Retail News

Yamaha is preparing to exit California, instead moving its HQ to Kennesaw, Georgia. “Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is undertaking structural reforms aimed at improving the profitability of its U.S. operations in response to cost increases resulting from U.S. tariffs and changes in the market environment,” the company wrote (via SF Gate).

Ford Pro AI, the latest AI-based service rolled out by the automaker targeting commercial fleet customers, promises a suite of data solutions. “The result is a multi-agent architecture that’s built on clean, well-structured data sourced from each customer’s distinct fleet reducing the potential of AI hallucinations,” exec Kevin Dunbar said (via The Verge).

While China’s economy looks good on paper, the nation’s youth are showing signs of economic malaise. “Even though a recession has not taken place, a lot of the symptoms of recession have been experienced by this young generation, particularly around unemployment and underemployment,” Zak Dychtwald of Young China Group said (via Business Insider).

Meta has acquired AI social media platform Moltbook, adding to both its social holdings as well as its AI play. “The Moltbook team joining MSL opens up new ways for AI agents to work for people and businesses,” a Meta spokesperson said (via CNBC).

The consumer price index for February increased by 0.3% for the month (or 2.4% annually), matching analyst expectations. “CPI inflation for February was along expectations but this is the calm before the storm that will show up due to surging gasoline prices in March,” said Sonu Varghese of the Carson Group (via CNBC).

St. Patrick’s Day spending could reach $7.7 billion this year, according to NRF projections. Per-person spend is expected to come in at around $47.45, up from $43.64 last year, and 60% appear read to don the green and celebrate the holiday in 2026 (via NRF).

Best Buy is positioning itself as the go-to retailer for AI-powered devices, with AI glasses and gaming peripherals being some examples of this strategy. “The idea of AI for the consumer is kind of a long-tail space where we will have a unique advantage,” CEO Corie Barry said (via Modern Retail).

Anheuser-Busch is showing relative strength as the overall beer market shows signs of struggling. Michelob Ultra is the best-selling beer in the United States, and “Anheuser-Busch has done a really good job diversifying their portfolio,” according to Dave Williams, president of Bump Williams Consulting (via CNN Business).

China’s trade surplus hit a record high during the January-February period, rising to $213.6 billion — beating estimates of ~$180 billion. Exports from China rose by 21.8% year-over-year during the same time frame (via CNBC).

After hitting a high of nearly $120 the day prior, oil prices fell to about $90 per barrel on Mar. 10, easing some investor fears. Regardless, oil prices remain elevated in the face of the ongoing Iran conflict (via AP News).