to save on creatives to invest in other areas of the business.

What recent retail earnings revealed about the state of consumer health

May 25, 2026

Last week, retail giants including Home Depot, Walmart, Target, TJX and Urban Outfitters, Inc. reported their quarterly earnings. And there were a surprising number of bright spots considering the inflationary pressure both retailers and consumers have faced over the past year.

Tariffs

Why tariff refunds won’t necessarily go back to consumers

April 29, 2026

Thousands of U.S. retail companies are eagerly awaiting tariff refunds from the Trump administration. But not all of them will share that money with their customers — even if shoppers think otherwise.

‘It’s like getting Taylor Swift tickets’: Brands rush to request tariff refunds, with some snags

April 21, 2026

The tariff refunds process has been smoother for some folks than others, according to conversations Modern Retail had with half a dozen brands and entrepreneurs.

Why Dame is refunding $10,000 in tariff surcharges to customers

March 03, 2026

Dame is refunding customers who paid its “Trump Tariff Surcharge” last year, becoming one of the first brands to proactively return money tied to President Donald Trump’s now-invalidated tariffs.

Podcasts

Technology

NeeDohs are fetching a premium on resale sites 

May 15, 2026

Eager NeeDoh collectors are flocking to resale sites as the toy goes viral. The stretchy toys, like Pop Mart’s Labubus, are selling for a pretty penny on eBay and StockX, with some of them going for a premium of more than 400%.

Marketplace Briefing: Why Amazon discontinued its AI-powered Rufus chatbot for Alexa shopping agent

May 14, 2026

Amazon replaced its Rufus chatbot with a new AI assistant called Alexa for Shopping this week as AI search becomes a bigger part of its online store.

Medicube, Crocs are betting on TikTok Shop for discovery e-commerce

May 20, 2026

As consumers’ shopping habits evolve, retail is shifting from traditional search-and-scroll e-commerce to a new model that revolves around discovery.  Sitting at the center of that transformation is TikTok Shop, which represents a new retail model centered on community, trust and entertainment-driven discovery. Shopping happens natively and naturally, as TikTok Shop guides users from inspiration […]

Marketing

Marketplace Briefing: What Shein’s acquisition of Everlane could mean for its marketplace ambitions

May 21, 2026

Shein’s purported acquisition of Everlane isn’t its first attempt to boost its brand credibility. In recent years, it struck a partnership with Forever 21, acquired the U.K. brand Missguided and launched a third-party marketplace. But it’s still unclear how all of these efforts will live together.

Brands Briefing: Harry’s turns to a drop model for its body wash to acquire new customers

May 19, 2026

Harry’s, best known for its razors, is turning to limited-edition body washes to resonate with a younger consumer.

How FlutterHabit uses its 46,000-member Facebook group for product development

May 18, 2026

FlutterHabit turned its private Facebook group into a testing ground for products, marketing and customer feedback.

Operations

Walmart warns it may have to raise prices due to fuel costs

May 21, 2026

Higher fuel prices due to the war with Iran are putting pressure on Walmart’s customers and supply chain, and could lead to higher prices on the shelf.

Pink phone screen with a "buy now pay later" mobile banner on a dark navy blue background.

BNPL usage surged during Q1 as middle-income shoppers increased adoption

May 21, 2026

Recent earnings reports and third-party data sets show increased adoption of BNPL services, especially among middle-income households.

Unpacked: How loyalty programs power lifecycle marketing strategies

April 16, 2026

This Unpacked guide, sponsored by SheerID, explores how loyalty is no longer earned through rewards alone; it’s built through relevance, transparency and sustained commitment to understanding customers over time.  Shifts in consumer behavior — specifically the desire for data privacy and instant, personalized recognition — and AI’s acceleration of the buying process are making traditional […]