National

Macro

Axios Macro

Retail sales slump in July

A column chart that shows monthly U.S. retail sales percentage changes from April to July 2026. Sales rose 0.67% in April and 0.93% in May, then slowed to 0.25% in June before falling 0.58% in July. Across the full series, changes ranged from -1.10% to 1.72%.

U.S. retail sales

Data: Census Bureau; Chart: Neil Irwin/Axios

Closer

Axios Closer

Salmonella outbreak casts spotlight on Taylor Farms as food safety crisis deepens

Salmonella outbreak casts spotlight on Taylor Farms

Schwab: Retail investors want AI stocks on the cheap

These Middle America brands are struggling in the street fight over consumers

Media Trends

Axios Media Trends

Disney doubles down on "franchise flywheel" strategy

Beef prices continue to soar, undermining Tyson Foods

Media Deals

Product feeds power more personalized shopping ads

Media Trends Executive

Connected TV moves deeper into performance advertising

A line chart shows U.S. TV advertising revenue from 2021 to 2025, with projections for 2026 to 2028. Linear TV advertising revenue declines from about $60 billion in 2021 to $43.7 billion by 2028. CTV revenue rises from less than $20 billion to $47.6 billion by 2028.

U.S. TV advertising revenue

Where U.S. families spend the most on back-to-school shopping

A bar chart shows expected U.S. family back-to-school spending for 2026-27 by region. The U.S. average is $922. The Northeast is highest at $1,076, followed by the West at $960 and Midwest at $954. The South is lowest at $832. Data is from 2,080 adults surveyed May 20-22, 2026.

Expected U.S. family spending for the 2026 back-to-school season, by region

Pro Rata

Axios Pro Rata

Circle K owner paying nearly $9 billion for Poland's Zabka

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