Gabriela Barkho

1 week ago | modernretail.co | Gabriela Barkho

The last few years have seen a rise in vertically integrated food and beverage startups. Over the past few years, companies that have raised funding to fuel in-house production include the California-based Ugly Co., which upcycles and packages dried fruits. Others in the food space include Egglife and Voyage Foods. These models provide supply chain advantages and control over production, but they’re also capital-intensive.

2 weeks ago | modernretail.co | Gabriela Barkho

Sign up for Modern Retail’s Tariffs Weekly newsletter for the latest updates on tariffs and global supply chain disruptions, and insights on what they mean for your business. As more brands announce price hikes due to tariffs, Aerflo, a company that sells a portable carbonation device, is taking a bet on dropping its full price. This month, the startup began advertising its sparkling water system, the Aer1, at $74. That represents a $25 cut from the previous price of $99.

2 weeks ago | modernretail.co | Gabriela Barkho

Canadian-based intimates brand Knix was gearing up for its annual anniversary sale, which usually kicks off in May, when President Donald Trump unexpectedly slapped tariffs on Canadian imports. The tariffs were first announced in early February and then subsequently postponed over the course of weeks. Then, Knix was also hit with another wallop when the Trump administration unveiled further tariffs during April 2’s Liberation Day announcement.

3 weeks ago | modernretail.co | Gabriela Barkho

President Trump’s Liberation Day announcement sent the S&P 500 into freefall earlier this month, and the markets have been in turmoil since. The on-and-off approach to tariffs has made it difficult for the retail industry to plan accordingly. It’s also put many M&A discussions on pause, investors say. And it could hardly come at a worse time — activity had just been picking back up in the last few months after a slow couple of years in dealmaking.

3 weeks ago | modernretail.co | Gabriela Barkho

With tight grocery budgets, Americans are waiting for their favorite snacks to go on sale. Major conglomerates like General Mills and Campbell’s are already experiencing a slowdown in their snack categories, and the slowdown in the category could get even worse as tariffs drive price increases. Data from firms like NielsenIQ and InMarket show that customers are waiting to purchase these discretionary items at a discount, or are open to switching to private label versions.