Alvarez & Marsal Report Urges Retailers to Act Now on Tariff Impacts

The latest report from Alvarez & Marsal's Consumer and Retail Group, titled 'Tariffs & Turmoil – Never Let a Good Crisis Go To Waste', serves as a critical wake-up call for retailers. It emphasizes the urgent need for companies to proactively address the challenges posed by shifting global trade policies and economic pressures. The report warns against the complacency of a 'wait-and-see' approach, highlighting that the current calm is deceptive and that the real impact of tariffs will manifest in future quarterly reports.

Joanna Rangarajan and Michael Prendergast, Managing Directors at Alvarez & Marsal and co-authors of the study, stress the importance of using this period of turmoil as an opportunity for strategic reset. They advocate for a comprehensive review of operations to identify cost-cutting opportunities equivalent to the expected tariff impacts. The report outlines nine key areas for focus, including cost reduction, innovation, pricing strategies, and supply chain optimization, to navigate the uncertain trade landscape successfully.

This report is crucial for retailers as it not only highlights the risks of inaction but also provides actionable strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs. By adopting these measures, companies can not only survive the current crisis but emerge stronger, more agile, and better positioned for future challenges.