The $4 Million Skincare Heist: Tackling Organized Retail Crime
A high-stakes investigation into $4 million of stolen skincare products highlights the growing threat of organized retail crime to global supply chains.
Staff Report
Global insights on omnichannel retail and commerce from the Doing Business in Bentonville Staff Report Team—expert analysis and trends shaping Bentonville’s role in the future of business.
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Higher Gas Prices to Cost Households Extra $740 This Year
Rising fuel costs are projected to impact household budgets by an average of $740 in 2026, forcing a shift in consumer discretionary spending.
Product Discovery Becomes More Complex in Fragmented Omnichannel Landscape
Retailers must navigate a fragmented shopper journey as social commerce, AI, and physical stores redefine how consumers find and evaluate products in 2026.
Non-Wage Costs Drive Sharp Rise in 2026 Business Expenses
A New York Fed report reveals that soaring health insurance and utility costs are eclipsing wage growth as the primary drivers of rising business expenses.
AI Becomes Mainstream Tool as Shoppers Embrace Agentic Commerce
Retailers in Bentonville and beyond are witnessing a shift as a majority of consumers now use AI for product discovery and price comparisons.
SPECS 2026 Spotlights Evolution of Store Development and Facilities
Retail leaders at SPECS 2026 addressed the critical intersection of store design, AI-driven maintenance, and the "X-factor" of physical retail environments.
Unilever in Talks to Sell Food Division to McCormick
Consumer giant Unilever moves to separate its food business, potentially merging Hellmann’s and Knorr with McCormick to focus on high-growth beauty and wellbeing.
NY Fed Reports Sharp March Service Sector Activity Decline
Business activity in the New York region's service sector fell substantially in March 2026, with the headline index hitting -22.6 as employment continues a seven-month contraction.
Costco to Launch First Standalone Gas Stations in Major Expansion
Costco Wholesale is evolving its fuel strategy by opening its first standalone gas stations in Texas and California, marking a shift in traditional retail logistics.
Layered Planning: Modernizing Global Supply Chains and Omnichannel Logistics
Strategic layered planning and the integration of 3PL and 4PL models are essential for optimizing global supply chains and meeting the complex demands of modern omnichannel retail environments.
The Strategic Art of Asking Questions in Retail Leadership
Mastering the discipline of inquiry is essential for demystifying complex supply chain data and fostering innovation in omnichannel retail.
Balancing Transformation in 2026: Scaling Culture Without Scaling Burnout
As we move through 2026, the traditional mandate of pushing harder to achieve cultural alignment is being replaced by a more sustainable approach.
Thirty Million Workers Borrow From Tomorrow for Today
A new study reveals the recurring financial shortfalls and risky workarounds 30 million Labor Economy workers use to bridge the payday gap.
Three Reasons to Centralize Treasury Operations in 2026
Global enterprises are moving toward centralized treasury models to enhance liquidity, mitigate risk, and leverage real-time financial data.
Accuracy Concerns Outweigh Job Loss Fears in New AI Study
A recent survey reveals that users are more concerned with AI hallucinations and misinformation than the threat of technological unemployment.
AI Policy Shifts From Innovation to Economic Payoff
Governments and enterprises move from theoretical AI exploration to prioritizing measurable productivity and industrial economic returns.