Depop names permanent CEO

Peter Semple, who officially takes the helm on Friday, has been serving in the role on an interim basis since May.

Walmart bets big on AI with ‘super agent’ strategy

The retailer is centralizing AI capabilities to avoid fragmentation, noting that the technology is already being utilized by 900,000 associates.

Mattel to keep roughly half of US toys below $20

Even as net sales fell 6% in Q2, the company’s CEO doesn’t see consumers as any more price sensitive compared to a year ago.

Hoka brick-and-mortar stores ‘the primary venue for full-price sales’

With the brand’s customers tending to look for price breaks online, Deckers is looking to expand retail partnerships as well as its own stores.

Macy’s brings back ‘Black Friday in July’ sale

In addition to deals on clothing, accessories and beauty products, the department store is also dropping a curated selection of holiday items.

Lowe’s links end-user feedback loop to AI tool improvements

The home improvement retailer has been expanding AI access to employees and tweaking tools with stakeholder input in mind. 

Tractor Supply to ramp up store openings, with plans for 100 new locations next year

Buoyed by a strong Q2, the rural retailer reiterated its outlook for the year, including strength in the top and bottom lines.

Guitar Center brings AI assistant to the store floor

The Rig Advisor tool compares gear in real time and provides live inventory updates.

Why JanSport revived its cringeworthy back-to-school ads to reach Gen Z

The backpack maker’s TikTok-focused effort returns for a second year after an initial run led to the brand’s highest grossing sales day in history.

Back-to-school shoppers avoiding price hikes by reusing supplies, buying cheaper brands

Most consumers said higher prices are impacting their choices this year, according to a new ICSC report.

Walmart touts AI for fraudulent marketplace seller detection

The company uses AI-driven and real-time monitoring of product listings to search for policy compliance and IP infringement.

Klarna users can now list past purchases on Poshmark

The two companies are offering Posh Credit to first-time Klarna users ahead of the back-to-school shopping season.

Amazon snaps up AI wearables company Bee

The e-commerce giant said the deal, for an undisclosed amount, has yet to close. 

Hasbro’s Magic: The Gathering growth helps offset toy revenue drop

The toy and entertainment company raised its full-year guidance, though it acknowledged that tariff rates remain fluid.

Centric Brands names president of kids’ division

Rob Smith, founder of The Phluid Project, comes with leadership experience from Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret.

Levi’s boosts inventory to navigate tariff, shipping disruptions

The company also expects ongoing transformation initiatives, including a consolidation of its distribution center network, to further insulate it from long-term impacts.

J.C. Penney builds on promising brand push with ‘Back-to-It’ campaign

The retailer widens the lens on back-to-school marketing by iterating on a “Yes, J.C. Penney” positioning that has boosted visits.

Vuori plots international growth with 15 stores

The activewear brand, which will open two locations this fall, has expanded its e-commerce presence to an additional 11 countries as it looks to grow overseas.

Target unveils ‘Back-to-School-idays’ savings event

The mass retailer is bringing back in-store personalization services for select gear and building on previous Circle Week school discounts. 

AI shopping assistants have a trust problem

Skepticism about the tech is a major barrier to its adoption, as it ranks among the least trusted sources for shopping information, according to a new report.

Ernesta opens New Jersey showroom as it expands its offline presence

The store in Summit marks the DTC rug brand’s fourth location opened this year.

Walmart cuts market coordinator role

The mass retailer is eliminating the position, which supported its market managers, and also plans to take a more tailored approach to staffing its training centers.

Consumer ire over delivery mishaps shifts from shippers to merchants

E-commerce retailers are struggling to meet consumers’ rising expectations for faster delivery, according to InsureShield Shipping Insurance.

Lululemon expands to Italy with first store in Milan

The opening, which came years later than initially planned, is part of a broader international expansion strategy as growth stalls in the U.S.

Function of Beauty names new CEO

Monica Belsito was chief marketing officer at Sabra Dipping Company and, before that, founding CMO at feminine products company Lola.