Hey, you made it! It’s 2026, and you’re still rolling along. We’re right here with you, with some of the highlights from the world of retail ops and comms you might have missed.
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Retail Strength Challenges Predictions Of Holiday Spending Cuts [Forbes]
The gist
Despite chatter about consumers tightening up, the actual retail numbers are flexing a bit of muscle. Year-over-year sales are holding up better than expected, and shoppers aren’t exactly hiding under the couch. People showed up with a plan: they hunted for deals, leaned into promotions, and didn’t completely skip the fun stuff just because inflation was at the party uninvited. In other words: all that “holiday spending is collapsing” commentary might be a bit premature: consumers are smarter with their dollars, but they’re still spending.
For our retail ops and comms folks, here’s the juicy bit: this isn’t about reckless splurging, it’s about strategic spending. Shoppers are value-obsessed and deal-driven, which means promotions, pricing precision, and messaging that speaks to smart choices will actually move product. The headlines might’ve bet on cutbacks, but the reality on the ground looks like resilient demand wrapped up in a bow of cautious optimism. So yes, adjust expectations — but don’t hit the panic button just yet.
e.l.f. Beauty launches makeup game and immersive beauty Roblox experience [Retail Technology Innovation Hub]
The gist
e.l.f. Beauty just dropped “Glow Up!,” a next-gen makeup game and immersive beauty experience on Roblox—yeah, we don’t get it either. They built a real virtual space where players 13+ can experiment with a layered makeup system that lets them create millions of unique looks, complete with realistic textures and finishes that actually mimic real-world routines. Designed to be social, creative, and community-driven, the experience launches with characters that rep diverse women across sports, business, music, and gaming.
This isn’t (just) a brand stunt. It’s yet another strategic play for lifelong Gen Z engagement and virtual touchpoints. e.l.f. is leaning into self-expression over hard selling, inviting users to play, create, and belong instead of being marketed at. That means immersive brand experiences with real social interaction could be the next frontier in customer loyalty and community-driven retail storytelling.
Costco sues Trump administration over sweeping emergency tariff powers [The Guardian]
The gist
Costco is taking the US federal government to court over the massive new import tariffs that have been swirling around corporate headlines this year. The warehouse giant filed a lawsuit in the United States Court of International Trade, saying the White House overstepped by using emergency economic powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to slap tariffs on a huge range of imported products. Costco argues these tariffs may be unlawful and wants the court to officially declare them invalid, halt new collections, and secure a refund for duties it has already paid.
The big ask is simple enough: make sure Costco gets its money back if the Supreme Court ultimately rules the tariffs unlawful, because without this separate action, importers might not automatically see refunds even if the tariffs fall. Roughly a third of what Costco sells in the United States comes from imports, mostly from China, Mexico and Canada, so the stakes are anything but small. Costco is trying to preserve its position in line for refunds and prevent Customs and Border Protection from finalizing tax bills that could lock in duties and make challenges harder down the road.
How the CEO of Macy’s sees retail in a world of tariffs and shifting consumer habits (and how he gets ready for the parade) [Fast Company]
The gist
Macy’s CEO Tony Spring is calling 2025 a real retail rollercoaster, shaped by tariffs, shifting consumer habits, and nonstop plan updates as his team works to stay ahead of unpredictable market winds. He says Macy’s is now on version 27 (cough, cough) of its forecasts because long term plans go stale fast in times like these, so the focus is on fluid decision making to get inventory, staffing, and marketing right in real time. Spring avoids obsessing over things he cannot control, like economic headlines or trade policy noise, and instead zeroes in on making the shopping experience better whether customers are clicking online or enjoying in-store moments with DJs, workshops, and personalized services.
This approach is part of what Spring calls the company’s “bold new chapter” that blends physical retail strength with a sharper digital platform and stronger luxury and beauty banners. But let’s be real for a second. Tariffs are still a thorn in everyone’s side, and Spring acknowledges they are a real variable in costs and planning. The message for leadership teams and operations partners is clear: stay nimble and focus on controllable levers like experience, assortment, and operations improvements rather than frozen three-year plans.
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Why specialty grocers are thriving post-pandemic [Grocery Dive]
The gist
Turns out specialty grocers have been quietly flexing their muscles while everyone else was worrying about inflation and supply chain headaches. Stores like Sprouts, Natural Grocers and others that focus on organic, wellness and curated food have seen stronger traffic and visit growth than both traditional and discount grocers in recent quarters, showing that the demand for health-oriented and premium products is real and resilient even in a tight economy.
Experts say that the pandemic helped shift shopper priorities toward healthier eating and that higher-income customers are still willing to pay up for foods that fit those preferences. Price inflation has played a role too because organic items have not jumped as much in cost as conventional ones, shrinking the price gap and making specialty formats look more accessible. Specialty grocers are also leaning into private label products and loyalty programs to communicate better value and strengthen customer relationships.
