News Briefs

Two popular e-commerce platforms that deal largely in inexpensive imported Chinese goods to U.S. consumers are hiking their prices due to tariffs. 

Shein and Temu have both advised their customers via website notices that they will be raising their prices starting on April 25. The increases come as President Trump has increased tariffs on Chinese imported goods to 125%, on top of other increases. Also, starting on May 2, the Trump Administration is poised to end a customs loophole (the de minimis exemption) that allows goods worth less than $800 to come into the U.S. duty-free.

In a letter to customers posted on its website, Shein said that its operating expenses have gone up “due to recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs.”

“To keep offering the products you love without compromising on quality, we will be making price adjustments starting April 25, 2025,” the company continued. “Until April 25, prices will stay the same, so you can shop now at today’s rates. We stand ready to make sure your orders arrive smoothly during this time.”

Temu sounded a nearly identical note in its online message to customers. Both companies said they were doing everything they could to keep prices low — and neither revealed the amount of the increases. 

[READ MORE: Amazon takes on Temu, Shein with low-priced storefront]

Walgreens Boots Alliance has settled an opioid lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Walgreens has agreed to pay the government at least $300 million to settle allegations that it unlawfully filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances in the last decade.

According to the terms of the settlement, Walgreens will pay $300 million to settle allegations that it violated the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act numerous times between August 2012 and March 2023. If the company is sold, merged or transferred before 2023, it will owe the government another $50 million.

“We strongly disagree with the government’s legal theory and admit no liability,” Walgreens spokesperson Fraser Engerman said in a statement, reported AP News. “This resolution allows us to close all opioid related litigation with federal, state and local governments and provides us with favorable terms from a cashflow perspective while we focus on our turnaround strategy.”

The Justice Department moved to dismiss the lawsuit against Walgreens in light of the settlement agreement.

“Pharmacies have a legal responsibility to prescribe controlled substances in a safe and professional manner, not dispense dangerous drugs just for profit,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “This Department of Justice is committed to ending the opioid crisis and holding bad actors accountable for their failure to protect patients from addiction.”

During the past eight years, drug makers, wholesalers and pharmacy retailers have agreed to more than $50 billion worth of settlements with governments, with most of the money earmarked to be used to fight the opioid crisis.

A luxury department store operator is trimming its supply chain infrastructure.

Saks Global, parent of the Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus banners, will begin permanently closing its distribution center in LaVergne, Tenn. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The company expects all separations of affected employees to be complete by Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025.

In a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act (WARN) notice filed with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development on Thursday, April 17, 2025, Saks Global said 446 workers, who are not represented by a collective bargaining agreement, will be affected by the closure. 

The state non-profit organizations Workforce Essentials and Northern Middle Tennessee Local Workforce Development Area will be responsible for the oversight and continued follow-up of services for employees who are laid off as a result of the closure.

In more cuts, WWD reported that Saks Global is laying off approximately 550 workers, or 3% of its  total workforce, as part of an effort to consolidate operations among its two banners. Most of the layoffs came from Saks Global’s corporate offices in Brookfield Place in lower Manhattan, Dallas and other locations, where a total of about 300 workers are being let go, the report said. 

Saks Global is seeking to reduce annual costs by approximately $500 million during  the next few years.

Saks Global, which finalized its acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group for a total enterprise value of $2.7 billion in December 2024, is keeping Neiman Marcus’ store in downtown Dallas open through the 2025 holiday season after initially announcing its intention to close the store at the end of March. 

[READ MORE: Neiman Marcus’ Dallas flagship to remain open — through holiday season]

Saks Global is also planning a $100 million renovation of the Neiman Marcus store at NorthPark Center, which is about 15 minutes away from downtown Dallas.

The Saks Global portfolio includes Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Off 5th, as well as a portfolio of prime U.S. real estate holdings and investments.

The average U.S. household shops at a wide variety of retailers annually, according to new data.

Circana’s latest Complete Consumer research reveals that households visit 39 unique retailers each year, including both in-store and online, with omnichannel shoppers spending nearly twice as much as those who stick to one or the other. The new data showcases how consumers are shifting their spending patterns amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

As consumers get squeezed, “everyday indulgences” are playing a key role in consumer spending, with notable growth in small luxury purchases, such as gourmet coffee, prestige beauty products and premium-priced candles, noted Circana.

"Our study shines a light on the trade-offs consumers face daily, whether it’s choosing value at dollar stores or splurging on small indulgences like gourmet coffee," said Michelle Bennett, executive VP of consumer and shopper insights at Circana. "By understanding these moments, companies can align their offerings to what really matters to today’s shoppers, driving loyalty and long-term growth."

[READ MORE: Consumers worried about recession, tariffs; expect to change shopping behavior]

Findings from Circana include the following:

• Circana’s data reveals that low-income households are increasing trips to value retailers and dollar stores, while high-income households are driving growth in club stores and e-commerce.
• Consumers are becoming more selective with what they buy, shopping more often but buying fewer categories.
• There are pockets of growth, such as convenience-driven meal preparation, often incorporating air fryer usage. This trend is growing at lunch and dinner occasions.
• Beverage-only snack occasions are on the rise across both retail and foodservice, with energy and nutrition drinks leading the way. Meanwhile, portable beverageware has seen double-digit growth for two consecutive years.

Zales wants to be the go-to jewelry destination for the new generation of “confident, on-trend women."

The retailer has launched a new branding campaign, “Own It,” that flips the script on traditional fine-jewelry marketing by championing the belief that such jewelry is meant to be worn every day — as opposed to being saved for special occasions. The campaign marks a pivotal shift for Zales as it asserts a fresh identity for a new generation of confident, fashion-forward consumer, the company said.

Zales is also testing a "store of the future" concept that reimagines the in-store experience and blends digital integration with vibrant, curated displays for a more self-serve, personalized shopping experience. 

On the media front, the brand is embracing digital-first strategies, exploring new channels such asmobile gaming, CTV, and interactive social formats while doubling down on influencer partnerships to better connect with younger audiences and highlight the importance of peer-to-peer recommendations.

In addition, Zales is expanding its product assortment with unique, trend-driven collections such Stellar Allure’s modern lab-grown diamond fashion designs, and Whimly by Zales, which features accessible price points along with stackable, layer-friendly designs. Customization and personalization take center stage, allowing customers to craft pieces that are truly their own.

[READ MORE: Signet reorganization plan includes off-mall move]

Zales is operated by Signet Jewelers Limited, the world's largest retailer of diamond jewelry. Signet operates approximately 2,600 stores under a variety of banners.

[READ MORE: Walgreens in $638 million opioid settlement with Florida]