Latest news with #DeborahWeinswig
Axios
3 days ago
- Business
- Axios
What tariffs mean for back-to-school shopping in Florida
Parents are heading into the 2025 back-to-school season facing rising prices and looming tariffs — forcing them to shop smarter and earlier. Why it matters: Back-to-school is the second-biggest retail event of the year, after the holidays. This season is a stress test for family budgets and a strategy test for retailers trying to hold onto value-conscious shoppers. Catch up quick: New U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports — including backpacks, pens, binders and shoes — kicked in earlier this year, rose sharply, then came back down to levels still historically high. Some retailers stocked up early and "purchased a lot in advance, and some didn't purchase as much because of the uncertainty," Deborah Weinswig, CEO of Coresight Research, told Axios. Zoom in: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law this year a permanent, annual back-to-school sales tax exemption throughout August on clothing, shoes, backpacks, school supplies and personal computers. Clothing, footwear, wallets and bags priced at $100 or less are exempt from sales tax. Jewelry, watches and umbrellas aren't. School supplies priced at $50 or less per item are included, such as pens, pencils, binders and lunch boxes. Personal computers and related accessories priced at $1,500 or less are also tax-free. The big picture: 67% of back-to-school shoppers had already started buying for the coming school year as of early June, according to the National Retail Federation's annual survey of nearly 7,600 consumers. This is up from 55% last year and the highest since NRF started tracking early shopping in 2018, the group said. 51% of families said they are shopping earlier this year compared with last year, "out of concern that prices will rise due to tariffs." By the numbers: Stationery and supplies prices have risen 30% over the past five years, according to Deloitte's 2025 back-to-school survey. Between May 2021 and 2025, boys' apparel climbed 14%, girls' apparel and footwear were each up 4%, while personal computers and peripheral equipment fell 11%. "Parents are experiencing overall economic pressures and need to make decisions about what they buy," Brian McCarthy, principal of retail strategy at Deloitte Consulting LLP, told Axios.
Axios
5 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Tariffs and tight budgets reshape back-to-school shopping
Parents are heading into the 2025 back-to-school season facing rising prices and looming tariffs — forcing them to shop smarter and earlier. Why it matters: Back-to-school is the second-biggest retail event of the year, after the holidays. This season is a stress test for family budgets and a strategy test for retailers trying to hold onto value-conscious shoppers. Catch up quick: New U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports — including backpacks, pens, binders and shoes — kicked in earlier this year, rose sharply, then came back down to levels still historically high. Some retailers stocked up early and "purchased a lot in advance, and some didn't purchase as much because of the uncertainty," Deborah Weinswig, CEO of Coresight Research, told Axios. "Clients of ours who are in denim or basics brought everything in early. They've been warehousing it," Weinswig said. Early school shopping driven by tariff anxiety The big picture: 67% of back-to-school shoppers had already started buying for the coming school year as of early June, according to the National Retail Federation's annual survey of nearly 7,600 consumers, released Tuesday. This is up from 55% last year and the highest since NRF started tracking early shopping in 2018, the group said. 51% of families said they are shopping earlier this year compared with last year "out of concern that prices will rise due to tariffs," NRF said. School supply purchases were up 175% during last week's Prime Day, Adam Davis, managing director at Wells Fargo Retail Finance, tells Axios, citing Adobe Analytics data. Davis says this shows "price-weary consumers were looking to make the most of retail sales." By the numbers: NRF said Tuesday that families with students in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $858.07 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics, down from $874.68 in 2024. Total spending is estimated at $39.4 billion, up from $38.8 billion last year. Shoppers are expected to spend $13.6 billion on electronics, $11.4 billion for clothing and accessories, $7.8 billion on shoes and $6.6 billion on school supplies, NRF said. Back-to-school prices up Zoom in: Stationery and supplies prices have risen 30% over the past five years, according to Deloitte's 2025 back-to-school survey. Between May 2021 and 2025, boys' apparel climbed 14%, girls' apparel and footwear were each up 4%, while personal computers and peripheral equipment fell 11%. "Parents are experiencing overall economic pressures and need to make decisions about what they buy," Brian McCarthy, principal of retail strategy at Deloitte Consulting LLP, told Axios. Yes, but: The full impact of tariffs hasn't hit store shelves yet — and back-to-school season may be the first test of how much price pressure shoppers will tolerate, according to a Wells Fargo Investment Institute report released Monday. The June Consumer Price Index shows a 3.4% increase in stationary, stationery supplies and gift wrap and a 10.2% price index in college textbooks. What they're saying: "Retailers have done a solid job front-loading inventory to delay price spikes — so for now, many shelves still reflect pre-tariff costs," David Warrick, EVP at supply chain risk firm Overhaul, told Axios. "But that buffer may run out by late summer or early fall." "We're starting to see price creep on everyday items — including school supplies — but the full impact of tariffs will likely cascade in phases," Warrick said. "Many of these categories are caught in the crossfire of the latest tariff expansions, and we're expecting an average price increase of 12 to 15% across back-to-school essentials," Warrick added. Target teacher discount 2025, holding supply prices Target is holding the line on 2024 prices for key items like a $5 backpack and a bundle of 20 supplies under $20, to help ease pressure on family budgets. As in past years, Target is offering a one-time 20% discount for verified college students and verified teachers. Zoom out: Not all retailers have unveiled their full back-to-school plans.
Axios
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Labubu doll craze could be the hot toy of 2025
A mischievous little monster with fangs is America's must-have toy — causing fans of all ages to line up and resale prices to soar. Meet Labubu, the spiky-eared collectible from China and star of the "cute horror" boom. Why it matters: There were already concerns that President Trump 's trade war would lead to toy shortages and higher prices for the holidays before Labubu became the runaway "hot toy." "Trends can go global so much easier now," Coresight Research CEO Deborah Weinswig tells Axios. "It's like the Cabbage Patch Kids of yesteryear." "It's never great to have one hot toy because then everybody wants it and they can't get it," she said. "And then they'll actually sacrifice spending money on something else." What is a Labubu? Labubu is an elf-like character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. It gained a following through a 2019 collaboration with Chinese toy giant Pop Mart. It's sold in "blind boxes," meaning buyers don't know which figure they'll get, fueling a thrill-of-the-hunt resale culture. Each series includes rare "secret" editions, some of which now resell for thousands of dollars. Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham are among the celebrities helping drive the trend by display the dolls on their bags. How much is a Labubu? By the numbers: The retail price for standard Labubu figures that come in blind boxes ranges from $8.99 to $27.99. Larger Labubu plush dolls retail for $40 to $85, while limited editions and special collaborations typically start at $167. Resale and secondary prices are astronomically higher. Where to buy real Labubu dolls State of play: Pop Mart is the official retailer of Labubu dolls. It operates 31 full stores, five pop-up locations and 53 Robo Shop vending machines throughout the U.S., according to its store locator. The Pop Mart website sells Labubu dolls and merchandise, but nearly all 131 items listed this week were out of stock when Axios checked. Authorized resellers sell real Labubu — including Amazon, which has a Pop Mart store, though inventory was nonexistent when Axios searched. The intrigue: Live sales grew 300% month-over-month since March on live marketplace Whatnot, Armand Wilson, the company's vice president of categories and expansion, told Axios. Wilson said watch time on Labubu shows increased more than four-fold in April alone compared to March. What are Skullpanda, Sonny Angel and Smiskis? Zoom in: The blind boxing trend is driving more collectibles with names that sound like they were intentionally made up. Skullpanda also comes from China and is produced by Pop Mart. Sonny Angel and Smiski toys are Japanese imports, created by Dreams Inc., a company rooted in kawaii culture. Gen Z's toy craze The big picture: Millennials and Gen Z adults — aka " kidults" — are fueling the mystery or blind-box craze and reshaping the U.S. toy and collectibles market.
Axios
08-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Amazon, Walmart, Target, Costco roll out mega summer sales
Call it Prime Day, or Black Friday in July, but this week is expected to mark a major moment for summer spending. Why it matters: Billions of dollars are projected to be spent at Amazon and other retailers that are running competing sales. The summer sales period kicks off back-to-school shopping, and some bargain-conscious consumers are expected to get a jump on holiday shopping. "Value and essentials will outperform premium as shoppers focus on deals for everyday items, especially back-to-school and replenishment," Mike Feldman, senior vice president of commerce at Flywheel, told Axios. State of play: Retailers have warned that some seasonal events could be affected by tariffs, with shortages and higher prices possible. "I think people are just being a bit more conservative in general, but then splurging where they can," Coresight Research CEO Deborah Weinswig told Axios. "The consumer is being very intentional." Jacob Bennett, CEO and co-founder of small business banking platform Crux Analytics, tells Axios that some Amazon sellers pulled out of Prime Day because of tariffs. "Small businesses importing goods are getting hit twice, first by tariff costs, then by Prime Day debt on top," Bennett said. What time does Amazon Prime Day start? Amazon's 11th Prime Day starts 12:01am PDT Tuesday and goes through Friday, July 11. Amazon doubled the length of Prime Day from two days to four — the longest sale in the event's history. "Extending Prime Day could also be a strategic move against the rising tariffs on goods from China," Jess Meher, SVP at Loop Returns, told Axios. Zoom in: During the sale, Prime members get access to millions of deals "across more than 35 categories." Best Buy Black Friday in July 2025 Best Buy's"Black Friday in July event" began Monday and continues through Sunday. The retailer is calling it one of its "biggest sale events of the summer." The sale was three days last year, but like Amazon's, increased in length. BJ's Wholesale Club Wow Days BJ's Wow Days kicked off Monday and run through Sunday, July 13. The online-only sale has savings of up to 50% on patio and garden, TVs and tech, home and kitchen, everyday essentials and more, the retailer told Axios. Costco Member Savings Days Costco's five-day sale started Monday and runs through Friday, July 11. The sale is online-only and while supplies last, the wholesale club said on its website. The sale comes a week after Costco launched early hours for executive members. Clubs are also staying open an hour later on Saturdays for all members. Kohl's Summer Cyber Deals Kohl's four-day sale — Summer Cyber Deals — is doubled from two days in 2024 and includes free shipping on all orders, the department store chain said. The sale is from Monday through Thursday, with new daily deals each day in-store and online. Shoppers can earn $10 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 spent during the sale. Target Circle Week deals 2025 Target Circle Week started Sunday and even earlier for members of the paid Target Circle 360 program. Target's sale continues through Saturday, July 12. There will be early back-to-school and college shopping deals and the return of Target's "Deal of the Day." During the sale, there will be one day where Target gift cards are 10% off. Additional deals were unveiled in the weekly ad. Walmart Deals 2025 starts early for Walmart+ Walmart+ members got early access to the world's largest retailer's sale at 7 p.m. ET Monday. The sale starts at midnight ET Tuesday online for all shoppers and in stores when they open. The sale continues through Sunday, July 13. it's the first time it will be available both in stores and online. Walmart said in a news release that deals are "across electronics, home, fashion, toys, beauty and back-to-school essentials — including big names like Samsung, Vizio, Dyson, Sharpie and more."
Business Wire
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Coresight Research Announces 'NextGen 2025: Retail, Real Estate & the New Consumer' Conference in New York City
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coresight Research, the leading research and advisory firm specializing in retail and technology, announces registration is now open and unveils programming for its 2025 NextGen conference. NextGen 2025: Retail, Real Estate & the New Consumer, presented by Coresight Research and IBM, will be hosted at One Madison Ave in New York on June 23, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The conference will explore the future of retail, real estate, and the consumer experience, with a sharp focus on how artificial intelligence and other factors are impacting how the retail industry builds, operates, and how commerce comes to life. "The retail industry stands at a defining crossroads—one where reinvention is no longer optional but essential," said Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder of Coresight Research. "NextGen is not just a conference—it is a crucible for courageous dialogue and bold thinking. It brings together the architects of tomorrow's commerce to tackle today's most urgent challenges and to illuminate the boundless opportunities that lie ahead in how, where, and why we shop." Billy Taubman, President and COO, The Taubman Company, will present the opening keynote address, "From Main Street to Must-Have: The Timeless Role of Physical Retail". Joe Dittmar, Retail Industry Leader, Vice President IBM Consulting, David Pinto, Editor Racher Press and Steve Perlowski, SVP of Industry Relations at NACDS, will explore how AI is changing retail during the IBM keynote, 'Workforce Reinvented: Humans + AI in Harmony'. And Deborah Weinswig will be joined by renowned set designer best known for his work on Hamilton, David Korins, President & Lead Designer, Korins Studio, and rising star artist Leila Pinto, Artist-in-Residence, for the closing keynote address, 'Art of the Impossible: Where Imagination Becomes Infrastructure'. The trio will explore how physical design is playing a pivotal role in the future of retail as physical spaces become more than simply a place to purchase goods. The agenda for NextGen 2025: Retail, Real Estate & the New Consumer will also include panel discussions and networking opportunities. Opening Fireside Keynote: "From Main Street to Must-Have: The Timeless Role of Physical Retail" Panel: 'Built to Shine: Reimagining Beauty, Luxury and Business' Panel: 'Personalized or Lost: The New Data Battleground' Panel: 'Smart Retail, Seamless Journeys: The Next Evolution of Unified Commerce' IBM Keynote & Conversations: 'Workforce Reinvented: Humans + AI in Harmony' Panel: 'Rethinking the Retail Supply Chain: Agility, Risk & the Road Ahead' Panel: 'Retail Media and Other Monetization Opportunities: Real Results and ROI Measurement' Panel: 'The Intelligent Storefront: Real-Time Retail in the Physical World' Closing Keynote & Conversations: 'Art of the Impossible: Where Imagination Becomes Infrastructure' The NextGen 2025: Retail, Real Estate & the New Consumer conference is made possible by sponsors IBM and Intel. For more information about the conference, sponsorship and speaking opportunities, or to register to attend, please visit: Coresight Research is a research and advisory firm specializing in retail and technology. Established in 2018 by leading global retail analyst Deborah Weinswig, the firm is headquartered in New York, with offices in London, Lagos, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Mangalore (India). The firm provides data-driven analysis and strategic advisory to clients including retailers, brands, enterprise technology companies, accelerators and more. In addition to being renowned for its breadth and depth of research, Coresight Research is known for its expertise in the China market, helping clients with market entry and cross-border e-commerce strategies. Coresight Research is also known for its Innovator Intelligence platform, consisting of a vast network of technology entrepreneurs that it actively cultivates through events, mentorship, and regularly updated report coverage. For more information, visit
