Brands and retailers are already rushing to capitalize on World Cup fever

The USPS will not be implementing zone pricing for Marketing Mail and Outside County Periodicals in January. The USPS has released guidance regarding what they are likely to propose for the July 2026 round of rate hikes. Continued mill closings are leading to higher prices in the paper market. And the trucking industry is bracing for the potential impacts of the recent federal ruling limiting the eligibility of foreign nationals to obtain commercial driver licenses.

After a soft start in January, headwinds persisted for many brands in February. Retailers faced a challenging environment as consumer confidence continued to decline amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs and the U.S. economy. Overall, sessions rose by 2.32%, but conversion challenges remained, with orders down -9.05% and demand falling -7.6% compared to February 2024. Apparel, outdoor, and specialty brands struggled, while home retailers saw gains in orders and sales. Brands of all sizes are feeling the impact of slowing consumer demand. Consumer confidence is at its lowest level since June 2024, and economic uncertainty is likely to continue. Brands that adjust pricing strategies, strengthen customer engagement, and highlight value will be better equipped to navigate uncertainty and capture opportunities in the coming months.

More than a decade after McGraw Hill was sold to the private equity firm Apollo Global Management LLC for $2.5 billion, Platinum Equity, which bought the company in 2021 for $4.5 billion, has filed…