Here are the recent happenings in the Retail and Consumer Tech world as of May 13, 2025:

Tariff Truce Sparks Market Rally

The United States and China have agreed to a 90-day suspension of most tariffs, reducing U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10% . This temporary truce has led to a surge in trade activity, with freight bookings from China to the U.S. increasing by 35% in a single day . The stock market responded positively, with major indices experiencing significant gains .

Galeria Enhances Supply Chain with AI

German department store chain Galeria has partnered with Blue Yonder to implement AI-driven demand and replenishment capabilities. This strategic investment aims to optimize inventory, improve fulfillment, and enhance the customer shopping experience across both in-store and online channels .

Retail Business Models Must Evolve

A new report from EY and the World Retail Congress emphasizes the need for retailers to adapt their business models to drive growth. The report highlights the importance of embracing digital transformation, sustainability, and customer-centric strategies to remain competitive in the evolving retail landscape .

Secondhand Retail Market Booms

The secondhand retail market is experiencing significant growth, with U.S. secondhand apparel sales increasing by 14% in 2024. Tech-powered resale platforms are making it easier for retailers to offer their own branded resale programs, redefining resale as a tool to manage inventory, engage with customers, and drive profits .

M&S Cyber Attack Compromises Customer Data

British retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has reported a cyber attack that compromised some personal customer information. While payment and password data were not affected, the incident has disrupted online operations for over three weeks, highlighting the growing importance of cybersecurity in retail .

This article was initiated using AI technology provided by Apple and OpenAI.