Recently, the retail industry in many countries around the world is experiencing unprecedented challenges and transformation pressures. With the dual impact of high inflation and weak consumption, the performance of many consumer companies continues to decline, and many companies even have to face the dilemma of bankruptcy and closure.
High inflation is currently the main challenge facing the global retail industry. The interest rate hike policies adopted by multiple central banks to curb inflation have led to an increase in consumer credit costs, thereby suppressing consumers' willingness to spend. Taking the United States as an example, furniture retailer Kohl's has recently become the latest chain retailer to enter bankruptcy liquidation proceedings. Cohen launched clearance promotions at over 550 retail outlets, marking the official entry into bankruptcy liquidation. Cohen's predicament is not an isolated case, but a microcosm of the entire retail industry in a high inflation environment.
Retailers not only in the United States, but also in countries such as New Zealand and Germany are facing similar challenges. The latest membership survey by the New Zealand Retailers Association shows that nearly 43% of members are unsure if their business can sustain operations in the next 12 months, and over 70% of retailers did not meet sales targets in the second quarter. The situation in Germany is also not optimistic. According to data from the German think tank Ifo Economic Research Institute, the business climate index in Germany fell for the third consecutive month in July, and the retail industry index also deteriorated again.
Recently, the retail industry in many countries around the world is experiencing unprecedented challenges and transformation pressures. With the dual impact of high inflation and weak consumption, the performance of many consumer companies continues to decline, and many companies even have to face the dilemma of bankruptcy and closure.
High inflation is currently the main challenge facing the global retail industry. The interest rate hike policies adopted by multiple central banks to curb inflation have led to an increase in consumer credit costs, thereby suppressing consumers' willingness to spend. Taking the United States as an example, furniture retailer Kohl's has recently become the latest chain retailer to enter bankruptcy liquidation proceedings. Cohen launched clearance promotions at over 550 retail outlets, marking the official entry into bankruptcy liquidation. Cohen's predicament is not an isolated case, but a microcosm of the entire retail industry in a high inflation environment.
Retailers not only in the United States, but also in countries such as New Zealand and Germany are facing similar challenges. The latest membership survey by the New Zealand Retailers Association shows that nearly 43% of members are unsure if their business can sustain operations in the next 12 months, and over 70% of retailers did not meet sales targets in the second quarter. The situation in Germany is also not optimistic. According to data from the German think tank Ifo Economic Research Institute, the business climate index in Germany fell for the third consecutive month in July, and the retail industry index also deteriorated again.
Two weeks ago, US Treasury Secretary Janet Bessent was still making a high-profile prediction that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates by 50 basis points in September and declared that the benchmark interest rate should be significantly reduced by 150 to 175 basis points.
Two weeks ago, US Treasury Secretary Janet Bessent was stil…
In the United States, changes in the catering industry are …
In July this year, US President Trump issued a letter stati…
On the political stage in South Korea, the Yoon Seok yeol c…
Recently, US President Trump and Putin held talks in Alaska…
On August 18th, the Australian Competition and Consumer Com…
© Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved
