Retail Brew // Morning Brew // Update

February 14, 2025

Hey hey. With tariffs likely driving up prices, shoppers will likely be scouting for and taking advantage of any and all discounts. And we spotted one for you: the Crocs Classic Cozzzy Slippers are running at a 30% discount. In case you need help to get crocin’ on those chilly mornings.

In today’s edition:

—Jeena Sharma, Erin Cabrey, Katie Hicks

SUPPLY CHAIN

Brace for impact

Gcshutter/Getty Images

President Trump’s proposed tariffs have sparked a lot of conversation and a lot of retaliation from countries such as Canada, Mexico, and China.

Although it is likely to shake up a lot of businesses, its impact on industries such as fashion comes with its own unique challenges, especially as countries like China continue to be a major source for textiles, fabrics, and clothing. And while both Mexico and Canada may not be as dominant in fashion manufacturing, tariffs on raw materials like cotton and leather could also hike production costs for brands that source from these countries.

While companies will likely take a direct hit on profits, consumers may be in for a loss too as costs could be passed down.

“If tariffs are imposed, fashion brands will likely face a 10% or more rise in input costs, which will ultimately be passed down the supply chain,” Madhav Durbha, Group VP of CPG and Manufacturing at retail planning platform Relex, told Retail Brew via email. “Brands that are unable to absorb these additional costs could see margin compression, potentially by 8%–10%, unless they optimize their supply chains and adjust their sourcing strategies.”

He added that aside from an increase in prices, brands might have to resort to switching to lower production quality or using inexpensive materials to offset the tariffs while maintaining an affordable pricepoint for the consumer.

“This would be similar to the ‘shrinkflation’ trend seen in consumer goods, but in fashion,” Durbha said. “It may result in thinner fabrics, less intricate detailing, or reduced durability in clothing.”

Keep reading here.—JS

Presented By Trax

Snack on fresh stats

Curious about what your customers are craving? Shopkick by Trax surveyed nearly 12k consumers about their snack-purchasing habits. Let’s dig in.

According to Shopkick, shoppers head to the snack aisle with a few priorities in mind. Here’s a taste of what their research found:

Nearly 70% of shoppers prefer prepackaged snacks over homemade options.
68% of shoppers make impulse buys based on store displays.
61% of shoppers are willing to pay more for healthier snack options.

Take your snack-aisle promo to the next level with Shopkick. Their platform gamifies shopping by rewarding purchases, content views, + more. Plus, campaigns can go live in 48 hours, with first-party data delivered instantly.

Start snacking on fresh stats.

STORES

Egged on

Scott Olson/Getty Images

With help from record egg prices, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) jumped 0.5% in January, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported this week, a steeper than expected climb, and the highest month-over-month rise since August 2023.

Inflation also rose 3% annually. The increase follows a 0.4% monthly rise and 2.9% annual rate in CPI reported for December.

Food inflation hit 0.4% in January, with food at home rising 0.5% thanks to a bump from four of the six grocery indexes. Egg prices drove two-thirds of that food at home increase, as the bird flu outbreak continues to send prices skyrocketing. Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs rose 1.9%, with eggs up 15.2% from the previous month, a major uptick from the 3.2% increase seen in the month prior and the largest jump since June 2015. Over the past year, egg prices have risen a whopping 53%.

Those egg prices haven’t cooled in February, either—their wholesale price is currently $7.68 a dozen in the US, representing an over 25% monthly increase.

Keep reading here.—EC

MARKETING

White to behold

Illustration: Anna Kim, Photos: Away, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bloomingdale's

The White Lotus is returning this month—and brands want in on the vacation.

Ahead of the Season 3 premiere on February 16, nearly a dozen brands are promoting the HBO hit series. Brands like the luggage company Away, Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, Bloomingdale’s, and Coffee Mate are creating licensed, White Lotus-themed products.

American Express, meanwhile, is offering its cardmembers access to White Lotus-themed events for the first time this year, including two wellness retreats at Four Seasons hotels in California as well as in Thailand at the primary location for the new season. Diageo, Google Pixel, Supergoop, Kiehl’s, and CB2 will feature their products as part of the retreats.

“The White Lotus is a marketer’s dream,” Andrew Meengern, VP of HBO and Max Originals marketing, told Marketing Brew.

Keep reading here on Marketing Brew.—KH

Together With Bazaarvoice

What’s trending…and what’s ending. Powered by insights from Bazaarvoice’s 9m+ influencers across seven markets, the Trends and Predictions 2025 webinar is primed to dish out the latest. Supplement your content supply chain by learning about major themes shaping the industry and omnichannel experiences.. Watch the on-demand webinar whenever you’re ready.

SWAPPING SKUS

Today’s top retail reads.

Renewed attempt: Meta is opening Facebook Marketplace to classified ad companies in Europe that can pay to post their listings. (Bloomberg)

Wok this way: A profile of the American Chinese restaurant group Panda Inn that operates Panda Express. (the New York Times)

Growing into it: Moncler posted robust Q4 revenue driven by stronger sales in China. (the Wall Street Journal)

Food for thought: In its latest report, Shopkick found that 68% of consumers impulse-buy snacks based on store displays. Learn how shoppers choose snacks (+ how Shopkick can help drive results) in the full report.*

^{*A message from our sponsor.}

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