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Last updated: 2026-04-21 13:28:05 ET
Pulse AI Brief
Updated Apr 21, 2026 1:02 PM ET
U.S. retail sales accelerated 1.7% in March from February, but the gain was driven almost entirely by a spike in gasoline prices at the pump. Underlying consumer spending on goods and services showed weakness when adjusted for energy costs.
The headline beat masks softening demand for non-energy retail goods, signaling consumer resilience is fragile. Elevated gas prices are crowding out discretionary spending, pressuring retail margins and consumer goods companies that depend on volume growth.
The data reveals that Iran-driven oil price spikes are already hitting consumer wallets, creating a headwind for discretionary spending. If energy prices remain elevated, consumer purchasing power will deteriorate, risking a slowdown in growth and demand-driven inflation.
Amazon allegedly coerced major vendors into convincing rival retailers like Walmart, Target and Home Depot to raise prices
U.S. importers, such as Walmart and Target, could be in line for billions in tariff refunds as the government launches its claims-filing portal on Mon...
Many GOP states are enacting soda and candy bans for food stamp purchases amid MAHA’s healthy food efforts. Some retailers and SNAP users find the new rules complicated.
About 422 indie bookshops opened in 2025, up 31%, defying predictions of retail consolidationFor years now, we have heard that Amazon and the big chai...
How much the typical worker made last year at 16 top retailers, from Amazon to Walmart
Multibillion-dollar dealerships have been on the rise amid a decadeslong consolidation that has led to a grow-or-die mentality for many U.S. auto reta...
Retailers that sell liquor and wine in Mississippi are experiencing delays in deliveries to their businesses due to problems at a state warehouse
Big retailers are embracing agentic commerce as a new way to shop. But you should think twice before handing over your credit card, tech experts say.
Adobe says AI traffic to U.S. retail sites also jumped 269% in March, with visitors converting better and generating more revenue than non-AI shoppers...
The nation's largest grocer is giving the brand a more modern and colorful spin as other retailers invest in private label.
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