US Investors Pull Back from Risky Stocks; AI Scams Rise in Mexico

This week in retail news, Levi’s is doubling down on the luxury denim market as consumers increasingly favor premium products, while retail investors pull back from high-risk US stocks amid cooling sentiment. In Mexico, booming e-commerce growth is being tempered by a surge in AI-driven scams ahead of El Buen Fin, highlighting both the promise and the perils of digital expansion. Meanwhile, regulatory scrutiny intensifies abroad as France moves to suspend fast-fashion giant Shein over illegal online listings.

More news below:

Levi’s Expands High-End Blue Tab Line as Demand Climbs

Levi's plans to sell its new premium denim line in more stores next year as it seeks to accelerate growth by capitalizing on rising demand for higher-priced products, Chief Financial and Growth Officer Harmit Singh told Reuters.

Risk Appetite Fades as Retail Investors Exit Hot US Stocks

Retail investors are pulling back high-risk market bets after the longest streak of bullishness in recent years, signaling a potential shift in sentiment that could slow momentum in high-performing US stocks, according to analysts at J.P. Morgan.

Mexico Projected to Lead Region’s E-Commerce Boom by 2026

Mexico is positioning itself as one of the world’s most advanced digital retail markets, projected to lead Latin America and surpass the United States in e-commerce penetration next year. According to the eMarketer’s Latin America Ecommerce Forecast 2025, Mexico is among the few countries expected to exceed a 20% e-commerce share of total retail sales by 2029.

AI-Driven Scams Rise 27% in Mexico Ahead of El Buen Fin

As El Buen Fin 2025 approaches, experts warn of a significant increase in digital fraud, with cybercriminals increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to craft sophisticated, harder-to-detect scams. Data from Sumsub, an identity verification firm, shows that digital fraud in Mexico rose 27% in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

France Moves to Suspend Shein Over Illegal Products on Site

France has initiated proceedings to suspend the online fast-fashion retailer Shein after authorities discovered childlike sex dolls and weapons being sold on its marketplace. The move coincides with the opening of the company’s first physical store inside a Paris department store.