January 2, 2026

Here are our picks for top news impacting retailers today:

• BYD is set to overtake Tesla as the world’s top seller of EVs. BYD indicated that, throughout 2025, it had seen a 28% improvement in its sales figures, moving 2.25 million cars throughout the year. That can be compared to Tesla’s projected 1.65 million vehicles sold during the same time frame (via BBC).
• Tariffs on Italian pasta, originally slated to come in at a significant 107%, are to be scaled back over concerns of potential dumping by intentionally underpricing goods. “The redetermination of the tariffs is a sign of the recognition by US authorities of our companies’ willingness to cooperate,” the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said (via CNN Business).
• Sears could see its legacy run end with a whimper, rather than a bang. The retailer, with just five stores left standing, could exit the market entirely in the near future. “The goal is to sell the remaining Seritage assets as quickly and profitably as possible, but we are also very open to an alternative transaction that could enhance shareholder value,” Adam Metz, chief executive of Seritage, said (via Forbes).
• Target is looking to differentiate itself through increased in-store experiences, high-quality merchandising, and other efforts beyond simple price. “The focus remains on driving differentiation through merchandising and experience rather than competing solely on food and price. In the longer term, [management] expects growth at Walmart, Amazon, and Costco to continue but also believes that [Target] has opportunities to capture share ahead, supported by enterprise initiatives,” Jefferies analysts suggested (via Retail Dive).