2022 was full of surprises. And Retail Dive was right there alongside you covering the continued impact of COVID-19 on our industry, changing shopping habits due to inflation and the companies and individuals that showed leadership during a time of transformation.
An industry in flux is at the heart of many of our overarching trends of the year. Retailers faced activist investors. Workforces saw unionization efforts and layoffs. And some stores experimented with different formats as others increased their direct-to-consumer efforts. Below, we share some of the stories that marked trends we observed over the past year.
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Kaarin Vembar
Senior Editor, Retail Dive
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Deep Dive
The e-commerce giant is looking past the industry to expand its reach, and rivals have figured out ways to compete.
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With some relief at the pump for consumers in July, retail sales held steady against inflation. But the rest of the year could be tough as the holidays approach.
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Hedge funds have been pressing for everything from new leadership to company spinoffs at some mainstay industry players.
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Since June, at least four major retailers have made significant updates to their financial outlooks.
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Deep Dive
After declarations about “decisive” actions to clear excess goods earlier this year, levels are still high and markdowns rampant.
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The concept is 20,000 square feet larger than the company average, with more space for pickup services, fulfillment and merchandise.
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New companies have grown rapidly by leveraging consumer trends during the pandemic. Now, they’re paying the price amid an economic downturn.
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Deep Dive
Consumers and investors are concerned that the industry’s stance on issues like collective bargaining at overseas suppliers isn't being applied to U.S. operations.
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Nike made up 75% of Foot Locker's purchases in 2020, a number that is poised to decline significantly this year. Comps may drop 10% in 2022 as a result.
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As demand wavers and capital gets harder to find, the number of companies at risk has soared from last year.
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