Baker Retail Rundown

‘Trade War TikTok’ Takes Aim at Luxury

Chinese creators have gone viral on the platform, claiming to be manufacturers for luxury brands as they offer cheaper “dupes” in retaliation to Trump’s tariffs on the country. The most popular video has reached almost 10 million views with a woman standing in front of factory machines selling yoga pants manufactured in the Lululemon factory for just $5-$6 compared to the $100 retail price. The result? A increase of consumers buying resold high end goods like Lululemon leggings and Birkin bags for a fraction of the price.

US Off-Price Chains Poised to Win as Tariffs Play to Strengths in Sourcing, Inventory

While many modern retailers are bracing for challenges from rising tariffs, off-price chains like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, and Burlington are proving to be a notable exception. As clothing and footwear prices rise, these retailers are positioned to attract bargain-hunting shoppers with discounts of 20%-60%—a result of their business model, which focuses on acquiring low-priced, “off-season” merchandise from manufacturers and retailers. They are also sidestepping much of the impact from China tariffs; for example, TJX sourced products from more than 21,000 vendors across over 100 countries, with less than 10% of that being directly imported from China. The cherry-on-top? Off-price retailers stand to benefit from the rollback of the "de minimis" loophole, which favored fast-fashion competitors like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress by allowing them to ship duty free. For off-price retailers, tariff disruptions may not be a hurdle — but a jackpot.

Holiday Trouble Ahead If Tariff Supply Chain Shock Persists

Steep tariffs on Chinese goods are triggering a major supply chain shock that could soon hit the U.S. economy. Cargo shipments from China have plummeted by as much as 60%, and by mid-May, retailers like Walmart and Target warn that Americans could start seeing empty shelves and higher prices. With companies rushing to find alternative suppliers, shipping disruptions/delays and inventory shortages are expected to mount– fueling fears about a lack of inventory reminiscent of the early pandemic. Economists caution that even if tariffs are rolled back soon, backlogs and reduced freight capacity could cause logistical bottlenecks that persist well into the holiday season.

Shopping Your Favorite Creators’ Closets– Why Everyone Is Tapping In

Closet sales—where celebrities, influencers, and tastemakers open up their wardrobes to the public—are becoming the coolest way to shop, especially in style hubs like New York and L.A. It’s not just about snagging a deal; it’s the thrill of discovering a piece you’ve seen on someone you follow, admire, or double-tap daily. Now, resale platforms like eBay, The RealReal, and Vestiaire Collective are hopping on the trend, connecting people with the world’s best closets– like Vestiaires’s Paris Hilton sale. It’s a clear sign that today’s shoppers are craving a more personal and distinctive way to engage with fashion—something with character, individuality, and, as a bonus, a lighter environmental footprint.

New Tariffs Drive Up Shein Prices by as Much as 377%

Shein has raised U.S. prices sharply in response to new tariffs, with some items seeing increases of up to 377%. According to Bloomberg, the average price of Shein’s top 100 beauty and health products rose 51%, while home and kitchen items climbed 30%, led by a 377% jump in a 10-piece kitchen towel set. These hikes follow the rollback of the de minimis exemption, which had previously allowed imports under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, and reflect broader efforts by Chinese e-commerce firms to pass rising import costs onto American consumers. The University of Michigan’s research points to trade policy uncertainty and inflation concerns as the driving factors of April’s sharp drop in consumer sentiment, with many now expecting prices to rise at the fastest pace in 44 years.