A record 202.9 million shoppers visited stores and websites during the five-day Thanksgiving weekend, according to the National Retail Federation. The average spend per consumer reached $337.86, the most since 2019's record $361.90, with consumers shopping mainly at supermarkets and online, followed by department stores, clothing stores and discount stores. Nearly all made holiday-related purchases, reflecting continued enthusiasm for the extended holiday shopping period.

Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act is under pressure after the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors filed for a preliminary injunction, citing unconstitutional mandates and potential financial harm to businesses. NAW argues the law, which aims to overhaul recycling systems through extended producer responsibility, unfairly shifts the burden to parts of the supply chain that have little control over product design and recycling. Although NAW supports circular-economy initiatives, the law, as enacted, "is unconstitutional, creates new mandates, inhibits interstate commerce and fails at its primary goal of encouraging circularity," says President and CEO Eric Hoplin.

Costco has filed a lawsuit in the US Court of International Trade seeking to ensure that the company can claim a full refund if the US Supreme Court decides the Trump administration's tariffs are illegal. The company is joining a wave of other businesses and states challenging the duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Amazon is testing a delivery service that aims to deliver fresh groceries, household items and over-the-counter medicine within 30 minutes in Philadelphia and Seattle. This pilot is part of Amazon's ongoing efforts to enhance rapid delivery services and compete with other retailers' quick fulfillment options.

The warehouse real estate sector is reaching a balance after a pandemic-driven surge and pullback, with tenants prioritizing efficiency, power and location over square footage. New development has slowed, and federal policies are encouraging onshoring. Rent increases have stabilized, and in some markets, rents are falling due to oversupply.

Target is adapting to the evolving retail landscape by integrating ChatGPT into its shopping experience and internal processes to enhance customer interactions and support supply chain, merchandising and store operations. "Ultimately, we want to make sure that their experience in store is fully assisted with tech so that they can focus on the guest," Target Chief Information and Product Officer Prat Vemana said about store associates using chatbot Store Companion to answer customers' questions. Shoppers can also get gift questions answered by using Target's AI-powered gift finder on its app and website.

Agentic AI is ushering in a new era of machine-to-machine marketing, where autonomous digital assistants curate content, make decisions and influence purchasing behavior without waiting for human prompts, writes Brian Yamada, chief innovation officer at VML. Yamada offers three steps brands can take to successfully move into the new era: audit agent traffic, evaluate data readiness and explore internal agentic AI projects to stay competitive.

The OECD projects that global growth has proven more resilient than anticipated this year, with strong investment, particularly in AI-related sectors, despite significant tariff headwinds. Even so, the outlook is increasingly delicate as inflation cools only gradually, financial conditions stay tight, and trade and geopolitical tensions continue to cloud confidence. With major central banks expected to conclude rate-cut cycles next year, the environment becomes more susceptible to renewed shocks and a potential slowdown in consumer and business demand.

If you want to create a culture of accountability in your organization, don't relegate communication to an HR function, writes author and consultant Marlene Chism, who recommends prioritizing open, ongoing dialogue to avoid toxic behaviors like gossip and avoidance. "You can delegate tasks, roles and even entire departments, but you cannot delegate your own communication habits or the culture they create," Chism writes.

Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW's premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.

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