July 2025: Industry Update with Doug Cofiell
As we hit the midpoint of 2025, it’s clear that the retail industry continues to evolve in real time. From shifting economic pressures to ongoing changes in consumer behavior, staying informed is more important than ever. Fresh off Atlanta Market, Ivystone CEO Doug Cofiell shares timely insights on what’s shaping the retail landscape—from seasonal inventory dynamics to key pricing considerations. Whether you're preparing for the holidays or navigating tariff-related changes, this update offers practical takeaways to help you plan with confidence.
Tariffs Remain Top of Mind
Since April, one topic has dominated conversations across the industry: tariffs. These policy changes are now starting to take visible effect. As goods begin arriving in stores for the back half of the year, many are coming with new price increases—sometimes labeled as tariff surcharges or fees. It’s important to recognize that these impacts are not one-size-fits-all. Vendor sourcing varies widely—from U.S.-made products to imports from multiple regions—and so do the pricing outcomes. Some products may not be affected at all, while others may carry noticeable increases.
Our recommendation? Check your invoices carefully. This is the time to be highly aware of costs and make sure your MSRP and retail pricing reflect the realities of these changes. Being proactive now will help ensure stronger margins and a smoother path through the remainder of the year.
Seasonal Outlook: Mixed Challenges, Strong Response
Seasonal categories—particularly Halloween and holiday—are feeling some of the pressure. There are early signs of delay for some shipments, especially around Halloween merchandise. However, the good news is that most of our vendor partners planned ahead and moved quickly to avoid the worst of the disruptions. Thanks to their foresight, many holiday goods have already arrived or are en-route on time. This smart inventory management means retailers should still be well-positioned heading into the critical Q4 period.
Consumer Sentiment & What’s Ahead
Despite the uncertainty, the overall business outlook remains positive. Retailers are continuing to see steady foot traffic and strong in-store engagement. Customers are eager to shop, eager to experience retail in person—and that’s a powerful indicator of continued resilience in the independent retail channel. While it’s hard to predict exactly how pricing shifts will shape consumer behavior in the final months of the year, there’s good reason to stay optimistic. The energy we’re seeing at markets, and the continued creativity from our vendors and retailers alike, signal that the second half of 2025 still holds opportunity.
Stay Connected
As always, we’re here to help you navigate what’s next. If you have questions about pricing, product flow, or need support in planning for the rest of the year, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re proud to be your partner and remain committed to delivering the high level of service and support you’ve come to expect.
