The Latest
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Why L Brands is giving up on Henri Bendel
With the company struggling amid the downturn at its flagship Victoria's Secret banner, the iconic fashion label had to go. But did it ever have a chance?
Corporate News -
Amazon investigating employees for data bribery
The e-tailer has a record of protecting transparency in its reviews, and a high level of consumer trust, but employees in China are reportedly selling data to third-party sellers.
E-commerce -
Chicago Amazon Go store becomes first outside Seattle
The e-commerce giant takes the cashierless concept beyond its home turf.
Technology -
Deep DiveCan Barnes & Noble be saved?
A revolving door of CEOs and failed attempts to boost stores with restaurants have plagued the retailer's turnaround efforts. Some say that's because there's no place left for big-box book retailing.
Corporate News -
Shopify brings AR features to mobile commerce platform
More small businesses can now offer immersive experiences for shoppers to closely inspect products before buying.
Marketing -
Crate & Barrel plots restaurant at Chicago store
Popular Korean barbecue chef Bill Kim will helm the kitchen at Crate & Barrel's first restaurant, slated to open next spring.
Corporate News -
ColumnRetail Therapy: Amazon's prickly plan to box up Christmas cheer
Why enjoy the fresh air and pick out your own Christmas tree when Amazon can ship you a genuine, living pine tree in the confines of a cute 7-foot box?
Consumer Trends -
Instagram expands shopping features to boost brands' direct sales
Two new features in Stories and Explore could help to close the sales loop for the more than 90 million users that tap shoppable posts for more product information.
Consumer Trends -
Facebook to gain most from big digital holiday ad spend
Digital advertising tops the marketing wish list for two-thirds of retailers, with a huge chunk going to Facebook and Instagram, reported Reveal Mobile.
Technology -
Deep DiveIs NYC's garment district unraveling?
City officials have a plan to revitalize Manhattan's struggling Garment District. But as some brands decamp to the outer boroughs, and still others shift their manufacturing overseas, fashion may have to cede its stronghold.
Consumer Trends -
Holiday sales to grow 4% as e-commerce takes more share
An extra day between Thanksgiving and Christmas should help give retailers one of their best holiday seasons yet, according to Coresight Research.
Consumer Trends -
Nordstrom revamps loyalty with new 'Nordy Club'
The department store joins other retailers in revamping loyalty programs to keep high spenders close no matter how they pay.
Consumer Trends -
How a record store is beating the odds
New England chain Bull Moose is growing — despite offering goods widely available through digital streaming — by focusing on experience.
E-commerce -
August retail sales miss as gas prices rise
Disappointing retail sales last month are unlikely to dent holiday forecasts, unless tariffs force new challenges onto American consumers.
Corporate News -
Amazon launches 'Storefronts' for small and medium sellers
The e-commerce giant also unveiled its first TV ad to feature one of its smaller sellers, which account for half of its retail sales.
Marketing -
Deep DiveVC money is pouring into e-commerce — but are women getting a fair share?
Last year, female-founded retail businesses raised only about half the funding male founders did. Investors are realizing they may be leaving money on the table.
Corporate News -
Retail rents, vacancies stabilizing
Various reports suggest the worst of the impact of retail closures is probably over, as new tenants fill space vacated by anchoring stores.
Corporate News -
Mobile to drive 68% of holiday e-commerce traffic
The holiday season looks promising, with Salesforce predicting 13% sales growth — but they need to prepare for an early start, especially on mobile.
Technology -
Deep DiveHow Nike and REI made experiential retail a strategy
The two retailers have drastically different approaches to experiences, but both prompt the industry to invest in loyal customers and push boundaries in stores.
Marketing -
RepairClinic rebrands to highlight anti-counterfeit promise
The parts supplier is trumpeting its manufacturer guarantee aimed at fighting counterfeits and shaking up the e-commerce market for appliance parts.
UPDATED: Sept. 18, 2018 at 3:04 p.m.
Technology -
Google rolls out shoppable images ahead of the holidays
The features aim to help marketers expand their reach during the holiday season, when 61% of consumers say they're open to buying from new retailers.
Marketing -
Think fast, think small: How Kohl's rode the omnichannel wave
For the retailer, a smaller store footprint was the first logical step to cost reduction.
Logistics -
L Brands shuttering Henri Bendel
The move will be a boon to shareholders and allow L Brands to focus on its core business, according to B. Riley FBR analysts.
Corporate News -
Target dishes up exclusive Chrissy Teigen kitchen line
The mass merchant also recently debuted a collaboration with popular game Minecraft and a new private label — mainstays in Target's playbook.
Marketing -
ColumnRetail Therapy: Sephora's 'starter witch kit' brews up trouble
The product, slated to be sold Oct. 5, drew sharp criticism from the Wicca community about how to sell mystical products without being a witch about it.
Consumer Trends