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As I began planning this month’s newsletter, one word kept flashing across headlines, economic reports, and retail roundtables: tariffs.
Whether looming at 145% or fluctuating and retracting, the mere possibility of increased tariffs is already impacting the way retail teams are planning, pivoting, and preparing. From sourcing to sales, tariffs are top of mind across the retail enterprise.
While some reports suggest that China may avoid the steepest increases, the industry remains caught in a state of “what if?” The uncertainty alone is causing ripples across our operations, supply chains, and customer behaviors. And, as we’ve seen time and again, retail doesn’t wait—it reacts.
From the “pink tax” to operational whiplash to leading our teams through the fog, this month I’m taking a look at some of the ways retailers and consumers are experiencing and responding to this rapidly evolving landscape.
There’s no question that the challenges are multi-faceted, interconnected, and far-reaching. Amid so much upheaval and uncertainty, though, there is one thing we can be sure of: Retail is an industry that will rise to the challenge.
After all, our industry is no stranger to disruption. We’ve endured recessions, terrorist attacks, racial reckonings, and a global pandemic. We’ve evolved with each milestone, and we will again. By proactively investing now—in your strategic shifts, in your thoughtful decision-making, and, importantly, in your people—you’ll not only be able meet today’s challenges but also put the organization and your teams in a strong position for the future.
And who knows? By the time this newsletter hits your inbox, tariffs may pivot again. Ultimately, this is just one more curve in the dynamic journey of retail. Let’s support one another, lead with clarity, and make the decisions today that will allow us to thrive tomorrow.
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