Cyberattack hits Hasbro, impacting orders and shipping

The major U.S. toymaker and entertainment company is still working to assess if company data was stolen in the attack.

Home Depot sets sights on AI with CTO appointment

Franziska Bell will join the home improvement company to lead an AI-driven tech strategy that's focused on customer experience and operational efficiency.

Ulta names chief strategy, growth officer

The beauty retailer promoted Kristin Wolf, who has worked at the company since 2019, to the C-suite position.

Activewear isn’t over. Everything’s just apparel now.

The lines between apparel, activewear and everything in between have only continued to blur. That isn’t a problem, except if the customer says it is.

Nike’s recovery taking longer than expected. Is patience running thin?

CEO Elliot Hill on Tuesday said the company is not satisfied, but that he’s confident in the direction. 

Dollar Tree makes distribution, tech upgrades

As part of its supply chain modernization efforts, the retailer is replacing its legacy systems with AI-powered platforms.

Aerosoles owner agrees to buy Allbirds for $39M

Sales plummeted last year and the direct-to-consumer footwear brand, which has never turned a profit, closed all full-price U.S. stores in Q1.

New Balance partners with Kizik’s parent company for hands-free tech

The licensing deal with HandsFree Labs will bring slip-in sneakers to New Balance customers by next year.

Macy’s introduces AI-powered shopping assistant

After an initial dark launch, Ask Macy’s helps users discover brands and receive personalized product recommendations. 

Consumers want associates to handle follow-up communication

Shoppers want personalized communication, but they want it to come directly from staff, which can in turn drive sales, an Endear study found.

J. Jill sales decline continues amid tough economic backdrop

The apparel retailer is working to expand its customer base after a challenging holiday period, with Q4 sales dropping 3.1%.

Retail leaders on embracing AI: ‘We have to keep trying things’

The theme of Shoptalk Spring was “Retail in the Age of AI.” Executives had strong opinions on the matter.

RH builds out global strategy with leadership appointments

David Stanchak rejoined as chief real estate and transformation officer, while Veronica Schnitzius was named chief manufacturing and sourcing officer.

Ulta doubled store fulfillment capabilities in 2025

The beauty retailer grew its ship-from-store program to 1,000 stores in fiscal year 2025, while its fulfillment center footprint remained flat compared to 2024.

Marks & Spencer turns to Nordstrom stores for its fashion debut

The U.K. retailer, iconic at home but only vaguely known elsewhere, is looking to expand worldwide.

Advent International acquires majority stake in Salt & Stone

Following the deal, which is expected to close next month, the body care brand’s current senior management will continue leading the company.

The Weekly Closeout: Gabe’s in search of top leadership and Home Depot’s latest acquisition

After avoiding bankruptcy, the off-pricer’s CEO and a few CFOs have left. Meanwhile, the home improvement retailer bought Mingledorff’s.

Dollar General slashes 1,500 SKUs, boosts in-stocks

Further SKU reductions are on the horizon as the retailer prioritizes leaner inventories and a simpler supply chain.

Consumer sentiment falls 6%, hit by declining stocks, higher gas prices

Household expectations for inflation in 12 months rose to 3.8% from 3.4% in February in the biggest one-month gain since April 2025, the University of Michigan found in a survey.

In the age of AI, Home Depot’s stores have ‘never been more relevant’

While the retailer has been ramping up its AI-powered offerings, it aims to provide a frictionless experience across a customer’s shopping journey, wherever that may be.

Shoe Carnival scales back rebrand

In some areas customers didn’t react well to merchandising changes after stores were converted to the Shoe Station banner.

Designer Brands brings together US, Canada retail businesses

The combined entity will give a “streamlined reporting structure,” and enable collaboration. Meanwhile, the retailer posted flat Q4 sales and a comps drop.

The Backroom: Consumer resilience in trying times

Katie Thomas of the Kearney Consumer Institute talks about nuances in the K-shaped economy that help explain why discretionary retail sales have remained strong despite shoppers’ wariness.

David’s Bridal reshapes C-suite for the AI era

The retailer named a CTO, chief global transformation and operations officer, and is on the hunt for its next CFO.

GameStop closed over 700 stores last year

That amounts to more than 1,300 over the past two fiscal years, though the gaming retailer said it doesn’t expect any major footprint reductions in 2026.