The U.S. holiday shopping season is expected to bring in $253.4 billion in online sales this year, up 5.3% year-over-year, according to a new report from Adobe’s e-commerce connected division, Adobe Analytics. Adobe Analytics develops its predictions by analyzing over 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail sites, encompassing 100 million SKUs across 18 product categories. Its analytics software is used by a majority of the U.S.’s top 100 online retailers, giving it deep insights into online shopping and consumer ...

U.S. shoppers are expected to keep spending online at record levels this holiday season, but spending growth itself might slow and the discounts might not be as steep as retailers and customers try to... ...

Core Insights - The retail sector is facing challenges with both Target and Lowe's reporting mixed quarterly results, indicating a cautious consumer environment and potential recessionary conditions [1][2][16]. Target - Target reported earnings of $1.30 per share on revenue of $23.85 billion, missing consensus estimates of $1.62 per share and $24.54 billion in revenue, marking a 19.75% shortfall in earnings and a 2.79% decline in revenue year-over-year [2][3]. - The company revised its fiscal 2026 earnings guidance to a range of $7.00 to $9.00 per share on revenue of approximately $103.9 billion, down from previous estimates of $8.80 to $8.90 per share and $107.63 billion in revenue [4][3]. - Target's digital sales grew by 4.7%, indicating a shift towards online shopping, with plans to enhance its website and app for better customer experience [6][7]. - The company is expected to increase promotions and discounts to attract shoppers back to stores, especially online [7][8]. Lowe's - Lowe's reported earnings of $2.92 per share on revenue of $20.93 billion, slightly above consensus estimates of $2.88 per share but with a 2.03% decline in revenue year-over-year [10][12]. - The company maintains its fiscal year earnings guidance of $12.15 to $12.40 per share on revenue between $83.50 billion and $84.50 billion, aligning closely with current consensus estimates [11][10]. - Lowe's is experiencing a shift in customer focus towards smaller repairs rather than large renovation projects due to higher borrowing costs and a slowing housing market [12][16]. - The company is enhancing its service quality and training for employees, aiming to improve the shopping experience for both retail and professional customers [14][15]. Industry Trends - Retailers are grappling with tariffs, cautious consumer spending due to high prices and interest rates, and a significant shift towards online shopping [16][17]. - Economic uncertainty is leading to a more cautious approach from both companies and consumers regarding spending and hiring [18]. - Retailers are expected to invest in technology and improve online shopping experiences, which may include better apps and faster delivery options [20][23]. - Promotions and loyalty programs are likely to increase as companies seek to stimulate consumer spending during potential recessionary periods [21][24].

Core Viewpoint - Kroger Co. has announced the creation of a new eCommerce business unit, appointing Yael Cosset as the executive vice president and chief digital officer to lead this initiative, emphasizing the importance of accelerating eCommerce growth [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership and Responsibilities - Yael Cosset will oversee technology and data while expanding his responsibilities to include the new eCommerce unit [2]. - As chief digital officer, Cosset aims to enhance the online shopping experience for customers, focusing on fresh and affordable food [2]. - Cosset has a history of leading Kroger's digital strategy and technology transformation, which has improved the shopping experience for customers [3][5]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Kroger's eCommerce sales reached $13 billion in 2024, highlighting the significant growth in this segment [2]. Group 3: Alternative Profit Portfolio - Cosset also manages Kroger's Alternative Profit portfolio, which includes various businesses such as 84.51˚, Kroger Personal Finance, and Kroger Precision Marketing [4].