US wholesale inventories rose 0.1% in July, slightly less than the 0.2% initially estimated, and up 1.3% from a year earlier, according to the Census Bureau, suggesting that businesses are not rushing to replenish stocks after a second-quarter depletion. Wholesale sales rose 1.4% in July from June and 6.2% from a year earlier, with durable goods sales up 1.3%, and nondurable goods sales up 1.6%.

The consumer price index rose 0.4% in August and gained 2.9% compared with the prior year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The monthly gain was the largest since January. Meanwhile, the core measure that excludes food and energy prices was up 0.3% for the month and 3.1% from a year ago.

US holiday sales are forecasted to grow between 2.9% and 3.4% this season, down from 4.2% a year ago and marking the slowest increase since the pandemic, according to Deloitte. E-commerce sales are expected to grow between 7% and 9%, while in-store sales are projected to slow to a 2%-2.2% increase. Macroeconomic uncertainty, persistent inflation and lingering trade policy effects are weighing on US consumers and businesses.

US port traffic is expected to decline for the remainder of the year as tariffs take a toll on imports, according to the Global Port Tracker from NRF and Hackett Associates. Imports surged in July as retailers rushed to beat tariffs, while August is projected to be down 1.7% from a year ago, and deeper year-over-year declines are forecast in the last four months of 2025.

Supply chain cybersecurity is a critical threat to global economic stability, with 98% of companies experiencing breaches. Organizations must shift from a compliance-based approach to proactive risk orchestration, integrating AI-powered monitoring and zero-trust architecture. The National Institute of Standards and Technology outlines three organizational models for managing cyber supply chain risk: a centralized team, a blended approach and standards-oriented integration.

Chief marketing officers view AI as a transformative tool for marketing, with key benefits including improved marketing effectiveness, more efficient processes, greater team productivity, scale and speed to market, and cost savings, according to a Merkle report. Some companies like Intel, Procter & Gamble and Microsoft have made layoffs related to AI adoption, but others see AI as a way to take more work in-house and reduce reliance on external agencies.

Frontline workers are at the forefront of AI's impact, as they interact with technologies like automated scheduling, diagnostics and customer service chatbots. Despite this, many organizations still overlook the frontline in their AI strategies, treating AI as primarily a corporate concern. HR leaders are encouraged to remove barriers such as upfront costs, offer flexible learning formats and align HR, L&D and IT teams to ensure seamless upskilling as business needs evolve.

Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW's premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.

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