Record Sales, Retail Media and Omnichannel Shifts

Abercrombie posts record US$5.2 billion in annual sales but warns of slower 2026 growth amid tariffs and Middle East uncertainty. Meanwhile, Expert Contributor, Yuriko Huayana writes about how unified commerce can bridge the gap between digital promises and real-world fulfillment. 

This is the Week in Retail & E-Commerce!

Abercrombie Sales Top US$5 Billion, 2026 Growth Faces Headwinds

Abercrombie & Fitch reported record fourth-quarter and full-year net sales of US$5.2 billion, extending its growth streak, though shares fell after the company projected slower growth for fiscal 2026. The retailer expects sales to rise 3%–5% next year as a 15% US import tariff and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East create near-term headwinds, potentially impacting sourcing, margins, and consumer demand. While the Hollister brand continues to drive strong growth, weakening performance in the Abercrombie brand and broader pressure on discretionary spending signal moderating momentum for the global apparel retailer.

Why Operations, Not Interfaces, Define Customer Experience

Customer experience in e-commerce increasingly depends on operational integration rather than front-end design alone, as fulfillment, inventory visibility, and delivery reliability ultimately define brand perception. Experts argue that fragmented systems across sales channels and logistics create inconsistencies that erode trust, highlighting the need for unified commerce architectures that integrate inventory, orders, data, and customer interactions. In Mexico’s rapidly maturing digital commerce market, businesses that invest in operational intelligence, automation, and cross-channel integration are better positioned to maintain customer trust and compete beyond price.

Building Tech From Scratch: What I Learned as a Founder

Building a technology company from scratch requires more than product development or funding; it demands strategic leadership and credibility within an ecosystem shaped by established dynamics. The founder of retail analytics platform Getin highlights how rigorous data validation, disciplined decision-making, and a long-term approach to innovation were essential to building trust and delivering actionable insights for physical retail. As Mexico’s technology ecosystem matures, the success of new ventures increasingly depends on resilient leadership, strong technical foundations, and the ability to translate complex data into solutions that strengthen business decision-making.

in-Store Media and H-E-B Boost Retail Media in Mexico 

in-Store Media and H-E-B Mexico formed a strategic partnership to expand retail media capabilities in stores, deploying advertising formats that leverage data and shopper insights to connect brands with consumers at key moments in the purchase journey. The agreement strengthens in-Store Media’s presence in Mexico, its second most important global market after Spain, while reinforcing the country’s growing role in the retail media ecosystem. As brands seek more targeted advertising channels, Mexico and Brazil are expected to drive rapid growth in Latin America’s retail media market, with investment projected to triple by 2028.

Fraiche Crowned Best Retail Franchise in Mexico

Fraiche was awarded Best Retail Franchise in Mexico, recognizing the strength of its franchise model, nationwide expansion, and ability to democratize access to high-quality perfumes through a personalized retail experience. With more than 800 points of sale and over three decades in the market, the Mexican brand has built a scalable business that supports local entrepreneurs while maintaining consistent product quality through strong supply chain and distribution systems. Following the recognition, Fraiche is focusing on omnichannel expansion and digital tools to replicate its in-store personalization model online while exploring growth opportunities in other Latin American markets.