Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are transforming from pilot projects into a retail must-have, with major players like Walmart, Target, and Aldi leading the charge in U.S. adoption. These digital price tags help retailers keep pricing accurate, react instantly to market shifts, and cut waste from millions of paper tags. Despite some lawmakers’ concerns about surge pricing, studies show ESLs actually promote more frequent discounts and transparency. Beyond pricing, ESLs boost efficiency, sustainability, and customer trust — helping stores operate smarter and greener in a competitive, tariff-challenged market. As retail evolves, ESLs aren’t just tech upgrades — they’re the new backbone of modern, customer-first retail operations.
As the holiday season kicks into gear, major retailers are racing to get on shoppers’ “nice lists” by perfecting merchandise, tightening inventory, and offering value-driven deals amid ongoing economic pressure. From Saks Global battling vendor tensions and cash flow woes to Lululemon reworking its product strategy to win back lost athleisure market share, Nike balancing its DTC comeback with wholesale relationships, and Mattel gearing up for a crucial toy season, each brand faces unique challenges — and big opportunities. Experts say the key to success this season lies in retail fundamentals: fast shipping, easy returns, and reliable pricing that earn consumer trust during a make-or-break quarter.
Carter’s Inc. is taking bold steps to streamline operations and strengthen profitability amid rising tariffs and cost pressures. The children’s apparel giant plans to close 150 stores across North America by 2027 — up from 100 previously planned — and cut 15% of office-based staff by the end of 2025. These moves are expected to generate over $45 million in annual savings beginning in 2026. Despite challenges, Carter’s saw retail and international sales growth in Q3 2025, signaling steady consumer demand, even as profits slipped sharply due to higher costs. CEO Douglas Palladini said the company remains focused on improving pricing, productivity, and long-term resilience in a shifting retail landscape.