TARIFFS AND RETAIL
Global retail supply chains are being reshaped by tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting consumer expectations. U.S. retailers, especially, face a turbulent 2025 holiday season as new tariffs have caused cost spikes and forced early decisions on inventory requirements. While most holiday stock is already stateside, price hikes loom for 2026, while seasonal hiring is weak.
Retailers are consequently accelerating supply chain diversification strategies to not only hedge against tariffs, but more broadly improve resilience to shocks. Nearshoring is gaining traction, particularly in Eastern Europe and Latin America, as companies seek shorter lead times and compliance-driven sourcing models. Port congestion adds another layer of complexity. Tariff-driven surges and equipment shortages have created bottlenecks at U.S. gateways, raising detention fees and threatening delivery timelines. For retailers, agility is now non-negotiable: those investing in predictive analytics, micro-fulfillment, and diversified sourcing will outperform peers in “wait-and-see” mode.
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CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD
MAIN STREETS ACROSS THE WORLD 2025
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