Global Scans · Retail · Weekly Summary

• [New] The U.S. House of Representatives has banned WhatsApp from official devices due to cybersecurity concerns, citing risks such as lack of transparency and stored data encryption. AMATAS
• [New] Major Australian retailers use AI-driven analytics to manage inventory and predict consumer demand, while banks employ AI algorithms to detect fraud faster and more accurately. Appomate
• [New] In the short term, the FTA is expected to drive a sharp rise in trade volumes: more Indian garments, home textiles, and technical fabrics in UK stores, and increased visibility of British fashion and specialty textiles in India. Fibre2Fashion
• [New] UK business insolvencies were expected to hit a 12-year high last year, peaking at 43% above pre-covid levels, with sectors like construction, hospitality, and retail most affected. Law Gazette
• [New] A surge of high-impact cyberattacks is shaking the retail sector, exposing vulnerabilities even among digitally mature giants like Marks & Spencer, Harrods, Victoria's Secret, and UNFI. Eye Security
• [New] Finally increased transparency on the origin of stored gas, requiring Member States to report the share of gas originating from Russia will be required. ""
• [New] The Slim Jim and Healthy Choice manufacturer will discontinue the use of synthetic dyes in the manufacturing of products across its U.S. retail portfolio by the end of 2027. Food Dive
• [New] The Healthy Choice and Snack Pack maker said it aims to stop using synthetic dyes across its U.S. retail portfolio before 2028. Food Dive
• [New] New-vehicle sales in the US, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach approximately 1.25 million units in June. Autovista24
• [New] The U.S. House of Representatives has officially banned WhatsApp from all government-issued devices, labeling it a high-risk app due to concerns about data transparency, lack of stored data encryption, and broader cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 5Side Strategy Substack
• [New] The retail price of gasoline would rise $0.26 per gallon in the near term, $0.34 per gallon by 2030, and almost $0.60 per gallon by 2035. The Center Square
• [New] The retail sector faces significant distress, with store closures expected to surge by 334% in 2025, reaching approximately 15,000 store closures. Foreign Affairs Forum
• [New] The US Energy Information Administration has increased its forecast for retail electricity sales to better demonstrate expected growth in demand, mainly in the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas and PJM independent system operators. Insider Monkey
• [New] Retail Sales Simmering trade wars have created a sort of start-and-stop economy, and the latest snapshot of retail sales in May underscores the threat to U.S. growth. Mortgage Broker | Houston, TX | Roger Young
• [New] AI is one of the most highly anticipated and demanded innovations among consumers, with 81% of shoppers in Asia Pacific wanting retailers to offer AI-powered shopping features. ThePrint
• [New] Three retailers will get up to a year of free rent in prime shopping mall space and monetary support to pilot innovative concepts, as part of a competition aimed at rejuvenating Singapore's retail sector. Redas -
• Canadian retail sales are expected to show modest declines, but underlying consumption remains resilient despite consumer pessimism. FX Leaders
• After increasing at a monthly rate of 0.8% in March, Canada's retail sales are now expected to register a marginal growth of 0.4% in April, slightly lower than the preliminary estimate of 0.5%. IC Markets | Official Blog | Blog
• Key events include the UK's Retail Sales data, which will signal consumer spending trends impacting demand for Brazilian agricultural exports. The Rio Times
• In 2025-2026, we will see a surge in industry-specific AI models tailored for healthcare, finance, manufacturing, retail, and more. Inoru
• AI models might forecast a potential dip in retail stocks after analyzing consumer spending data and local economic indicators from New Jersey. Daily News
• Chatbots will deliver $11 billion in annual cost savings across retail, banking, and healthcare sectors, while saving businesses over 2.5 billion customer service hours. Tavus

Last updated: 03 July 2025