Baker Retail Rundown

The Rise of Labubunomics: How Merchants and Marketplaces are Cashing in on the Viral Pop Mart Toy

Chalice Collectibles turned an $8,000 purchase of Labubu dolls into $240,000 monthly sales, driven by viral TikTok videos, celebrity fans, and a booming resale market where rare dolls sell for thousands. Pop Mart’s Labubu dolls sell out quickly, fueling intense demand and high prices on platforms like Whatnot and StockX. However, the craze has led to shortages, frustration, and many counterfeits called “Lafufus.” Resellers use strict checks to spot fakes, but unofficial designer doll clothes and knockoffs add legal risks. As Labubu’s popularity grows, brands will need to actively protect their trademarks to maintain authenticity.

Deep Inside U.S. Economy, More Sticker Prices Start Going Up Due to Tariffs, and Inventory is Headed Down

Recent inflation data revealed a larger-than-expected price increase in the U.S., with tariffs contributing to higher costs and reduced inventory across distribution networks. Companies like Nike are reporting billion-dollar tariff impacts, while logistics firms are re-ticketing millions of products to reflect price hikes of 8%-15%. Inventory levels are shrinking, with businesses holding just three months of stock instead of six, and port activity signals a weaker-than-normal peak shipping season. East Coast ports are less affected due to diversified sourcing, but West Coast ports show slowing imports and rising empty container counts, indicating dampened demand. Experts suggest that uncertainty around tariffs is leading companies to maintain lean inventories and delay shipments, signaling a potentially softer economic outlook for the remainder of 2025.

JCPenney’s Turnaround Fuels New Bold Marketing Strategy

JCPenney, once on the brink of collapse, is mounting a promising comeback through a bold new marketing strategy led by Marisa Thalberg. The “Yes, JCPenney” campaign, launched in April 2025, has already generated a 200% spike in social media engagement, increased brand searches, and boosted consumer purchase consideration. Inspired by Apple’s “Think Different” campaign, Thalberg aims to reposition JCPenney as a modern lifestyle destination, not just a department store. Creative initiatives like cheeky Times Square ads and a $10,000 Venice wedding have captured public attention and showcased the brand’s stylish yet affordable offerings. While early results are encouraging, experts caution that aligning in-store experiences with the marketing message is crucial for sustained success.

Social Media App Leverages AI to Help Users Make Real-World Friends

Bonobos co-founder Andy Dunn has launched a new social media app called Pie, designed to combat social isolation by helping users form real-life friendships. Inspired by his own struggle to make friends after moving to Chicago, Dunn created the platform to foster group-based social experiences powered by AI. Through acquired technology from Sparked Connections, Pie uses quizzes to match users with like-minded individuals for curated events like group dinners, trivia, or pickleball. The platform also supports community-building through events hosted by local "real-life creators." After pivoting from one-on-one matchmaking to group connections, Pie has seen significant engagement, with over 50,000 monthly active users in cities like Chicago, Austin, and San Francisco. Dunn plans to expand the app nationwide and enhance its AI capabilities, aiming to bring people together in person—not just online.