The retail industry is undergoing a significant transformation due to technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. Among the most groundbreaking innovations is the emergence of unmanned stores.

Shopping had been transformed in the past half century. Shoppers have changed since the relative stability of the 1970s and earlier, which had been fairly consistent in the post-World War II era.

Tattoos and body art in the U.S. have soared in popularity lately, especially amongst Millennials and Gen Z, fueling an industry comprised of 11,600 tattoo studios. The industry, which also includes tattoo removal services, is estimated to be worth $4.5 billion, and is growing strongly.

In a fast-paced, ever-changing world, the consumer goods industry remains at the forefront of innovation. As technology advances and consumer preferences evolve, businesses in this sector must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive and relevant.

The retail industry has always been dynamic, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers.

Recent innovations such as in-vehicle payments, with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G connectivity in automotives, are transforming the user experience.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly influenced consumer behavior for the last two years, but in 2022, the central concern will increasingly be the cost of living, according to research cited in a recent podcast by Mintel titled “The Impact of Inflation on the Cost of Living and Consumer Behavior.”

International trade data can represent an accurate barometer of the state of the health of the global economy, even more so in the current extraordinary circumstances, that require up-to-date monitoring for companies involved in international business.

There is no doubt the holiday season is a critical time for consumer spending, but retailers face unprecedented challenges in 2020 due to the impact of the coronavirus. To drive revenue and adapt to shifting consumer needs, retailers will be forced to rewrite their traditional playbooks in more ways than one.

In June 2019, Illinois became the eleventh U.S. state to legalize recreational (i.e., adult use, nonmedical) marijuana, and just the second in the Midwest after Michigan to clear the way for adult marijuana retail markets to form. Furthermore, in July 2019, the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act received a historic first hearing in congress – underscoring that legal weed is no longer just a west coast phenomenon.