The Latest

  • The TikTok app is displayed on an Apple iPhone.
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    Photo Illustration by Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    How TikTok Shop is changing the way brands reach customers

    As a potential ban looms, brands like Nike and E.l.f. Beauty are leveraging the social media platform to win over Gen Z.

    Updated Jan. 10, 2025
  • The interior entrance to a JC Penney mall store, with fronds of a plant in the foreground.
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    J.C. Penney, Brooks Brothers operator join forces as ‘Catalyst Brands’

    The new entity features other labels owned by Authentic Brands Group and run by Sparc Group. Investors include Shein and mall REITs Simon and Brookfield.

  • People inside and outside a store.
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    Courtesy of REI Co-op
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    REI shutters experiences business, eliminating hundreds of jobs

    More than 400 employees will be let go as part of the decision. CEO Eric Artz said the 40-year-old experiences division was unprofitable.

  • A person in a red sweater smiles at the camera while sitting on a beige couch. On a table in front of him are several phone cases and some housewares displayed on an orange tray.
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    Bryan Bedder via Getty Images
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    Consortium Brand Partners acquires Jonathan Adler

    This is the private equity firm’s third acquisition in 18 months, following previously announced deals with Draper James and Outdoor Voices.

    DTC
  • Three children in bright clothing face the camera.
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    Courtesy of Bluestar Alliance
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    These 5 tween retailers once dominated the space. Here’s where they are now.

    Brands like Wet Seal and Delia’s have since faded from the spotlight as stores failed to keep up with the changing needs of new generations.

  • People walking past and into a store.
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    Target to add 2K items to wellness assortment

    The retailer will price more than half of the products under $10 and hundreds will be exclusives.

  • A low angle of a workers' legs in denim and boots standing in gravel.
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    Pra-chid via Getty Images
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    Shoes for Crews names CEO

    Chris Quinn is succeeding former chief executive Donald Watros who retired after serving in the role since 2017.

  • A shopper holds multiple shopping bags.
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    Leon Neal via Getty Images
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    8 retail trends to watch in 2025

    Each year brings unique headwinds and tailwinds. From increased attention on DEI efforts to the shifting nature of DTC, this is what we’ll be following in 2025.

  • Close-up of a hand holding a phone against a dark green backdrop
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    Courtesy of Instacart
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    Holiday e-commerce hits a record as shoppers choose phones over stores

    Consumers sought out deals but inflation didn’t really tamp down demand during the season, according to the latest figures from Adobe Analytics.

  • The exterior of Perfect Moment's store in the SoHo neighborhood of New York. A yellow cab is parked out front.
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    Courtesy of Perfect Moment
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    Perfect Moment seeks global expansion through agency partnerships

    The luxury ski brand is working to grow its international wholesale presence as it faces a potential delisting from the New York Stock Exchange.

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    Kendall Davis/Retail Dive
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    Podcast

    The Backroom: Doug Stephens looks to 2025 and beyond

    The retail and brand expert discusses the hype around AI, how marketers can preserve human creativity and his optimism about the future.

  • Ulta storefront
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    Daphne Howland/Retail Dive
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    Ulta names Kecia Steelman CEO

    Steelman, who is currently chief operating officer at the beauty retailer, will step into the role as Dave Kimbell retires. 

    Updated Jan. 7, 2025
  • In an aerial view, trucks sit parked in front of a Walmart store on February 21, 2023 in Richmond, California.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Walmart to miss 2025, 2030 emissions reduction targets

    The retail giant said it will miss its goals to reduce operational emissions because of challenges with energy policy and infrastructure, as well as technology availability.

  • Five cans of Athletic Brewing's flagship beers
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    Courtesy of Athletic Brewing
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    Inside Athletic Brewing’s marketing as reach expands for nonalcoholic beer

    Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Katz explains how a new multimillion-dollar campaign is part of the brand’s efforts as the “big guys” enter the nonalcoholic beer category.

  • A Carter's Babies and Kids storefront with a blue sky
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    The image by Mike Mozart is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Carter’s parent names interim leader as CEO retires

    Michael Casey will step down after 15 years in the top spot, while Chief Financial and Operating Officer Richard Westenberger will lead in the interim.

  • A store with a bright green facade reads "Joann" in capital letters, and in smaller script says "handmade happiness."
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    Courtesy of Joann
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    Joann closes smattering of locations across US

    The stores are being shuttered as part of “routine store location evaluation and optimization,” according to a company spokesperson.

  • A stack of bags in various colors, all with bright patterns.
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    Courtesy of Vera Bradley
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    Column

    The Weekly Closeout: Vera Bradley urged to sell and Fleet Feet makes an acquisition

    Fund 1 Investments in a letter pushed the accessories brand to consider strategic alternatives, while the footwear retailer bought South Sound Running.

  • An image of a red scooter with a DoorDash bag on it.
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    Permission granted by DoorDash
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    DoorDash enters deal with Ibotta to expand digital promotions offering

    The tie-up aims to push savings opportunities and coupons to shoppers on everyday purchases across categories, such as beauty and home improvement.

  • An assortment of Fine'ry's fragrances targeting the men's market.
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    Courtesy of Fine'ry
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    With latest launch, Fine’ry targets the men’s fragrance market

    The move was “a natural next step for Fine’ry,” according to Nadia Khan, senior vice president of brand marketing at parent company Maesa.

  • The sun shines brightly on a storefront, against a blue sky.
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    "Costco, Enfield, Connecticut" by Mike Mozart is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Did Costco just reset the narrative around DEI?

    In contrast to a slew of companies, the warehouse retailer has forcefully rejected an anti-DEI shareholder proposal as bad for business.

  • A plane flys over a J.C. Penney storefront.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    J.C. Penney hires agency Mischief, seeking bigger creative swings

    Disruptor shop Mischief is tasked with developing a new creative platform and delivering bold marketing for the department store chain. 

  • A view of a Dr. Martens store as people pass by.
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    Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images
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    Dr. Martens creative director steps down after a decade

    Darren McKoy said he was ready to embrace new opportunities and creative challenges, and the footwear company hasn’t named a replacement.

  • Person holds a phone that shows Buy with Prime and PayPal.
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    Courtesy of Amazon
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    What Amazon is doing to fight fake reviews

    Reviews are a cornerstone of Amazon’s business, so it is pushing back with strict policies, proactive detection and enforcement action.

  • Person uses credit card to buy online
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    Nastasic via Getty Images
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    Holiday shoppers spent global record $1.2 trillion online

    Both retailers and consumers used AI to enhance shopping experiences. But consumers have also returned 28% more merchandise than last year, according to Salesforce. 

  • Image of Instacart logo
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Instacart links with Samsung on shoppable fridge tech

    The multi-year partnership will allow people to order groceries from the screens of select Samsung refrigerators.