US consumers have returned to stores with footfall at almost pre-pandemic levels. Consumer spending is up — despite backed-up supply chains, higher prices, and overall inflation. Retailers must all tout their sustainability initiatives, and even brands are getting into the “lightly-used” second-hand market.

Amazon and Shopify aren’t the only winners as major retailers accelerate their digital roadmaps: consumers have and continue to purchase online; buy online and pick up in-store; or return to the physical store aisles. Stores currently face low inventories, higher wages, low staffing, and even labor strikes. E-commerce adoption has sped up, and “Buy Now, Pay Later” increases basket sizes and profits.

Venture investment is pouring into direct to consumer, marketplaces, e-commerce enablers like headless commerce, and the creator economy.