Why Halloween is a ‘master class’ for retailers

The season’s broad emotional appeal and delivery on in-store experiences means that shoppers, especially Gen Z, are ready to spend. 

After disappointing Q3, Mattel needs a good holiday more than ever

To mitigate tariffs, retailers are pushing the importation and warehousing of goods onto the toy maker, and their orders are more frequent but smaller.

Best Buy to kick off holiday deals on Halloween

The retailer, which has added 10 times the number of products this year, said it will roll out new doorbusters on tech every Friday.

With Nike in turnaround mode, is this Adidas’ opportunity in the US?

North America accounts for most of the revenue difference between the rivals, and Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden is pushing the retailer to be “more American.”

Wayfair to shutter Kentucky plant as part of logistics network revamp

The closure will impact more than 200 employees who will be laid off in phases, starting Jan. 1.

E.l.f. Cosmetics first to test Twitch’s new livestream shopping ads

An integration powered by Amazon Ads’ retail media data is meant to drive “more measurable business outcomes” for E.l.f. on the platform. 

The Weekly Closeout: Toms names Crocs vet CEO and is drop culture winding down?

Jessica Alsing, who spent more than eight years at Crocs, is taking the reins at Toms. Meanwhile, one analyst sees signs of an end to the popular sales model.

Mattel to bring more toy franchises to Roblox

The company will launch its Monster High experience on the online game platform this week, soon followed by Hot Wheels, Barbie and Uno, as it continues its focus on IP. 

Will anyone buy Rite Aid’s brand?

Rivals have snapped up the drugstore chain’s pharmacies and some locations. But the space is oversaturated, and a correction is underway.

After more than a decade, Bombas is opening stores

The DTC sock brand built out its roster of wholesale partners to include Nordstrom, Dick’s and, most recently, Target. Now, the brand is taking on owned retail.

Five Below expands to Pacific Northwest

The discount retailer is adding eight locations to the region this November, part of 150 net new stores planned for this fiscal year.

Consumers embrace AI for research, but few have allowed it to make purchases

Customers are worrying over payment security, privacy and potential mistakes with autonomous AI purchases, a Riskified survey found.

September retail sales rise amid signs of waning spending power

Inflation seems to be driving some of last month’s sales gains, as unit sales were down in some categories, according to Circana research.

Harry’s owner acquires baby care brand Coterie

The deal adds to Mammoth Brand’s growing portfolio of brands, which also includes Flamingo, Lume and Mando.

Gen Z, millennials drive adoption of AI for holiday shopping

Those groups are harnessing artificial intelligence for gift ideas and to compare prices this season, a new survey states.

A look at Target’s approach to generative AI

Chief Information and Product Officer Prat Vemana spoke with Retail Dive about the retailer's technology strategy while it undergoes a turnaround.

Costco leans on SKU flexibility, buyer experience for tariff strategy

The retailer has also opted to shift production origins and consolidate buying to lower the cost of goods.

L’Oréal signs $4B beauty deal with Kering

A new strategic partnership will see Creed join the L’Oréal Luxe portfolio, along with 50-year beauty licenses for Gucci, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta.

Why holiday season store experiences should be helpful but unobtrusive

Shoppers are often busy and stressed, and a retailer that turns the holiday rush into a smooth, enjoyable experience can earn loyalty without the need for flashy gimmicks.

Toys R Us accelerates flagship openings, seasonal shops

The expansion is a “significant milestone” in the brand’s growth, according to the company.

Nearly all generations, income groups plan to pull back on holiday spend

Only Gen X plans to increase spending slightly, as consumers search for deals and trade down on brands and retailers, per a Deloitte report. 

‘We’re certainly not fast fashion’: A.k.a. Brands CEO

Princess Polly and Culture Kings chief Ciaran Long talks about delivering on-trend fashion and the conglomerate’s strategy on opening stores.

Will shoppers turn to secondhand for value this holiday?

A new report from ThredUp and GlobalData found that consumers could use about 40% of holiday budgets on secondhand gifts.

J.C. Penney slows declines in Q2, swings to profit

The struggling department store said it was able to mitigate higher distribution costs and tariffs through better markdown management.

What’s keeping Best Buy’s CEO up at night?

A growing consumer income divide is on Corie Barry’s mind, the executive told an audience at the Fortune Most Powerful Women summit.