The Weekly Closeout: Amazon notches a win against Perplexity, Reebok reenters soccer

The e-commerce giant got a temporary order blocking access for Perplexity’s AI shopping agents, while the athletics brand signed two professional soccer players.

Torrid has more to prove as Q4 sales tumble 14%

As part of its turnaround the women’s plus retailer closed more than 150 stores and brought lower price points to nearly a third of its assortment.

Destination XL hit by ‘volatility’ of GLP-1 usage

The plus-size apparel retailer reported Q4 total sales decreased 6% and expects the merger with FullBeauty Brands to close in the second quarter. 

Could off-price retailers start grabbing market share from each other?

So far, department stores and other mainstream retailers have the most to fear as TJX, Ross and Burlington open hundreds of stores each year.

Top Ikea operator eyes 800 job cuts

Ingka Group CEO Juvencio Maeztu said the company has “grown too complex in a retail environment that requires speed and agility.”

Lowe’s launches subscription service for in-home maintenance

For $99 annually, HomeCare+ subscribers can have two in-home visits a year, spanning services like electric dryer vent cleaning and electric water heater flush.

Meta bets on NYC with flagship

Meta is making its Fifth Avenue retail pop-up location permanent by signing a 10-year lease on the space.

NRF forecasts 4.4% retail sales growth this year despite rising uncertainty

The group acknowledged a softening labor market, persistent inflation and fallout from geopolitical tensions, but said “underlying fundamentals” and higher tax refunds should boost consumers.

How Lowe’s tailors its AI-backed Mylow to different customers

The home improvement retailer gets about a million questions a month between Mylow and Mylow Companion, with customer inquiries ranging in terms of expertise and needs.

Five Below delivers strongest holiday performance since going public

The discount retailer's Q4 net sales soared over 24% compared to a year ago. CEO Winnie Park says expanded pricing will continue to play a pivotal role.

Michaels cuts prices on 3K more items as consumers waver

The arts and crafts retailer is keen on picking up market share left open by the demise of Party City and Joann.

Build-A-Bear launches at Walmart

The toy company will offer a number of products for a limited time in 1,500 Walmart stores and on the big-box retailer’s website. 

Lululemon adds Chip Bergh to board as North America revenue declines

The appointment is a “key acquiescence” to the demands of founder Chip Wilson, though he called the decision “underwhelming.”

Bob’s Discount Furniture posts 17% revenue gain in 2025, plots store openings

Fresh off its IPO, the furniture retailer represents a bright spot in an otherwise challenged home sector.

Bloomingdale’s takes share from Saks Global, lifts Macy’s Inc. in Q4

“The vendor community has rallied around Bloomingdale's like never before,” Macy’s Inc. CEO Tony Spring told analysts Wednesday.

Family Dollar to pilot extra small store format in urban markets

Fresh off its separation from Dollar Tree, the discount chain is pursuing a turnaround that includes 70 initiatives across various departments.

In the home sector, ‘the weak will get weaker’ this year

Retailers in the category face a poor housing market, elevated interest rates, low consumer confidence and ever-changing tariff policies.

Walmart to test faster renovation process for Neighborhood Markets

The retailer intends to take several stores out of service for about a month for upgrades instead of doing construction in phases over a longer period.

Saks Global snags final $300M in bankruptcy financing, nears home stretch

An ad hoc group of senior secured bondholders has approved the luxury retailer’s five-year plan, aiming for double-digit adjusted EBITDA margin and profitable growth.

What’s essential for AI shopping assistant success

The biggest risk isn’t falling behind on deployment — it’s deploying before the organization is ready, experts say.

Dollar Tree traffic declines, again

CEO Mike Creedon attributed the traffic declines to the retailer's restickering efforts, which the executive said are largely complete.

CBP is working on 4-step tariff refund process

The agency detailed progress it’s made developing a dedicated system to process refunds for International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs.

Primark is retail’s ‘best kept secret.’ It’s ready to move beyond that.

The fashion retailer has a new CEO, is expanding in the U.S. and will soon open a flagship in New York City. It just wants you to know it exists.

Target consolidates spring savings event into 3 days

Competitors expanded the length of seasonal sales over the past year, but the retailer’s March event marks a reduction from 2025’s Target Circle Week sale.

Half of consumers prefer brands that don’t use generative AI, Gartner finds

Consumers who are ambivalent or distrust the technology may walk away if they feel forced to use AI, one analyst said.