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Holiday sales are expected to reach a record $1 trillion this year (yes, trillion with a T!), per a new forecast, and small biz sales grew last month even as foot traffic fell.
Plus, a look at how SMBs are using AI.
Before we jump in, have you seen Walmart’s limited-edition rotisserie chicken purse? Look at the pictures here—the resemblance to the chicken bag is uncanny!
[ FIRST GLANCE ]
Small business sales. Fiserv’s latest small business index is out. Retail sales grew year over year, but foot traffic fell. Check out all the facts and figures 📊
Fashion Week. New York Fashion Week (full schedule here) for Spring/Summer 2027 collections starts tomorrow. A handful of new designers will present, and the fur-free policy is in effect. What are you most looking forward to for the week?
Inside IKEA. This YouTube video on IKEA is really interesting (I literally watched every minute). It delves into what works about the retailer's business model, from its flatpack and pricing strategy to Swedish names and meatballs.
Premium products. Want to command a higher price for your goods? The secret might be fragrance—even if you’re not in the beauty aisle. This podcast explores the trend of premium products with a “differentiated scent architecture.”
[ THE TOP LINE ]
Retailers and grocers are linking up with DoorDash
Remember when two-day delivery was the bar to meet? Consumers want even more instant gratification, and retailers are stepping up with delivery within hours. Natural Grocers, Gap, Kohl’s and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with DoorDash, allowing customers to shop for the retailers’ products through the delivery platform.
Why this matters: A partnership with DoorDash could be a competitive advantage if it means a consumer picks your brand with speedy delivery over a different brand with slower options. But there are potential downsides. Selling via DoorDash means DTC retailers could lose direct relationships with consumers and some degree of margin control. Each business will have to figure out what matters most—customer connection, maximized margins or speedy delivery. (Mass Market Retailers)
A new batch of lawsuit types threatens retailers
Class-action lawsuits are going after e-commerce brands and retailers. Recent suits have alleged false reference prices, taken aim at misleading email subject lines about prices or promotions, and are now calling for tariff refunds to be passed on to consumers.
Why this matters: Lawsuits pop up all the time, some frivolous, others with merit. But if any of these suits gain traction in court, it sets a precedent for how retailers can market and price their products. Even a slightly exaggerated email subject line could end up being a legal risk. (Ballard Spahr)
[ THE LOWDOWN ]
RECORD SALES: U.S. retail sales this holiday season expected to top $1T for the first time, Bain & Company predicts
SURCHARGE COMING: Amazon Shipping announces peak season surcharges starting in October
REVOLVING DOOR: Nike names ex-Walmart exec as chief commercial officer
LOCAL FIGHT: Small biz owners sue to stop NYC city-owned grocery store plan
THEFT CRACKDOWN: Calif. battle against retail theft recovers nearly $300M in stolen goods in three years
RETRO’S IN: Air Jordan 6 to return with original details and rare color
[ THE THINK TANK ]
Peak season 2026 is just around the corner
Seemingly small decisions become much more expensive when additional holiday surcharges start stacking up.
Peak season is near—or maybe it’s already here? In our Q&A, coming to your inbox next Wednesday, we chat with Paul Brinkman, president of Trans-Solutions Consulting. He shares how to handle higher holiday surcharges from UPS and FedEx, and how to position yourself when talking to a carrier. Spoiler: just because you’re a small business doesn’t mean you lack leverage.
[ THE DOWNLOAD ]
SMBs embrace AI to save time
AI adoption among U.S. small businesses has climbed to 87% this year, up from 26% three years ago. Many SMBs are using AI to analyze data and aid marketing decisions, and about half of users said time savings are the primary benefit.
Why this matters: If your business isn’t using AI in at least some form, you’re now in the minority. The technology may save time and help independent retailers do more with their existing resources—as long as human judgment is still involved where it matters most. (E-Commerce Times)
[ POLL ]
With pennies effectively out of circulation, what’s your store’s policy for cash change?
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The SKUpe is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.
