Skechers is stepping off Wall Street and into private ownership. The global footwear giant has agreed to be acquired by investment firm 3G Capital in a $9.4 billion deal, offering shareholders $63 per share—a nearly 30% premium. The third-largest footwear brand in the world, Skechers will continue its growth strategy under its current leadership, remaining headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California. The move marks a bold new chapter for the 30-year-old company as it focuses on international expansion and direct-to-consumer growth with the backing of a powerhouse investor.

Rite Aid Corp. is entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy once again as it seeks a buyer for most of its assets. Despite emerging from a previous bankruptcy in 2024 with reduced debt and fewer stores, the pharmacy chain continues to face financial headwinds and has now launched a court-supervised sale process. While national and regional buyers are expressing interest, Rite Aid emphasizes that pharmacy services—including prescriptions and immunizations—will remain available throughout the transition. Backed by nearly $2 billion in new financing, the company aims to ensure continued operations, preserve jobs, and smoothly transfer prescriptions if necessary.

Retailers are bracing for a potential “Christmas tax” as new tariffs threaten to drive up prices during the holiday season, just as consumers are growing more price-sensitive. With trade policy in flux, especially under the Trump administration, many retailers are struggling to balance rising import costs with customer expectations—and few are willing to be the first to hike prices and risk backlash. Walmart’s commitment to absorbing some costs to keep prices low is setting the tone across the sector.

As margins tighten, companies are increasingly turning to tech, data, and private label strategies to stay competitive without alienating shoppers. Transparency is also becoming key, with some retailers considering signs or receipts that highlight tariff-related costs to maintain trust. While spring and summer prices may hold steady, experts warn the real impact will hit during back-to-school and holiday shopping, as everything from toys to clothing could see sticker shock.

Sprouts Farmers Market and Natural Grocers are outperforming the grocery sector in early 2025, with store visits jumping 11.9% and 5.9% respectively—far ahead of the overall category’s modest 0.8% growth, according to Placer.ai. These health-focused chains are benefiting from strong appeal among affluent, wellness-conscious shoppers, especially young professionals and wealthy suburban families. While Sprouts is expanding rapidly with nearly 450 stores and a suburban customer base, Natural Grocers, with around 170 locations, is thriving in smaller metro areas. Their distinct geographic strengths suggest both brands are carving out complementary roles in the competitive grocery landscape.

Burlington is stepping in to seize growth opportunities from Joann’s bankruptcy, taking over leases for 45 of the arts-and-crafts retailer’s former stores across states like California and Texas. With Joann shuttering all locations after two bankruptcies in under a year, competitors like Burlington, Hobby Lobby, and Boot Barn are snapping up real estate as space in new shopping centers becomes increasingly scarce. Burlington, which opened over 100 stores in 2024, sees this as a strategic move to fuel expansion amid economic uncertainty — a climate where its off-price model thrives. Meanwhile, Joann’s closure leaves a gap for rivals like Michaels and Walmart to capture displaced customers.

Saks Global is feeling the pressure in 2025, shuttering a Tennessee fulfillment center and cutting 450 jobs as it grapples with rising tariffs, vendor disputes, and slumping consumer spending. The luxury retailer—already downsizing after its $2.7 billion Neiman Marcus acquisition—is now racing to slash $500 million in costs through more layoffs and store closures. Analysts warn that Saks, like Kohl’s, is especially exposed to the economic ripple effects of new U.S. trade policies. With tensions rising and confidence wavering, competitors like Nordstrom may be poised to swoop in on Saks’ shaken customer base.

Chicago’s hotel industry made a roaring comeback in 2024, breaking revenue records thanks to major events like the Democratic National Convention and Lollapalooza. But just months later, sweeping federal policy shifts — including new tariffs and immigration crackdowns — have shaken confidence in the travel sector, particularly among international tourists. Analysts warn that fears over safety and rising anti-U.S. sentiment could slash billions in tourism revenue and reverse the city’s hard-won post-pandemic gains. Though the long-term outlook remains uncertain, hotel operators are bracing for a bumpy ride, trimming costs and revising forecasts as they navigate what could be a turbulent year ahead.

In a refreshing twist amid a wave of retail closures, Barnes & Noble is making a major comeback—opening more than 60 new stores across the U.S. in 2025, including two in Florida. While many companies are downsizing or filing for bankruptcy, the iconic bookseller is thriving by empowering local booksellers and focusing on strong in-store experiences. Florida readers can now enjoy brand-new stores in Naples and Tequesta, with Naples’ location even taking over a former Big Lots. This surge in growth marks the company’s most ambitious expansion in over a decade, signaling a renewed appetite for brick-and-mortar bookstores in a digital age.