Guest Contributors

JOANN and Party City closed, but not due to low demand. Their smaller size may have affected competition with giants like Michaels, which saw its traffic surge post-JOANN closure. Smaller Blick thrived in a premium niche, avoiding mass-market price competition. The craft market now favors extreme scale or defined premium niches

Retail media networks are transforming advertising, leveraging physical stores. Offline traffic often dominates. Understanding regional variations and combining online/offline data is crucial for optimizing campaigns and competing effectively in the ad space.

Aldi, Trader Joe's, and Lidl defy grocery challenges with unique strategies. Aldi maintains per-store visits despite rapid expansion. Trader Joe's gained California market share. Lidl broadened its base with older shoppers and now targets urban expansion. Their success extends beyond just low prices.

L.L.Bean thrives in 2025. Its Boat & Tote's viral resurgence drives brand relevance. Stores enhance engagement with diverse experiences like charm bars. L.L.Bean's appeal spans diverse demographics, ensuring continued success.

Staples defied retail challenges and store closures by pivoting to services and B2B solutions. Overall visits in Q2 2025 exceeded 2019 levels, and average visits per location significantly increased. This strategic shift has also led to more frequent customer visits.

Office visits in June 2025 showed meaningful recovery, nearing pre-COVID levels. Miami and New York led the RTO charge, outperforming the nation. Most cities saw gains, with few declines. These positive trends suggest a rebound as RTO mandates and hybrid strategies take effect.

Tariff anticipation drives forward baby product purchases, boosting visits at Babylist showroom and Kohl's Babies"R"Us. The baby category faces disruption, requiring adaptable strategies and clear value communication from retailers.

Mall traffic dipped in June but overall H1 2025 performance remains largely positive. Indoor malls lead in growth and dwell time. Open-air malls surpassed pre-pandemic visits. Indoor malls significantly narrowed their pre-COVID visit gap in Q2, signaling an accelerating recovery.