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In what could be called the Great Wine Decline, the wine industry has suffered a 21% decrease in revenue from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 through 2025, which has led to a surge in winery closings.The wine sector’s total revenue fell by $19.7 billion over the six-year period, or from $94 billion in 2020 to $74.3 billion in 2025, according to  Silicon Valley Bank’s State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report.Industry experts blame a decline in consumption by its top demographic, Baby Boomers, for the slowdown in wine sales.

Kenwood Vineyards owner Pernod Ricard Kenwood Holding LLC closed its 56-year-old winery and sold its assets to F. Korbel & Bros.Shutterstock

Kenwood Vineyards closes wineryThe most recent closure was a major California winery, Kenwood Vineyards, which closed its operations on March 27, according to its website, with no estimated date for resuming its business.”Kenwood Vineyards is closed until further notice. Check back in April for updates,” a message on the website stated.The Kenwood, Calif., winery’s owner, Pernod Ricard Kenwood Holding LLC, filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification letter with the California Employment Development Department on March 23, asserting that it would permanently close the business by March 31 and lay off all 14 employees by that date.Korbel buys winery for $4 millionThe Sonoma Valley-based winery will likely reopen under new ownership, as Pernod Ricard sold the 33-acre Kenwood Vineyards for $4 million to Kenwood Winery Land LLC, which is led by Gary Heck, owner of F. Korbel & Bros., the producer of Korbel California Champagne and Brandy, the Press Democrat reported.F. Korbel returns as owner of Kenwood Vineyards after selling the winery to Pernod Ricard in May 2014 for under $100 million. The real estate alone was valued at $7.2 million, according to county records at the time.Winery produces half a million casesKorbel purchased half ownership in Kenwood Vineyards 30 years ago and took full ownership in 1999. The winery’s production grew from about 300,000 cases annually to about half a million when Pernod Ricard purchased it in 2014, according to the Press Democrat.Kenwood Vineyards was Pernod Ricard’s first Sonoma County purchase as part of a U.S. expansion in 2014, but it was also its last wine holding before the recent sale, as the company has shifted its focus to spirits.Before selling the Kenwood winery, Pernod Ricard sold its Mumm Napa label in December to Napa Valley-based Trinchero Family Wine & Spirits.Two other major California wineries also announced facility closings and filed WARN notices before Kenwood Vineyards’ closing.Other major wineries close facilitiesE. & J. Gallo, the largest wine company in the U.S., is permanently closing its Ranch Winery in St. Helena, Calif., and laying off all 56 employees by April 15, 2026, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice it filed with the California Employment Development Department on Feb. 12.Gallo will also lay off 37 other employees by April 15 at four of its wine facilities, including Louis M. Martini Winery and Orin Swift Tasting Room in St. Helena, Calif., and J Vineyards & Winery and Frei Ranch in Healdsburg, Calif., according to WARN notices it filed.Huge wine company, Jackson Family Wines, which makes 40 wine brands, said it will permanently close its Carneros Hills Winery in Sonoma, Calif., and lay off 13 workers by April 17, 2026, according to a WARN notice filed with the California Employment Development Department.Related: Major steakhouse chain closes more locations, no bankruptcy

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealThe weather is warming up, and outdoor get-togethers are getting closer and closer. Spring is the time for outdoor campfires, barbecues, and fun in the sun, and spending time out in the backyard with friends and eating delicious food is one of America’s best pastimes. If you’re thinking about hosting this year, we have found great deals on patio sets and lights to set a comfortable atmosphere for your family and friends. However, when it comes to food, making a show of cooking takes it up a notch. Whether cooking dinner for the family or roasting some veggies, the Pit Boss 3-Series Vertical Smoker offers a versatile and delicious cooking option. A smoker is an easy way to cook food for your family gatherings. It can easily be tended to while hanging out outside with everyone, saving you the hassle of running back and forth from the kitchen to the patio. This Pit Boss smoker is 50% off during Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, offering a savings of $200. Shoppers can snag this smoker for just $200, and put it to good use for Easter, the 4th of July, and whenever the craving for smoked foods strikes. Pit Boss 3-Series Vertical Smoker, $200 (was $400) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?This vertical smoker offers tons of space for smoking meats and veggies with 880 square inches of space. It features four 15-inch by 12-inch racks to fit potatoes, brisket, tofu, squash, and more. The temperature ranges from 100 degrees to 320 degrees, making it a viable option for low and slow or hot and fast, depending on what you need to cook. While this smoker only runs on gas, it features a wood chip tray to add flavor to your food, or you can leave it empty to just get a plain smoke, which is great for pre-marinated foods.  Related: Amazon has a ‘brilliant’ Charbroil 3-in-1 outdoor grill for 40% off during the Big Spring SaleThe external wood chip and ash drawer, the front-access grease drawer, and the removable racks make this smoker super easy to clean and maintain. The 47-inch-tall vertical shape and 22-inch-wide size allow for easy adding and removing, and the large viewing window lets you see into the whole smoker without opening the door and letting the smoke out. It also features a heat indicator that provides an easy and accurate reading while cooking. The two 12,500 British Thermal Unit (BTU) burners are crafted with porcelain-coated stainless steel for efficient and safe heating. The pros and cons of this $200 smokerProsSpace: This smoker has four racks for smoking various foods.Viewing window: The viewing window makes it easy to keep an eye on meats while cooking, instead of opening the door and letting heat out. Cleaning: The external wood chip and ash removal, and front-access grease door make the smoker easier to clean.Cons Cost: There are smaller smokers available for less money. Gas only: This smoker is gas-powered only.One reviewer said, “Cleaning is a breeze since the racks slide out easily, and the overall build quality feels solid—not cheap and flimsy. Plus, the temperature control is precise, and the wood chip tray is conveniently accessible.”Another shopper said, “My husband likes that he can put pellets for a smoke flavor, or leave them out and just cook. He’s even cooked a pizza in it. He also says it doesn’t seem like it uses a lot of propane. After using it several times a week for well over a month, the tank still fills pretty heavy.”Shop more dealsRoyal Gourmet Analog Smoker, $170 (was $200) at AmazonLCD Control Wood Pellet Smoker, $263 (was $340) at AmazonMasterbuilt Slow and Cold Smoker, $77 (was $90) at AmazonThe Pit Boss 3-Series Vertical Smoker offers top-notch smoking with an easy-to-clean system. The four racks offer tons of space for all types of food, and the large viewing window makes smoking fun and easy. At 50% off, this smoker is a great deal.

When the size-inclusivity movement gained momentum, it revolutionized the fashion industry, pushing many apparel companies to expand beyond traditional sizing and better serve a broader range of body types. Major retailers responded by expanding their size ranges, while specialized plus-size brands emerged to meet growing demand.Several years later, however, the market is shifting again. Alongside macroeconomic pressures and cautious consumer spending, the rapid adoption of GLP-1 medications is beginning to reshape apparel demand, particularly within the plus-size segment.GLP-1s’ impact on the retail industryGlucagon-like peptide-1, called GLP-1s and known by brand names such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Trulicity, were developed to regulate blood sugar, digestion, and appetite for people with Type 2 diabetes. They are now increasingly used for weight-loss management, driving measurable shifts in consumer behavior.According to Circana estimates, approximately 23% of all U.S. households use GLP-1 medications as of September 2025, up four points from the prior year. Their influence is extending well beyond healthcare and into retail.Around 80% of GLP‑1 users anticipate needing new clothing due to size changes, while 55% have already purchased new clothing or footwear, driven primarily by changing sizes, according to a recent Circana survey.This signals a structural shift in demand. Apparel purchasing is no longer driven solely by seasonality or trends, but increasingly influenced by GLP-1-driven body changes.Unlike traditional weight-loss cycles, GLP-1-driven shifts are occurring at both scale and speed, making them more disruptive to apparel demand forecasting and inventory planning.Consumers’ identities are changing, not just sizeWeight loss associated with GLP-1 use is not only changing what consumers wear but also reshaping how they see themselves.As users transition through multiple sizes, many are rebuilding their wardrobes from scratch. This often includes experimenting with new categories and styles that previously felt out of reach. Circana data shows increased purchases in categories such as activewear, denim, dresses, and intimates during the first year of GLP‑1 use.Kristen Classi-Zummo, apparel industry advisor at Circana, notes that this reflects a bigger behavioral shift.”GLP-1 usage extends beyond the physical implications; it’s a catalyst for redefining personal style. As consumers rebuild their wardrobes, they’re reassessing what fits, what flatters, and what feels aligned with their lifestyle,” said Classi-Zummo.This transformation represents more than a temporary trend. It is an identity reset with direct implications for merchandising, marketing, and product development.For retailers, this also introduces a new challenge where consumers are not simply replacing clothing; they are redefining their relationship with apparel, often prioritizing versatility, confidence, and lifestyle alignment over previous purchasing habits.

GLP-1 usage is changing consumer habits and impacting retailers nationwide.Shutterstock

Mounting pressure on plus-size retailersRetailers focused on extended sizing are already beginning to feel the impact.The broader retail environment remains difficult. Store closures increased 67% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing industry contraction and realignment, according to CoreSight Research.More coverage on store closures:48-year-old nostalgic mall retailer will close 25 stores in 202677-year-old jewelry giant will close 100 stores, shut 2 brands125-year-old retail chain to close more stores in 2026Within this environment, several plus-size specialized retailers have reported declines.Torrid (CURV) reported a 14.3% year-over-year sales decline in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, with a net loss of $8.1 million, compared to $3 million. The company plans to close 30 stores in the first half of 2026 after shuttering 151 locations last year.DXL (DXLG) posted a 6% year-over-year drop in sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, with a net loss of $29.6 million compared to $1.3 million.DXL CEO Harvey Kanter attributed part of the slowdown to GLP-1 adoption, predicting that as many as 25% of the company’s customers are on the medication, actively losing weight and delaying purchases.”Right now, we are in a pattern where they are losing weight and they are trying not to buy clothes until they are done with that journey,” said Kanter during the earnings call.This dynamic is creating a short-term demand gap. Consumers in transition are temporarily spending less in the near term, even as long-term demand for wardrobe replacement builds.At the same time, it is compressing traditional retail buying cycles, forcing brands to rethink inventory strategies as consumers move through multiple sizes more quickly.The future of the retail industry The broader outlook for fashion retail remains cautious.McKinsey & Company’s State of Fashion 2026 Report projects low-single-digit growth for the global fashion industry, citing ongoing macroeconomic instability, tariff pressures, and value-conscious consumer behavior.”In the end, 2026 will likely be another year of dislocation for fashion companies,” said McKinsey & Company analysts.Yet in this subdued environment, GLP-1 adoption represents a new and unexpected growth driver.Bernstein analysts estimate that GLP-1-related wardrobe changes could generate up to $13 billion in increased annual apparel spending.”We expect that GLP-1 users will expand their apparel shopping basket size for 1-3 years, including both the multiple size changes during their weight loss journey as well as replacing their entire wardrobe (and perhaps shifting the styles and types of clothing as well) once they have reached their goal weight,” the analysts said, as reported by MarketWatch.The risk of scaling back on inclusivityDespite these shifts, scaling back on inclusive sizing could prove short-sighted.A substantial portion of the U.S. population still wears plus-size clothing, estimated between 68% and 78%, according to an analysis by FIT professor Mallorie Dunn. This demand is not disappearing, even as some consumers size down.Overcorrecting in response to short-term trends could alienate a large and still underrepresented customer base.What this means for retailersGLP-1 medications are introducing a new dynamic into fashion retail, one that blends healthcare, identity, and consumer spending patterns.For brands, the opportunity lies in balancing supporting consumers through transitional sizing and evolving identities, and maintaining long-term commitments to inclusivity. Retailers that can do both while adapting to faster demand cycles and more fluid sizing needs will be best positioned to navigate this shift and outperform in an otherwise constrained market. Related: 106-year-old retail brand operator closing all stores in bankruptcy