News Briefs

Consumers are continuing to spend so far this year despite ongoing financial pressures.

New data from Circana shows that total U.S. retail sales revenue, across discretionary general merchandise, retail food and beverage, and non-edible consumer packaged goods, is up 2% year over year for the first 10 weeks of 2026. Circana noted that the data shows consumers are changing their behaviors instead of cutting back spending all together.

“The economy is underscoring the changed behaviors and purchase dynamics consumers developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the focus on usage and replenishment has evolved,” said Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry advisor for Circana. “Consumers are spending on products that extend beyond the core needs and are increasingly grounded in lifestyle passions – the kind of passion that sparks growth at retail.”

Circana’s data found that the top growth categories are in the “lifestyle” categories. These include video games, toys, prestige and mass beauty, auto aftermarket products and tires, retail food and beverage, fashion accessories and more, which have all demonstrated dollar gains in the 10 weeks ending March 14, 2026, despite varying shifts in demand and price.

Across the lifestyle categories, current themes span aspects of wellness, functional beverages, flavor innovation, next-gen tech solutions, nostalgia and viral social moments.

[READ MORE: Survey: Consumers cutting back by eating at home more, buying private label brands]

“Consumers have to have a reason to spend, be it a fundamental need, a change, or a passion – it is those reasons, and the ‘feel good’ impact, that are fueling today’s retail growth,” added Cohen. “Marketers must tap into both the practical and emotional sides of today’s consumer, addressing their lifestyle needs and creating a hunger for something more.”

The Merchant Payments Coalition has a not-so-happy forecast for the financial impact of swipe fees on consumers who shop for Easter using credit cards.

The organization, a subsidiary of the NRF, estimates that if all of the record $24.9 billion the NRF has forecast consumers will spend on Easter this year were transacted with credit cards, the average 2.36% swipe fee rate charged to retailers for Visa and Mastercard credit cards would total $587.6 million, or $4.62 per shopper.

[READ MORE: Easter spending expected to hit a new record]

"Swipe fees drive up the cost of nearly everything we buy, and Easter is no exception," NRF senior director of government relations Dylan Jeon said. "Even the Easter Bunny gets ripped off by swipe fees. Whether they’re buying Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies or Peeps, these out-of-control big-bank fees cost families more every year, growing twice as much as inflation and outpacing the growth in credit card volume."

Swipe fees are most retailers’ highest operating cost after labor, according to the National Retail Federation, which added that total credit and debit card swipe fees hit a record $187.2 billion in 2024 and raising prices by more than $1,200 a year for the average family.

Retailers rejected a proposed swipe fee settlement introduced in November 2025 by Visa and Mastercard. Congress is currently considering the bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act, which President Donald Trump endorsed in January 2026.

Zaxbys is adding a restaurant industry veteran to its C-suite.

The quick-serve fried chicken chain has named Michael Dixon as its new chief financial officer. He brings over 30 years of financial leadership experience across restaurant, retail and entertainment companies to the brand, most recently serving as the CFO of GoTo Foods, the parent company of Cinnabon, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Jamba Juice, Auntie Anne’s and others, for 10 years.

"Mike's demonstrated success in accelerating and scaling financial performance across QSR organizations, maximizing unit economics, and managing complex financial environments makes him a perfect fit for Zaxbys’ next chapter," said Bernard Acoca, CEO of Zaxbys, who has led the company since 2022. "As Zaxbys continues the brand's national growth and expansion I am confident in our ability to grow to win with Mike's leadership."

Prior to GoTo Foods, Dixon spent more than three years as the president and CFO of Ignite Restaurant Group, and more than four years as the CFO of Pinkberry. As CFO of Zaxbys, Dixon will serve as a key member of the brand's executive leadership team, responsible for leading the finance function, including financial strategy, planning and analytics, and accounting and treasury.

[READ MORE: Zaxbys opens first Las Vegas location]

"I'm honored to join Zaxbys as the brand continues to build on its strong growth trajectory," Dixon said. "With a strong foundation and a powerful growth pipeline ahead, I look forward to partnering with the team to accelerate expansion, strengthen performance, and help position Zaxbys for long-term success."

Headquartered in Atlanta, Zaxbys operates more than 1,000 locations in 22 states. The brand is known for its chicken tenders and wings tossed in signature sauces.

Urban Outfitters, Dolce Vita, Rally House and Steve Madden will all deliver online orders via DoorDash.

The four apparel retailers are expected to launch delivery on the DoorDash platform during spring 2026 and will significantly expand the DoorDash apparel selection. Customers will be able to place orders from Urban Outfitters, Steve Madden, Dolce Vita (a Steve Madden brand) and Rally House on the DoorDash app this spring.

“People don’t always plan ahead when they’re shopping for apparel,” said Shanna Prevé, chief revenue officer at DoorDash. “Sometimes it’s fan gear for game day, sometimes it’s a last-minute shoe change, or sometimes it’s just something they need that same day or hour. Expanding apparel on DoorDash allows us to better serve those occasions while also helping retailers connect with new customers.” 

Athletic apparel and footwear retailer Foot Locker also recently began offering delivery of sneakers, apparel and accessories from its Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker and Champs Sports banners via DoorDash.

[READ MORE: Foot Locker teams with DoorDash for on-demand delivery]

Other apparel retailers that have entered delivery partnerships with DoorDash include Hibbett and the direct-to-consumer athletic apparel brand Sportiqe.

Founded in 2013, San Francisco-based DoorDash operates in more than 40 countries across the globe.

The last full weekend before Easter looks lucrative for e-commerce retailers.

During the weekend of March 28-29, 2026, Adobe said in an email to Chain Store Age that it expects online spending for Easter-related products to increase 255% compared to average levels during 2026 so far. This is a higher uptick than Easter 2025, when spending for holiday products on the comparable weekend was up 132%.

[READ MORE: Easter spending expected to hit a new record]

The weekend of March 28-29 will be the last full weekend of shopping for Easter, which falls on Sunday, April 5.

At a category level, Adobe expects the following online spending increases over average 2026 amounts (with figures from the comparable weekend in 2025): 

• Plastic eggs up 1030% (2025: up 587%)
• Easter baskets up 870% (2025: up 553%)
• Egg dying supplies up 810% (2025: up 388%)
• Easter decorations up 645% (2025: up 395%)
• Stuffed bunnies up 390% (2025: up 257%)
• Candy up 140% (2025: up 72%)
• Chocolates up 110% (2025: up 53%)
• Dresses up 90% (2025: up 45%)
• Eggs up 25% (2025: up 19%)

Adobe also expects the following average weekend discounts off listed price for categories including:

• Flowers at 14%
• Jewelry at 11%
• Apparel at 10%
• Personal care products at 8%
• Home & garden at 7% 
• Appliances at 5% 
• Electronics at 5%  

Artificial intelligence shopping trends

Adobe is forecasting growth in the use of AI tools for shopping in the week leading up to Easter (March 30-April 4):

• AI traffic to U.S. retail sites (measured by shoppers clicking on a link) is set to increase by 210% versus the comparable period in 2025. Adobe sees Easter as a topic driving AI conversations and traffic.  
• AI tools are expected to be used for categories including Easter Sunday apparel, jewelry, flowers, and spring cleaning products. 

eBay is launching “The NYC Edit,” a digital publication focused on what used fashion products leading New York style influencers are buying and selling on its platform.

The online retail giant is partnering with 10 fashion influencers, stylists and creators living in New York City, including stylist and fashion editor Dara Allen, actor and comedian Owen Thiele, and fashion writer Emilia Petrarca, to produce “The NYC Edit.” 

The guide is available on a dedicated section of the eBay site and features curated storefronts that customers can use to shop the pieces the influencers are buying and selling, as well as for suggestions on what to list for sale.  

[READ MORE: New omnichannel campaign answers question, ‘Why eBay?’]

"New York style is simultaneously cutting-edge and nostalgic, as the city is always in flux," said fashion writer Emilia Petrarca. "For The NYC Edit, I chose pieces that reflect eBay's incredible selection of personal deep cuts and capture a recent past that New Yorkers seem to be yearning for and rediscovering right now. I'm also selling a few things I love from my own closet that I'm ready to pass along to someone else in the style community. There are also a few things from my own closet that I'm finally ready to pass along to someone else in the style community."

In April 2026, eBay will host an in-person event with The NYC Edit's curators where customers can meet the influencers and buy and sell items.

Founded in 1995 in San Jose, eBay Inc. enabled nearly $80 billion of gross merchandise volume in 2025.