April 2024: Monthly Consumer News Roundup

Each month, we share a compilation of the biggest news stories from all corners of the consumer landscape, from CPG, retail, beauty, tech, hospitality, real estate, deals, investments and more.

Chipotle Keeps Raising Prices. Gym Rats and Millennials Are Still Buying Burritos.

The burrito chain outperforms restaurant rivals with customers who tend to have higher incomes and be health conscious. WSJ

How YouTube Shopping is upping its social commerce competition with TikTok

YouTube’s parent company Alphabet sees creators and their affiliates as a way to stay competitive in the social commerce ever-changing landscape. Modern Retail

How American malls survived the slow death of department stores

Top-tier malls, known as Class A malls, are pivoting toward an experiential model, replacing department stores with grocery stores, casinos, gyms, ice skating rinks and, in some cases, even residential apartments. CNBC

Brands are betting on tequila-based beverages as the next trending category

Over the last couple of years, ready-to-drink beverages have risen in popularity. And this year, major brands are placing their bets on tequila being the spirit of choice for these products. Modern Retail

Walmart Takes On Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods With New Premium Brand

Grocery giant is rolling out curry chicken empanadas and 300 other items as it seeks to capture spending by American consumers. WSJ

The Era of One-Stop Grocery Shopping Is Over

Consumers are making 8% more trips to different retailers as inflation continues to upend household budgets. WSJ

Nike and Lululemon Athletica Are Cutting Staff in a Tough Year for Sports Gear

Nike is laying off approximately 740 employees, while Lululemon is trimming a little over 128 jobs as it shutters a distribution center. Barron's

Amazon launches low-cost grocery delivery subscription plan in US

The subscription plan would allow Amazon's Prime members to get unlimited grocery delivery at $9.99 per month on orders over $35 from Whole Foods Market, Amazon Fresh, and other local grocery and specialty retailers on the platform. Reuters

Innovation Won’t Save Department Stores. The Right Products Will.

Mid-market American department stores like Macy’s, Kohl’s and Nordstrom must reinvent their entire value proposition with a selection that can compete with online fast fashion and off-price players. BoF

How TikTok Shop Became The Internet’s Favorite New Dollar Store

Six months after its launch, TikTok Shop has sold more than $1 billion worth of products — some of questionable quality, including counterfeits. Forbes

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