Executive Summary

• This week’s note “From the Desk of Deborah Weinswig”  looks at 10 things we learned in 2019—and what they mean for 2020.

In the news this week:

• US Super Saturday sales hit $34.4 billion—the biggest single day in US retail history and ahead of Black Friday’s $31.2 billion, despite lower foot traffic.
• Chilean supermarket chain Wong has launched an app that lets customers trace meats, with information such as farm location, certifications, distribution process, store arrival date—and cooking tips.
• Alibaba travel platform Fliggy has launched a campaign to connect China’s independently operated hotels with travelers and has already signed up 15,000 hotels in over 300 cities.