News Briefs

Two companies were responsible for over half of consumer electronic spending in 2025.

Amazon captured 31% of consumer electronic sales last year, surpassing Best Buy, which accounted for 27% of sales, That’s according to the latest Numerator Consumer Electronics Spender, which provides quarterly insight into omnichannel consumer buying behavior in select electronics categories. Prime Day drove major share gains each summer and fall.

Across all consumers, November and December are the most popular months for electronics purchases, followed by July, according.

Additional insights from the latest report are below.

•Gen X and millennials are the most frequent electronics buyers, while boomers purchase least often. Gen Z also under-indexes on purchases, likely reflecting life stage and income.

•Most (53%) of consumer electronics buyers said the price of their item was about what they anticipated ahead of purchasing, while 24% said it cost less than they anticipated. 

•Consumers first became aware of the electronics item they purchased by seeing it on a retailer website (34%), getting a recommendation from friends or family (26%) and seeing it in person at a store (21%).

Many consumers are reducing their spending, and they are using a variety of means to accomplish that goal.

Two-in-three U.S. consumers have switched to cheaper alternatives often or occasionally in the past year. Respondents to a survey from marketing automation technology provider Omnisend who have switched to cheaper alternatives indicated achieving this strategy includes actions such as:

• Choosing lower-priced brands (57%).
• Switching to private label or store brands (46%).
• Choosing simpler products with fewer features (29%).
• Buying second-hand or refurbished items (26%).

Only 7.5% of respondents said they just buy fewer of their preferred products.

Half of respondents said they wait for sales or promotions before buying a product. Many take additional steps to avoid paying full price, such as:

• Abandoning carts often or occasionally expecting a discount or reminder email (60%).
• Comparing prices across multiple websites (43%).
• Searching for discount codes before checkout (40%).
• Nearly one-in-five (18.7%) delay purchases even when they want the item.

[READ MORE: Survey: Many consumers delayed essential purchases of $300 or more last year]

Almost six-in-10 (58%) respondents have purchased something primarily because it felt like a good deal, even if it wasn't needed. 

"Consumers have been trained to believe the first price isn't the real price,” said Marty Bauer, e-commerce expert at Omnisend. “After years of constant promotions, shoppers expect a better offer to show up. Waiting has become part of the checkout process, and paying full price can feel like leaving money on the table."

The survey was commissioned by Omnisend and conducted by Cint in January 2026, polling 1,072 consumers from the U.S. about their shopping habits from the last 12 months. 

A well-known sweets brand is planning on expanding its brick-and-mortar presence into a new market.

Michigan-based Kilwins will open more than 20 locations in Arizona over the next three to five years, marking its debut in the Grand Canyon State. The brand is pursuing numerous locations in the Phoenix–Scottsdale area, and plans to enter other markets across the state over the period.

Kilwins says Arizona’s significant annual visitor traffic, walkable retail districts, and thriving tourism and hospitality ecosystem make it a prime market for retail expansion. The brand also added that it will introduce a smaller-footprint store model in 2026 that will help “unlock additional opportunities to enter new markets and attract experienced franchise operators.”

[READ MORE: Kilwins to open 10 new Texas locations — with potential for more]

"Arizona supports strong unit economics and year-round demand for ice cream, and our premium confections, driven by a steady climate and favorable operating conditions, and is a market with high-traffic, walkable retail areas," said Brian Britton, president and CEO of Kilwins. "Just as important, Arizona's consistent population and retail growth, along with communities that value quality and experience, check a lot of boxes for Kilwins and create an ideal environment for experienced operators building multi-unit franchises and new owners to grow with the brand."

Founded in 1947, Kilwins operates more than 185 retail locations. The brand is known for its hand-crafted chocolates, creamy fudge, caramel apples, brittle, premium ice cream and more.

Topgolf has new majority owners and a new CEO.

The golf-themed restaurant and entertainment company named David McKillips as CEO, effective Feb. 23. The news comes after private-equity company Leonard Green & Partners took a majority (60%) equity stake in the company in a deal completed in January. The deal was valued at $1.1 billion.

 McKillips joins Topgolf from CEC Entertainment, parent of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, where he spent six years as president and CEO. McKillips is credited with leading the company through a transformative global expansion, introducing innovative new guest experiences and launching its first membership program. McKillips also successfully navigated the organization through bankruptcy.

Prior to CEC Entertainment, McKillips served in several leadership roles at Six Flags Entertainment that spanned operations, food and beverage, retail, games and procurement. Notably, McKillips managed operations for theme parks in Canada and Mexico, led the development of new parks globally, as well as founding the company’s sponsorship sales and activation division and launched the Six Flags TV Network.

“Topgolf is a brand I’ve long admired; one that brings people together through unforgettable shared experiences no matter their level of interest in the game of golf,” said McKillips. “I’m honored to lead such a talented team that has and continues to expand the Player experience through unrivaled hospitality and innovative sports technology.”

Topgolf operates more than 100 venues around the globe.

[READ MORE: Study: Very few retailers offer 'unconditional' free shipping; costs average...]

A family-owned formalwear company is letting customers try on suits and tuxedos without leaving home.

Friar Tux is launching a new digital feature called Try-On with AI, making it the first formalwear brand to integrate an artificial intelligence virtual try-on experience with photo upload into its website. 

The Try-On with AI tool allows customers to view a personalized visualization of selected suits and tuxedos without visiting a showroom. Rendered results are available in approximately 30 seconds, and the feature also supports wedding and group planning by allowing customers to review and align on formalwear selections remotely before finalizing decisions.

Other digital services from Friar Tux include virtual style sessions with professional stylists. The retailer also provides free at-home try-ons, fabric swatches, and in-store appointments for personalized service.

“Every enhancement we introduce is guided by how customers prefer to explore options and prepare for important life moments,” said Scott Norris, president of Friar Tux. “Try-On with AI reflects our broader commitment to building thoughtful digital enhancements that complement the service customers expect from our brand.”

Virtual try-on is becoming increasingly popular in recent years, with particular growth in product categories such as eyewear and beauty.

[READ MORE: Google enables selfie-based virtual try-on]

Founded in 1974. Friar Tux operates an e-commerce platform serving customers nationwide and more than 24 showroom stores across California and Nevada.