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. 

REI faces possible anniversary sale boycott after abandoning labor talks

The REI Union, expressing confidence that the retailer’s customers would join workers in sending a message, will finalize a decision by May 1.

How Tecovas is leveraging AI to improve the store experience

The boot brand is using the tech to help with inventory replenishment and allocation, and foster better interactions between associates and customers.

Nordstrom to close 2 full-line stores despite top-line strength last year

Anchors at malls in Delaware and Texas will close this spring, but the off-price Rack fleet continues to grow, with plans to add 23 locations in 2026.

Retailers report shrink levels down from pandemic highs

Is the improvement from addressing theft, operational weaknesses or accounting gaps? It’s probably a combination, but most aren’t saying.

How Lowe’s creator network is winning over the next generation of shoppers

The home improvement retailer has partnered with content creators like MrBeast to connect with Gen Alpha long before they purchase their first home.

Walmart brings Sparky to ChatGPT as OpenAI rethinks Instant Checkout

OpenAI is pivoting away from handling purchases after its initial efforts failed to provide enough flexibility.

Sephora launches app in ChatGPT

The AI-enhanced experience will give customers advice and help them discover products, according to Global Chief Digital Officer Anca Marola. 

How Gap Inc. is ‘leaning in’ to AI to elevate online shopping

The apparel retailer is accelerating its digital experience with two new partnerships, CTO Sven Gerjets told an audience at Shoptalk.

Puma debuts AI concierge at Las Vegas store

A multilingual assistant in a large digital display will automatically detect the language a shopper speaks and answer their questions about products.

On CEO’s ‘planned hiatus’ comes as a surprise

The sneaker brand is shaking up its C-suite again, less than a year after Martin Hoffmann took over as its sole chief executive.

Wealthy consumers are heading to dollar stores

Inflation pushed dollar stores to expand their price points. Higher-income shoppers, pressured by the same headwind, came along for the ride.

GLP-1 users are changing apparel trends

Some categories, like intimates, are already seeing shifts as shoppers buy clothes for new body sizes and routines, according to a Circana report.

Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos to step down, again

This time, Ahold Delhaize USA executive JJ Fleeman will succeed him as CEO, with Vasos exiting the position in 2027.

The Weekly Closeout: Zara partners with John Galliano and Peloton goes to the gym

The fast-fashion retailer announced a two-year partnership with the designer, while the DTC brand launched its Peloton Commercial Series. 

FedEx taps OneRail to offer 2-hour, end-of-day delivery

The two companies will connect customers to more than 1,000 delivery providers through FedEx's SameDay Local service, unveiled Tuesday.

The Home Depot beefs up digital shopping experience for pros

As it pursues home improvement professionals, the retailer is enhancing the online experience with tools for better project management.

Why J.C. Penney’s spring campaign bowed with a Paris, Texas, fashion show

Marisa Thalberg, chief customer and marketing officer at operating parent Catalyst Brands, digs into the “Exactly What You Are (and Aren’t) Looking For” effort.

Estée Lauder, Puig in merger talks

The tie-up would diversify each company’s portfolio somewhat but might look better on paper, some analysts said.

Simon Property Group CEO David Simon dies at 64

The real estate magnate’s son Eli Simon on Monday took over as CEO and president and will also continue as chief operating officer.

The US consumer is hitting a rough patch

Even before the Iran war’s oil price spikes, people were getting more cautious about spending. That means buying less from retailers.

Bark won’t go private, for now

The online pet company said one recent take-private proposal was withdrawn and another "did not adequately reflect the value of the company."

Brooks shuffles C-suite as it eyes expansion

The running brand is restructuring to focus global leaders on long-term priorities like market and category expansion.

The Children’s Place refines supply chain leadership roles

The retailer expanded Kristin Clifford’s role to senior vice president, head of sourcing and product operations, as part of a larger executive shuffle.