Open-box marketplace Rebel, which raised a $25 million Series B last November, is now getting into the snacks category. The new section launched with better-for-you, shelf-stable brands like MadeGood, Purely Elizabeth, Chomps and Annie's, at discounts of 12-70%.

Tariffs

Marketplace Briefing: Online merchants welcome Trump customs crackdown amid wave of tariff evasion pitches

June 11, 2026

Online merchants are encouraged by a new Trump administration effort to crack down on customs fraud after a surge in tariff evasion schemes rattled sellers over the past year.

The slow trickle-down of tariff refunds

June 01, 2026

The U.S. government has received about half as many refund requests for around the $166 billion it recouped in now-illegal tariff duties.

Other news to know

  • Amazon sellers’ new struggles
  • Amazon hit pause on a controversial change to its advertising payment system after backlash from sellers who said the update would strain their finances.
  • Amazon merchants are bracing for more cash flow troubles and margin pressure this year, thanks to a bevy of new fees and policy changes. 
  • One major part of Amazon’s business was largely absent from CEO Andy Jassy’s annual shareholder letter this year: the millions of sellers who power the company’s marketplace.
Top Stories Jun 12

Scenes from Walmart’s annual Associates Week and shareholder meeting

June 11, 2026

Walmart is on a mission to prove that it has the latest, greatest and trendiest assortment, and that it can get it to you faster than anyone else. Last week, reporter Mitchell Parton flew down to the retailer's hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas for Associates Week, its annual shareholder meeting and event where it brings in thousands of employees from around the world. Here's what he found.

Marketplace Briefing: Online merchants welcome Trump customs crackdown amid wave of tariff evasion pitches

June 11, 2026

Online merchants are encouraged by a new Trump administration effort to crack down on customs fraud after a surge in tariff evasion schemes rattled sellers over the past year.

Walmart is training store-level employees to use AI

June 11, 2026

Walmart executives are training associates to use AI widely throughout the organization. For example, store managers can create digital dashboards for scheduling, or merchandising associates can turn dense text into useful graphics.

The men’s grooming opportunity at the World Cup

June 11, 2026

The quadrennial men’s World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, giving global soccer players and fans a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see their team take home the prize. And with billions of viewers tuning in from around the world, it is also a rare opportunity for brands to capitalize on the frenzy. Four years after Qatar, that now includes grooming brands looking to use the power of soccer to reach the evolving male beauty consumer base.

How meat sticks players are trying to find white space in the red-hot category

June 11, 2026

The growing meat snacks market is attracting new brands like Singing Pastures to jump in to challenge incumbents, even as major startups like Chomps and Archer continue to dominate the better-for-you subcategory.

The World Cup is a big chance for retail media to prove itself to advertisers

June 10, 2026

The entire retail media industry, from retail media networks to agencies and tech platforms, is showing up in full force to promote brands during the World Cup and prove the effectiveness of the sector.

Why Ranger Station chose Charleston over bigger markets for its third store

June 10, 2026

Ranger Station, known for unisex fragrances and candles, chose Charleston for its third store by combining customer data with on-the-ground experience.

Tariffs

Why tariff refunds won’t necessarily go back to consumers

April 29, 2026

Thousands of U.S. retail companies are eagerly awaiting tariff refunds from the Trump administration. But not all of them will share that money with their customers — even if shoppers think otherwise.

‘It’s like getting Taylor Swift tickets’: Brands rush to request tariff refunds, with some snags

April 21, 2026

The tariff refunds process has been smoother for some folks than others, according to conversations Modern Retail had with half a dozen brands and entrepreneurs.

Why Dame is refunding $10,000 in tariff surcharges to customers

March 03, 2026

Dame is refunding customers who paid its “Trump Tariff Surcharge” last year, becoming one of the first brands to proactively return money tied to President Donald Trump’s now-invalidated tariffs.

Podcasts

Technology

‘It’s not our approach’: Walmart COO says digital shelf labels aren’t for surge pricing

June 09, 2026

As digital price tags have gained more prominence over the last few years, some shoppers and legislators have feared they would lead to “dynamic pricing,” charging customers different prices based on the timing of their purchase or, worse, their individual data.

Walmart goes global with its Amazon-like flywheel

June 08, 2026

Walmart executives are beginning to take a more international approach to growing its higher-margin businesses such as advertising, memberships and its third-party marketplace. On Thursday, Walmart+, the retailer’s paid membership program, launched in Canada — the first time it has been available outside of the U.S.

Medicube, Crocs are betting on TikTok Shop for discovery e-commerce

May 20, 2026

As consumers’ shopping habits evolve, retail is shifting from traditional search-and-scroll e-commerce to a new model that revolves around discovery.  Sitting at the center of that transformation is TikTok Shop, which represents a new retail model centered on community, trust and entertainment-driven discovery. Shopping happens natively and naturally, as TikTok Shop guides users from inspiration […]

Marketing

Brands are turning to football nostalgia ahead of the World Cup

June 10, 2026

As the 2026 World Cup arrives in North America, brands including Lotto, Ksubi, Nike and Adidas are using old kits, archive sneakers, national colors and fan dressing to tap into football nostalgia.

Brands Briefing: Nike looks to build a football universe ahead of the World Cup

June 09, 2026

As part of its larger “Sport Offense,” Nike is creating what it calls “a universe of football” in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup.

Malls break down their World Cup strategies

June 09, 2026

Shopping center owners hope the World Cup will provide a much-needed win for American malls. From American Dream’s 39-day fan fest to Atlantic Village’s restaurant play, here’s how various malls are looking to attract both tourists and locals.

Operations

Thirdlove launches nipple covers as it looks for white spaces within intimates

June 10, 2026

Women’s intimates brand Thirdlove is entering a new category as it continues to broaden its assortment.

How an earlier Prime Day created new supply chain challenges for brands

June 08, 2026

Brands have to pull up their inventory orders and change forecasts due to an earlier Prime Day, which will take place on June 23-26 this year.

Guide: How in-store retail media is unlocking growth

May 13, 2026

As digital advertising becomes more saturated and fragmented, retail media is moving into physical stores — the high-intent environments where most purchases still happen. For retailers, this is an opportunity to create customer-first retail media networks that make stores more engaging, profitable and connected. For brands and agencies, in-store retail media offers stronger visibility and […]