Walmart executives are training associates to use AI widely throughout the organization. For example, store managers can create digital dashboards for scheduling, or merchandising associates can turn dense text into useful graphics.

Tariffs

The slow trickle-down of tariff refunds

June 01, 2026

The U.S. government has received about half as many refund requests for around the $166 billion it recouped in now-illegal tariff duties.

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 Jun 11

The men’s grooming opportunity at the World Cup

June 11, 2026

The quadrennial men’s World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, giving global soccer players and fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see their team take home the prize. And with billions of viewers tuning in from around the world, it is also a rare opportunity for brands to capitalize on the frenzy. Four years after Qatar, that now includes grooming brands looking to use the power of soccer to reach the evolving male beauty consumer base.

How meat sticks players are trying to find white space in the red-hot category

June 11, 2026

The growing meat snacks market is attracting new brands like Singing Pastures to jump in to challenge incumbents, even as major startups like Chomps and Archer continue to dominate the better-for-you subcategory.

The World Cup is a big chance for retail media to prove itself to advertisers

June 10, 2026

The entire retail media industry, from retail media networks to agencies and tech platforms, is showing up in full force to promote brands during the World Cup and prove the effectiveness of the sector.

Why Ranger Station chose Charleston over bigger markets for its third store

June 10, 2026

Ranger Station, known for unisex fragrances and candles, chose Charleston for its third store by combining customer data with on-the-ground experience.

Brands are turning to football nostalgia ahead of the World Cup

June 10, 2026

As the 2026 World Cup arrives in North America, brands including Lotto, Ksubi, Nike and Adidas are using old kits, archive sneakers, national colors and fan dressing to tap into football nostalgia.

Thirdlove launches nipple covers as it looks for white spaces within intimates

June 10, 2026

Women's intimates brand Thirdlove is entering a new category as it continues to broaden its assortment.

Brands Briefing: Nike looks to build a football universe ahead of the World Cup

June 09, 2026

As part of its larger "Sport Offense," Nike is creating what it calls "a universe of football" in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup.

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

‘It’s not our approach’: Walmart COO says digital shelf labels aren’t for surge pricing

June 09, 2026

As digital price tags have gained more prominence over the last few years, some shoppers and legislators have feared they would lead to “dynamic pricing,” charging customers different prices based on the timing of their purchase or, worse, their individual data.

Walmart goes global with its Amazon-like flywheel

June 08, 2026

Walmart executives are beginning to take a more international approach to growing its higher-margin businesses such as advertising, memberships and its third-party marketplace. On Thursday, Walmart+, the retailer’s paid membership program, launched in Canada — the first time it has been available outside of the U.S.

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 […]

Marketing

Malls break down their World Cup strategies

June 09, 2026

Shopping center owners hope the World Cup will provide a much-needed win for American malls. From American Dream’s 39-day fan fest to Atlantic Village’s restaurant play, here’s how various malls are looking to attract both tourists and locals.

Brand Substacks are starting to show real results

June 09, 2026

One year after launching on Substack, brands are finding sales, subscribers and new customers. Here are the results brands like The RealReal and Rare Beauty have seen a year into their Substack journey.

What brands are paying to advertise around the World Cup

June 09, 2026

One in three Americans is set to watch the World Cup this summer, leading many brands to look into last-minute partnerships, proximity marketing initiatives and social campaigns tied to the tournament. Official partnerships are pricey, but there are still opportunities across host cities for brands seeking a timely halo effect. Modern Retail sat down with media buying experts to learn more.

Operations

How an earlier Prime Day created new supply chain challenges for brands

June 08, 2026

Brands have to pull up their inventory orders and change forecasts due to an earlier Prime Day, which will take place on June 23-26 this year.

Brami’s and Mosh’s recent funding rounds show what’s winning in food right now

June 08, 2026

Big VC rounds are becoming rare among CPG brands. But some, like Brami and Mosh, are proving to be the exception to the rule when it comes to attracting big venture dollars. Here’s what worked for them in securing new funding.

Retail marketers are at a crossroads — here’s how they can adapt

June 01, 2026

Justin Jefferson, vp, strategy and insight, Keen Decision Systems Retail marketers are navigating a marketing landscape defined by consolidation and heightened accountability. As retail media networks evolve beyond the initial gold rush, advertisers’ focus has shifted from merely having a presence to proving performance.  Likewise, with ad budgets under intense scrutiny, marketing success now requires […]