US e-commerce spend reached nearly $258B over the holidays

Adobe Analytics data found consumer spending grew 6.8% compared to 2024, with buy now, pay later usage reaching a new high.

The Backroom: Contemplating retail in 2026 with Doug Stephens

The retail strategy adviser talks about trust in the age of emerging AI and the industry’s potential to shape our society.

E.l.f. Beauty launches virtual makeup experience on Roblox

The cosmetics company seeks to attract Gen Alpha and Gen Z shoppers in the gaming universe with avatars that reflect their aesthetic. 

Could Nike sell Converse?

Revenue declines and a 44% drop in demand creation may indicate it’s time to divest the brand, according to BNP Paribas.

A look at retail’s year of AI news

Retail may be lagging behind other industries in the adoption of artificial intelligence, but 2025 was still transformative. Here’s a recap of retail’s biggest AI-related news this year.

Claire’s plans tech upgrades despite financial setbacks

The retailer will take steps to elevate customer in-store experiences by improving its technology foundation. 

Amazon expands rural delivery with Oklahoma last-mile station

The 30,000-square-foot facility in Weatherford is slated to break ground early this year, and the city said it will improve delivery speeds in the area.

How Home Depot sped up its supply chain — and what comes next

The home improvement retailer has built an expansive network of distribution centers for faster deliveries. It's now looking to maximize the potential of those assets.

December sales drop over 2% at small retail businesses despite traffic bump

Even at the holidays shoppers prioritized essentials, and inflation-adjusted discretionary sales at smaller stores fell 1.8% year on year, per Fiserv.

Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty to launch at Ulta

The beauty brand will be available online and at the retailer's stores starting in February, with exclusive offerings and a donation campaign.

The Weekly Closeout: Levi’s adds Target vet to board, plus more Black Friday ‘standouts’

Jeffrey Jones, a former chief marketer at Target, will join the apparel maker in January. Meanwhile, analysts called out On and Hoka as big winners from the sale season.

Amazon rolls out dedicated website that brings Alexa+ online

The site can help customers research topics, take action on their behalf, and continue conversations with an Alexa device from where they left off.

Visa, Mastercard track roughly 4% US holiday retail sales growth

The 2025 holiday season saw consumers shopping across channels to land the best deals and maximize convenience, according to new reports. 

Run retail run

Over 54,000 runners recently participated in the Chicago Marathon, with some 1.7 million spectators lining the streets. They came to race — and to shop.

Bed Bath & Beyond operating chief out as Marcus Lemonis takes on CEO role

Lemonis outlined a plan that moves the company beyond retail and into insurance, financial tools and “mortgage related solutions.”

Lululemon founder Chip Wilson scuffles with board amid CEO search

The brand says it wants to avoid a proxy fight but that Wilson “declined to engage further” after nominating three people to its board.

Combating the consumer ‘joy deficit’ this season

Prices are high, shoppers are stressed out and anxiety-inducing marketing doesn’t help. Here’s what retailers can do instead.

White House delays furniture tariff increases for a year

The U.S. is pushing back duty increases due to "productive negotiations" with trading partners, keeping the current 25% rate in effect.

Saks Global CEO Marc Metrick exits

Executive Chairman Richard Baker is taking over the top position at the luxury retailer as bankruptcy speculation swirls.

Are secondhand sales beefing up this little retail segment?

Wells Fargo economists suspect that sales of used items helped push sales at “miscellaneous retailers” up more than 8% in the last 10 months.

Returns expected to spike in the new year

Compared to earlier in the holiday season, returns will rise by up to 15% in the first two weeks of this month, according to Adobe Analytics.

Pat McGrath Labs seeks a buyer

Bids are due to Hilco Global by Jan. 26, with a public auction for the beauty brand’s assets to be held on Jan. 27. 

Most consumers interacted with AI customer service during holiday shopping

Consumers’ response to AI and automation is largely positive, but a majority still say humans provide better support, a Liveops survey found.

Is surveillance pricing ripping off loyal customers?

If customers thought “that loyalty data were being consumed for that purpose, they would opt out of loyalty,” said Brierley loyalty consultant Don Smith.

Lovesac reshores key manufacturing process

The direct-to-consumer furniture retailer plans to start domestic production of core inserts for its primary product line.