It’s been another week with far more retail news than there is time in the day. Below, we break down some things you may have missed during the week and what we’re still thinking about.
From consumers’ planned spending cuts to Manscaped’s launch at Canadian Tire, here’s our closeout for the week.
What you may have missed
Consumers eye spending cuts
As of the end of July, 51% of the population is planning to cut spending because of weakening economic conditions, according to a Thursday note from TD Cowen. Those who make less than $50,000 and younger consumers, ages 18 to 34, are expected to pull even back more.
Of those who will pull back across discretionary and staples, nearly 60% will cut their spending on clothing and 31% will cut footwear purchases.
Additionally, nearly 90% of those who eye cuts have high intentions to closely monitor price increases on clothing accessories, which “highlights unpredictability of elasticities and mitigation efforts across the sector,” per the analysts.
Manscaped launches at Canadian Tire
Expanding its North American presence, personal grooming brand Manscaped on Tuesday announced it would sell in 500 Canadian Tire stores and on the retailer’s website.
“When it comes to personal care, many consumers discover and purchase new products during their everyday shopping trips, which is why it’s so important for Manscaped to be available where they already shop,” Catherine Cronin, vice president of Retail at Manscaped, said in a statement.
Spanx introduces new shapewear collections
The Spanxsupersculpt Transform collection.
mage courtesy of Spanx
In celebration of National Shapewear Day, Spanx debuted two collections to its assortment. The company introduced its Spanxsupersculpt Transform and Spanxsupersmooth Sheersense to its line.
“While Spanx has evolved and expanded over the past 25 years, continuing to deliver innovation and integrating it into new categories like apparel and active, the legacy of our shapewear roots is at the heart of everything we do,” Chief Design Officer Pascale Gueracague said in a statement.
Spanxsupersculpt is designed with bonded panels and flexible boning, while Spanxsupersmooth is the brand’s lightest collection.
Retail therapy
Time to get spooky
While it’s still sweltering in much of the country, retailers are readying fall goodies for the upcoming spooky season.
Image courtesy of Target
Target this week announced it added more than 1,500 festive products to its website, including costumes, decor and treats.
“We know millions of families love Halloween and don’t want to wait until October to shop, so Target is ready with over 1,500 new items so you can start preparing right now,” Rick Gomez, chief commercial officer at Target, said in a statement.
The mass merchant said most items are under $25, with some as low as $1.
Happy haunting, everyone.
Pumpkin spice is so back
Adding to the early fall vibes, brands are starting to bring back their seasonal pumpkin spice products. We’ve seen the usual suspects using pumpkin spice — from lattes to baked goods — but one company is trying to attract fall lovers with a new take on the flavor.
Laughing Cow this week announced it is launching its latest limited-edition flavor: Pumpkin Spice. The flavor — which is available now through November — features cinnamon and pumpkin blended into the brand’s signature cheese wedges.
Image courtesy of Bel Brands USA
“This limited-edition variety delivers all the cozy, craveable notes of the season, combined with our signature creamy texture. It’s a fun, flavorful twist that will instantly elevate any snack or spread all season long,” Jessica Dillon, senior brand director of The Laughing Cow, said in a statement.
To entice consumers to try out the product, Laughing Cow included a number of recipes in its announcement, including Autumn Delight Crostinis, Pumpkin Spice S’Mores Bites and Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Dip.
What we’re still thinking about
$42
That’s how much Ulta is charging per guest for birthday parties at its stores. The parties are 75 to 90 minutes long, can host between four to 12 people and include tutorials, guided sessions and games. For $13 and up per person, a birthday party can add stylist services to their group, including hair tinsel or accent braids. Guests can book the parties through their Ulta Beauty account.
As part of the deal, the birthday boy or girl will receive a 20% off coupon for their next visit and all guests will receive a gift bag filled with skin care, makeup and body care products. That goodie bag is a $100 value, according to Ulta’s website, and the products included will be age-appropriate.
“We are committed to providing healthy, gentle and effective products through curated assortments and brands formulated with tweens and teens in mind,” the website reads.
$5.6M
That’s what Walmart will pay to settle a customer protection lawsuit in California, according to a release from the Office of the District Attorney in Santa Clara County. The lawsuit was filed by a team of district attorneys’ offices in the state and alleged that Walmart charged customers more than the lowest advertised price and sold some items with less weight than shown on the label, a violation of California’s False Advertising and Unfair Competition Laws.
“When someone brings an item to the register to be scanned, the price must be right,” District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement. “They expect it. California expects it. My Office expects it – and we will apply the law to make sure of it.”
As part of the settlement, Walmart will pay $5.5 million in civil penalties, roughly $140,000 to cover the costs of the investigation in California and must maintain employees responsible for price and weight accuracy in its California stores.
What we’re watching
Amazon, Walmart battle it out with groceries
Putting itself in deeper competition with other retailers, Amazon on Wednesday announced it will offer same-day delivery of perishable groceries in over 1,000 cities and towns across the U.S., with plans to expand in the next year. The move signifies Amazon’s desire to become a one-stop shop for more consumers.
For Prime members, the e-commerce giant is offering the service for free on orders of more than $25 and for $2.99 on purchases under that threshold. Non-Prime members will pay a $12.99 fee, with no order minimum.
The company earned more than $100 billion in gross sales of groceries and household essential goods last year, not including revenue from Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh.
Its latest expansion sets it up to compete more directly with retailers such as Walmart, for which the grocery category is a main revenue driver. Walmart U.S. garnered about $276 billion in net sales from grocery during the 2025 fiscal year.
Amazon’s update came a day after Walmart announced it would expand its 10% employee discount perk to include groceries year-round, instead of only during the holiday season.