Pamela Danziger

Swiss luxury brand Akris stands out in a consolidating market, maintaining its independence as a family-owned business since 1922. CEO Melissa Beste emphasizes that this autonomy allows Akris to prioritize craftsmanship, long-term stewardship, and deep customer relationships over short-term gains. Known for "quiet luxury" and architectural tailoring, Akris caters to professional women, CEOs, and leaders, a philosophy inherited from its founder. This focus on purpose-driven women and a multi-generational outlook fosters fierce loyalty, enabling Akris to thrive even amidst market fluctuations. The U.S. remains a crucial market, supported by strong partnerships with luxury retailers.

A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, led by Chairman Josh Hawley, recently scrutinized "AI surveillance pricing," which he labeled an "unholy trinity" of spying, ripping off consumers, and job destruction. Hawley cited Kroger's data sales and Delta's AI partnerships as examples, also linking electronic shelf labels (ESLs) to potential job losses and surveillance. Witnesses debated the practice, defined as charging different prices based on personal data. While bipartisan concern exists, confusion persists between market-based dynamic pricing and personal data-driven surveillance pricing. The National Retail Federation, in a written statement, defended retail pricing practices and ESLs, arguing they are efficiency tools akin to barcodes, not inherently tied to exploitative surveillance. They urged policymakers to distinguish between the technology and the practice to avoid stifling innovation.

A coalition of Amazon Teamsters, the Alliance for a Greater New York and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union rallied at New York City

Consumers keep confounding the economy's doom merchants. A quick look at the actual numbers released by the Census Bureau belies the AP's headline : “US

After a recent downturn, the China luxury market is stabilizing, but growth remains elusive. To return to growth, luxury must align with changing consumer psychology.

The home furnishings market is contracting as Americans stay put. With the housing market stalled, furniture and home furnishings retail revenues are down nearly 2% through the first seven months of the year.

Consolidation is increasingly the story of the luxury market. Over 70% of luxury brands are owned by conglomerates, according to Bloomberg. Just one conglomerate—LVMH—accounted for roughly 20% of the $413 billion (€358 billion) personal luxury market last year. And Kantar reports only ten luxury brands —led by Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Chanel—command some $322 billion in total brand value.

For the second quarter in a row, Target delivered a positive sales report after digging itself into a deep hole, with revenues falling from $109.1 billion in 2022 to $104.8 billion in 2025.

Disgruntled investors are exploring potential class-action lawsuits against Suja Life, the better-for-you beverage company, after its stock collapsed following its second earnings report as a public company.

Consumers keep confounding the economy’s doom merchants. A quick look at the actual numbers released by the Census Bureau belies the AP’s headline: “US Retail Sales Slump Unexpectedly and Sharply after a Summer Tax-Refund Boost Fades.” Or this one from the