Plus: Social and paid ads lead | Why in-store still matters
Pain at the pump and at the store? This week, we look at how small business owners are dealing with rising gas prices and raising their own prices—or not. We also dive into why small business owners are betting on social media and paid ads to be primary growth drivers this year.
But first, check out this new retail store transformation from Los Angeles-based home décor and DIY influencer Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox.
Discounts, please. Why rich shoppers are flocking to dollar stores
Also: Why off-pricer Ross and other discount retailers are thriving
And finally: Pawn shops are also getting in on the game as budgets tighten
However: Some “A” malls are defying the retail pullback with rising sales
Going digital: Walmart and other big stores switch to digital price tags
How small business owners are dealing with rising fuel costs
Four different small businesses—a clothing store, a bread baker, a factory owner, and a spot shipper, told CNN how they’re dealing with rising gas prices, from keeping their price tags the same and eating rising costs, to cutting staff and office supplies, to ceasing operations temporarily.
Why this matters: With no immediate end to the war with Iran, high gas prices may be around for a while. Small businesses can only survive so long while having to pay both fuel surcharges, tariffs and higher supply costs. (CNN)
Social media, paid ads primary growth drivers for SMBs
Social media and paid ads are shaping up to be the most effective growth drivers for small businesses this year, outpacing more traditional channels like email and events.
A January 2026 Constant Contact survey of more than 1,500 SMBs found that 68% expect these channels to deliver the most value, compared with 41% for email marketing, 29% for in-person events and 26% for traditional advertising. The SBE Council also reports that 33% of small businesses are now using TikTok.
Why this matters: It’s time to stop underutilizing social media because it’s become the most effective way to move your business forward. Organic posts and user-generated content are free and paid ads work. (eMarketer)
Check out our recent Q&A on how to amplify your brand
Will gas price spikes affect retail spending?
NRF still predicts a rise in total retail sales for 2026
Opinion: SBA should take politics out of the picture
Small biz owner survey: Big Beautiful Bills helps, tariffs don’t
A step-by-step guide to selling a small business
What do the world’s most interesting stores have in common?
Jack Stratten, director of Insider Trends, joined the Retail Remix podcast to discuss what makes standout store experiences: clear ambition, commitment and sometimes prioritizing discovery over efficiency. As e-commerce grows, in-store experiences become important differentiators, forcing all stores to be better or get left behind.
"Sometimes when I see really good retail, it’s amazing to me how much those kinds of modern experiences from newer brands, what they have in common with the classic kind of Marrakech/Istanbul marketplace, because really it’s about stumbling from one space to the next. You don’t know what’s around the corner so there's that sense of discovery." -Jack Stratten
Why this matters: Creating an experience for your customers that they can’t find online is key. Whether that’s offering unique local products or personalized service, there are many ways indie stores can compete. (Retail Touchpoints)
What ChatGPTs shift to retailers' apps says about AI, e-comm
OpenAI is pulling back on in-chat checkout and shifting toward retailer-controlled experiences inside ChatGPT. Instead of completing purchases directly in the chatbot, users will now be routed to retailer websites or branded apps to finish transactions.
Why this matters: This is a win for retailers, allowing them more oversight of the checkout process and giving customers a better experience. OpenAI meanwhile, is improving product search and discovery within ChatGPT. (Retail Insight Network)
Thanks for reading this week's edition!
You can reach the newsletter team at theskupe@mynewsletter.co. We enjoy hearing from you.
Interested in advertising? Email us at newslettersales@mvfglobal.com
The SKUpe is curated and written by Marcy Medina and edited by Bianca Prieto.
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