News Briefs

Consumer spending for Cinco de Mayo is expected to be on par or slightly more than last year.

New survey results from Numerator reveals that 17% of U.S. consumers plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (May 5) this year. More than a quarter (27%) of Gen Z plans to celebrate, while 23% of millennials plan to do so.

Celebrators plan to spend between $25 and $100 on their Cinco de Mayo supplies. More than half (61%) plan to spend the same as last year, while 22% expect to spend more and 17% expect to spend less. The overwhelming majority (93%) of Cinco de Mayo celebrators plan to purchase something for the holiday, with food (75%) and alcoholic beverages (58%) topping shopping lists. 

Cinco de Mayo celebrators plan to buy their supplies at grocery stores (47%), liquor stores (35%), big box stores (32%), restaurants, bars or food delivery services (32%), and discount or dollar stores (18%). 

The top celebration plans are going out to eat (38%), gathering with family & friends (35%), going out for drinks (33%), cooking / baking at home (25%), and grilling / barbecuing (25%). Millennial celebrators are the most likely to order food for takeout or delivery (19% vs. 13% for all celebrators), while Gen Z is the most likely generation to attend a public celebration (20% vs. 12%).

[READ MORE: Mother’s Day spending to rise over last year]

Among those planning to purchase alcohol, more than three-quarters (78%) will purchase margaritas and over half (51%) will purchase beer. Gen Z celebrators are twice as likely to purchase hard seltzers or canned cocktails (45% vs. 23%). Gen Z celebrators are also more likely than other generations to purchase party supplies (29% vs. 21%) and candy (31% vs. 14%).

A popular Chinese online retailer has added a new charge  in response to the Trump Administration’s tariffs.

Temu has added an “import charges” of about 145% on some items, reported CNBC. Some of the fees range between 130% and 150%, more than doubling the cost of those items, according to the report.

A summer dress sold on Temu for $18.47 will cost $44.68 after $26.21 in import charges are added to the bill, a 142% surcharge, the report said. In another example cited by CNBC, a handheld vacuum cleaner listed at $16.93 now costs $40.11 when factoring in an import charge of $21.68, which is a roughly 137% markup. 

“Items imported into the U.S. may be subject to import charges,” Temu said on its website. “These charges cover all customs-related processes and costs, including import fees paid to customs authorities on your behalf.”

Shein

Shein, which sources most of its products from China, has raised its U.S. prices as much as 377% in a few instances, reported Bloomberg. Its top 100 products in the beauty and health category have increased by 51% while home and kitchen products and toys are up by 30%, according to Bloomberg statistics.

Earlier this month, both Temu and Shein warned shoppers via website notices that they would be raising their prices starting on April 25.  In explaining the increases, they cited “recent changes in global trade rules and tariffs.”

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.

H&M is updating more than 90 of its stores across Southern Europe with cloud-based building management solutions. 

As part of its commitment to reduce electricity consumption per square meter in stores, the fast-fashion giant is partnering with Honeywell, which will provide remote digital building management solutions and services across H&M locations in Spain, France, Italy, Belgium and Portugal. Each store will be equipped with Honeywell’s Remote Building Manager solution connected to a centralized database that tracks energy usage and identifies actionable insights for energy savings and optimized operations. 

The cloud-based system enables real-time monitoring of HVAC, lighting and energy systems, with clear actions for improving efficiency and cost savings.  The centralized Honeywell platform streamlines multisite operations, minimizing on-site interventions and helping boost operational resilience for an entire portfolio without requiring additional manpower. Centralized services also ensure immediate visibility and quick response across various dispersed locations should an issue occur.

The solutions will be managed via Honeywell Multisite Services using the Honeywell Forge IOT platform, which provides advanced monitoring and analytics. The platform enables condition-based maintenance to improve the resiliency of critical systems around the clock, reduce unplanned reactive work and lower energy costs.  

“With the integration of our advanced remote building management solutions and managed services, we are empowering H&M to optimize energy use and reduce maintenance costs, while also working to enhance the in-store experience,” said Sudhakar Janakiraman, president, building solutions, Honeywell Building Automation. “Our connected technology not only improves efficiency and comfort but also supports H&M’s broader commitment to reaching net zero, helping ensure a smarter, energy-conscious retail environment.”

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Walmart Inc. is providing sponsored search advertisers a deeper view into the sales they generate.

The discounter is introducing incremental sales measurement to sponsored search ads offered by its Walmart Connect retail media network (launched in 2021 as a revamped version of the Walmart Media Group). 

Leveraging Walmart’s first-party retail data and industry-leading, test-and-control methodologies, advertisers will be able to gain insights the retailer says will enable them to make sharper data-driven decisions about their channel investments. 

Walmart advertisers will be able to evaluate how current sponsored search strategies are driving incremental sales both online and in-store, identify top-performing brands within their portfolio, and reallocate budgets to meet demand, including during key moments like seasonal campaigns. 

Advertisers will then be able to report the incremental impact of their Walmart sponsored search investments back to their organization. 

"We’re excited to deliver this powerful combination to give our advertisers greater confidence in the true impact of their campaigns," Jeff Clark, VP of product & commercialization, Walmart Connect, said in a corporate blog post. "We plan to roll out more broadly to managed advertisers this summer, as we continue to learn more about how advertisers understand and optimize toward incrementality."

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has touched down in the nation’s most populated state.

The fast-casual taco chain has made its debut in California with a new location in Barstow in the Mojave Desert. Located just off the freeway, the location is positioned to serve travelers heading to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and beyond.

Guests at Fuzzy’s can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner options including tacos, bowls, nachos, quesadillas and more, along with margaritas, beer and other drinks.

“Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has built a passionate following across the country, and we’re confident that Californians will embrace our bold flavors and great vibes,” said Patrick Kirk, president of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “As a key stop along Route 66, Barstow offers the perfect place to take a break on a road trip. It’s a great first step to introduce our brand to the West Coast and marks a big milestone for Fuzzy’s.”

The first Fuzzy’s location in California is operated by the Soleimani Group, an experienced multi-unit franchisee group with over 30 IHOP locations.

[READ MORE: Dine Brands to grow co-branded restaurant concept in 2025]

“We are thrilled to introduce Fuzzy’s Taco Shop to California,” said Sam Soleimani, President and CEO of Soleimani Group. “Barstow is a dynamic market with a constant flow of travelers and a strong local community. We believe Fuzzy’s fresh flavors and relaxed atmosphere will resonate here, and we look forward to growing the brand in this region.”

Founded in 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop operated 117 restaurants across 15 states as of Dec. 31, 2024, including one company-owned location in Texas. The chain is part of the Dine Brands Global Inc. portfolio, which also includes Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar and IHOP.