From tariffs to trends: The 5 articles that shaped wholesale in 2025

Beyond price tags: margins & market strategy in a tariff era

There was no way around addressing the elephant in the room this year—global tariffs caused major disruptions in wholesale. This article explored how shifting trade policies affected everything from landed costs and delivery timelines to buyer expectations around pricing transparency.

The core message was clear: flexibility is no longer optional. While demand for products hasn’t disappeared, availability and costs remain in flux. Buyers want visibility into what they’re paying, when products will arrive, and how pricing might change—before committing to an order.

The most actionable takeaway is the need for real-time insight. Brands and retailers that can quickly assess inventory availability, shipment status, and pricing adjustments are better equipped to communicate clearly and protect margins. Investing in tools that support live inventory updates and dynamic pricing puts businesses in a stronger position to respond to volatility instead of reacting to it after the fact.

Read the full article.

How to get your products into stores

Getting your product into the right retail stores is no easy feat. This article moved past the “Cinderella” narratives and focused on what actually works when it comes to getting products into stores in a more consistent, repeatable way.

The article provided practical steps you can take to get your products in stores in a more predictable manner. The process requires focused research, a proactive and friendly demeanor, and grit. While these steps won’t always guarantee you land an account with a retailer, the process ensures that the accounts you do land are the best fit for your brand.

The strategy to carry forward is simple but powerful: make discovery and follow-up easier. Wholesale platforms with marketplace capabilities allow brands to identify relevant retailers by location, category, and assortment. Pair that with clear digital linesheets and timely alerts when retailers engage with your products, and outreach becomes more focused, informed, and effective.

Read the full article.

Lightspeed NuORDER: Meet the new generation of our wholesale network

Wholesale looks very different today than it did just a few years ago, and this article explored how brands and retailers are adapting. With margins under pressure and demand harder to predict, both sides are leaning more heavily on technology to bring stability to an increasingly uncertain environment.

Retailers are adopting tools like AI to improve buying decisions and deliver better customer experiences. Brands, meanwhile, are focused on optimizing operations and strengthening partnerships to stay profitable. At the center of this shift is clean, reliable data; the foundation for better planning, communication, and execution.

The lesson here is about preparedness. Market disruptions, price changes, and supply chain challenges are no longer exceptions. Businesses that invest in centralized, accurate data can respond faster, align more closely with partners, and adjust plans in real time rather than scrambling after issues arise.

Read the full article.

5 footwear market trends

From a move towards more comfortable shoes to an increasing demand for sustainable footwear, there were some interesting trends in the footwear market this year. This article explored five of the top trends including the expanding role of digital tools in product development and marketing.

One standout trend was the rise of three-dimensional technology in footwear design and merchandising. Faster design cycles and richer product visualization are helping brands stand out and giving buyers greater confidence earlier in the buying process.

The opportunity moving forward lies in how products are presented. Features like 3D modeling allow buyers to explore products from every angle, creating a clearer understanding of fit, materials, and design details. Brands that invest in richer digital product experiences are better positioned to build trust and accelerate buying decisions.

Read the full article.

What we learned about jewelry buying habits to take into 2025

Jewelry buying behavior has continued to evolve since the pandemic, and this article explored how shifting demographics and preferences are reshaping the category. Online sales remain strong, while younger buyers, particularly Gen Z, are playing a growing role in the luxury jewelry market. These consumers bring new expectations with them. Sustainability matters more, bold designs are gaining traction, and digital-first experiences often influence purchasing decisions before an in-store visit ever happens. At the same time, shoppers still value personal connection and thoughtful guidance.

The takeaway for brands and retailers is balance. Investing in technology that enhances online discovery while supporting meaningful in-person experiences allows businesses to meet modern expectations without losing what makes jewelry retail distinctive.

Read the full article.