H1 2025 retail results: Volatility, tariffs, job market hit hard; make for uncertain H2

The first half of 2025 has been a wake-up call for the retail sector—and for consumers. In this episode, we break down the latest H1 retail data showing how price-sensitive shoppers, tariff-driven cost increases, and a struggling job market are reshaping spending patterns. From warehouse clubs and dollar stores gaining ground to major brands like McDonald’s seeing double-digit drops in low-income visits, we examine the forces at play and what they signal for the rest of the year. With tariffs threatening to add $2,400 to the average household’s annual costs and retail job cuts surging 249%, the road ahead for H2 looks anything but certain.