October 16, 2025
- Nestle is slated to cut ~16,000 jobs worldwide over the next two years, citing automation and the aim to slash costs as the primary motivators. “The world is changing, and Nestlé needs to change faster. This will include making hard but necessary decisions to reduce headcount,” CEO Philipp Navratil said (via CNN Business).
- Gen Alpha consumer data indicates that the majority (53%) receive an allowance, and of those funds, the most popular purchase categories include snacks, entertainment, electronics, and beverages. YouTube is the most popular social media platform for the youngest consumer cohort, followed by TikTok (via Chain Store Age).
- Retail returns are expected to total ~$850 billion this year, or 15.8% of total annual sales, falling from $890 billion, or 16.9% of total annual sales, last year. Increasing expectations around generous return policies are set against retailers’ focus on reducing fraud, bracketing, and excessive returns (via Chain Store Age).
- IKEA saw its annual sales tumble for the second year in a row, with the furniture retailer engaged in a program of planned price cuts to appeal to beleaguered consumers. IKEA has slashed prices by 10% on average, hoping to capture market share versus competitors (via Reuters).
- Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner has gone on the record as stating that the American consumer was showing resilience, spending at a healthy rate despite ongoing economic headwinds. “We see (a) resilient customer that makes really smart choices for what’s right for them and their families at the time they’re shopping,” Furner said (via Reuters).
- Stellantis has stated plans to invest $13 billion to boost its U.S. manufacturing footprint over the next four years. “Accelerating growth in the U.S. has been a top priority since my first day. Success in America is not just good for Stellantis in the U.S. – it makes us stronger everywhere,” Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said (via FOX Business).