Consumers are embracing hobbies like book clubs, crafting, Mahjong, and journaling as affordable indulgences, boosting traffic to retailers including Barnes & Noble (BKS), Michaels, and Paper Source.

Shein’s reported $100M acquisition of Everlane is about more than a sustainability halo – it’s also a bid for direct access to the high-income, urban consumers the fast-fashion giant has long struggled to reach.

Dollar General is outperforming Dollar Tree in early 2026 as stronger traffic trends, consumables demand, and operational momentum help drive an edge in the discount retail space.

Ulta Beauty and Bath & Body Works are redefining beauty retail growth through loyalty programs, digital expansion, and immersive store experiences. See what foot traffic and dwell-time data reveal about consumer engagement in 2026.

DICK’s, Gap, and lululemon saw softer Q1 2026 traffic trends, but new product launches, category expansion, and store growth could help support recovery later this year.