The Latest
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Deep DiveA timeline of J. Crew's rise and fall
For the apparel retailer, there was the way that retail always worked, where stores and designers dictated what consumers wanted. Then, everything changed.
Corporate News -
More holiday consumers plan to shop both online and in stores
Plans for shopping online have increased among consumers this year, but brick-and-mortar retailers are also getting a bigger piece of the pie, both online and off.
Consumer Trends -
FTC: More scammers demand gift cards from stores as payments
Fraud involving gift cards like iTunes is up 270% since 2015 as scammers coerce people into using them to pay for imposter scams.
Technology -
Deep Dive30 minutes with Casper's head of marketing
The mattress startup isn't hitting the snooze button any time soon, with plans for 200 brick-and-mortar stores by 2021. CMO Jeff Brooks talks through growth plans, Mattress Firm's bankruptcy and more.
Marketing -
David's Bridal misses debt payment, setting stage for restructuring
S&P analysts downgraded the wedding apparel retailer's credit rating to default levels as a possible bankruptcy or out-of-court debt restructuring looms.
UPDATED: Oct. 17, 2018 at 12:04 p.m.
Corporate News -
Visa adds payment partners to network token service
The credit card company adds more partners to its tokenization service, which could help the digital security practice spread throughout the industry.
Technology -
Deep DiveThe running list of 2018 retail bankruptcies
Retailers filed for bankruptcy at a record rate last year, and many in the industry think the pace could continue through 2018. Sears Holdings is the most recent to make our list.
UPDATED: Oct. 17, 2018 at 10 a.m.
Corporate News -
Amazon store count tops 600
It's not many stores for a retail giant, but it's enough to say that Amazon is not just an e-commerce player anymore.
E-commerce -
Doug McMillon: 'I want to challenge your thinking of Walmart'
During an investor meeting Tuesday, executives talked up competitive acquisitions, innovation and investments to "empower" store associates.
Corporate News -
Just how much upside is there for J.C. Penney in Sears' bankruptcy?
With the bankruptcy of one of its biggest competitors, there is both upside and risk as J.C. Penney's own turnaround slogs on and new leadership takes over.
Consumer Trends -
Amazon US Prime membership flattens
Despite a report indicating a slowing rate, membership makes up the vast majority of Amazon's customer base and continues to be lucrative for the e-commerce giant.
E-commerce -
Nine West files revised Ch. 11 plan with most creditors on board
The filing follows a move by some creditors to sue Nine West's owner, Sycamore Partners, over the leveraged buyout of the retailer five years ago that they say led to its bankruptcy.
UPDATED: Oct. 18, 2018 at 9:22 a.m.
Corporate News -
Deep Dive5 lessons from holiday 2017 to keep in mind this season
Last holiday season was a bountiful one for retailers across the board, and this one is anticipated to be even more profitable if common pitfalls are avoided.
Holidays -
Google Shopping Actions wins over Best Buy, Sephora, Nike
The tech company adds products from three of the biggest names in retail to its streamlined search-and-buy capability.
Technology -
Pinterest pushes into mobile shopping with updated Pins, iOS shortcuts
Revamped shopping features boosted clicks on products to retail sites by 40% last quarter.
Mobile Commerce -
Sears filed for Chapter 11 with plans to close 142 stores — now what?
As part of the retailer's plan to reorganize, CEO Eddie Lampert is stepping down as chief executive — at the same time his hedge fund is mulling a bid for Sears in Chapter 11.
Corporate News -
Amazon may be the Grinch of holiday hiring this year
Competitors are upping wages in a bid to compete with the e-commerce giant and meet ambitious hiring goals, but will it pay off?
Holidays -
H&M invests $13M in AI-driven menswear startup Thread
Thread adds to the fast-fashion company's portfolio with its AI technology and team of stylists that create online product recommendations for men.
Technology -
ColumnRetail Therapy: 5 Halloween costumes so bad they're spooky
From sexy Sherlock Holmes to an athleisure-clad "influencer," here are some of the worst ones we've come across leading up to the big night.
Consumer Trends -
Barneys rebrands, expands home and kids offering
The upscale department store's home and kids decor section is now "Barneys Home and Kids."
Marketing -
Harry's launches Flamingo women's shaving brand
The men's grooming site is now moving into the women's market to challenge subscription startup Billie, which snagged $6 million in seed funding in April.
Marketing -
Deep DiveUp, up and Away: Inside the rise of a direct-to-consumer darling
The nearly three-year-old travel brand has momentum and money to scale, but how high can it fly before hitting its ceiling?
E-commerce -
Macy's expanding VR furniture shopping to 90 stores by January
The department store is rolling out a virtual reality furniture-buying experience — a massive commitment in a sector still waffling about the technology's value.
Technology -
Wayfair launches membership-based loyalty program
Several retailers have tweaked their loyalty programs in recent months, but few have added paid membership models.
Marketing -
Deep DiveHow to make the most of influencer marketing this holiday season
By adding influencer content into the mix, brands may be able to grab consumers' attention at a time when many are bombarded with product promotions, seasonal ads and deals.
Marketing