Tariffs squeeze off-price retailers more than expected

The major players likely have greater exposure to import levies than previously thought, though their value proposition remains an advantage.

Beauty brands blend AI into operations

The Estée Lauder Companies, Coty and Ulta Beauty are pushing forward on the technology to save costs, tailor communications and optimize forecasts. 

Wealthier consumers flock to Dollar Tree in Q1

The discounter, which is better positioned against rival Dollar General without its Family Dollar unit, is expanding a multiprice strategy to more stores.

Big Lots to reopen nearly 80 more stores

Set to open Thursday, the locations bring the total number of reopened stores to 219 under new owner Variety Wholesalers.

What went wrong at Target?

The mass merchant is looking to turn around falling sales and declining customer sentiment. But first, it needs to diagnose its own problems.

Costco holds prices on some tariff-impacted items, CFO says

The warehouse club retailer has sought to eliminate the effect of higher duties on prices of certain “staple” goods like bananas, CFO Gary Millerchip said.

Guitar Center targets optimized inventory planning, visibility

The retailer will use Relex Solutions technology to gain real-time visibility of inventory levels to help reduce stockouts and overstocking.

The Weekly Closeout: Foot Locker sales fall and GameStop makes a bitcoin play

In the lead-up to its acquisition by rival Dick’s, the athletics retailer said it saw soft traffic trends. Meanwhile, the gaming retailer’s stock fell on its latest move.

Skechers sued by investor group over go-private deal

A lawsuit alleges the footwear giant violated federal securities law by failing to disclose important information to shareholders.

Shrink down, margins up at Dollar General a year after removing nearly all self-checkout

The discounter expects to raise prices “as a last resort” as tariffs and the economy replace lost merchandise as its major concerns.

The Backroom: Breaking down Dick’s Sporting Goods’ deal to acquire Foot Locker

The team discusses the implications of the surprise acquisition, how Dick’s is defending it and why the stakes could be different for each retailer.

Nike taps McDonald’s exec for chief communications officer

Michael Gonda joins July 7 and is the latest change CEO Elliott Hill has made to the activewear brand’s leadership ranks.

Victoria’s Secret postpones earnings following security incident

The company provided preliminary Q1 results, but a shutdown of its website during “retail’s all-important Memorial Day weekend” was a “significant problem,” according to analysts. 

How lower China tariffs will affect direct-to-consumer imports

Temporarily reduced duties likely won't be enough to stop ongoing shifts among de minimis-reliant supply chains, experts said.

Best Buy wants AI to offer customers fewer — but more relevant — search results

The enhanced search experience will build on the electronics retailer’s e-commerce success, which was a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster quarter.

Saks Global rescues its holiday with $350M in new financing

Without the infusion, the luxury department store company would struggle to pay vendors ahead of the critical season, analysts say.

Lowe’s, Home Depot tout CX wins from AI projects

The home improvement retailers reported customer service improvements and easier information gathering as access to the technology expanded. 

Away appoints new CEO as it expands sales channels

President Jessica Schinazi takes on the lead position as co-founder Jen Rubio steps into an executive chair role on the board. 

David’s Bridal launches Generation Tux shop-in-shops

The retailer will dedicate space to the tuxedo and suit rental company at its entire fleet by the end of the year. 

Inside Poppi’s push into gaming as prebiotic soda marketing bubbles up

PepsiCo recently finalized a $1.95 billion acquisition of the brand, which has used a “community- and culture-first approach” to marketing.

Old Navy shows off activewear with Lindsay Lohan in ‘80s-inspired spot

The Gap brand, which reported a ninth consecutive quarter of market share gains, is now the No. 5 player in the active category.

Spirit Halloween cancels season opening event due to ‘supply chain challenges’

Although the specialty retailer did not say tariffs caused the cancellation, it did point to “international disruptions.”

How small c-stores can survive

As consolidation drives more independents out of business, smaller retailers need to stand out and connect with their communities, experts say.

Gap Inc. braces for as much as $300M in tariff-related costs

As import levies threaten the apparel retailer’s momentum, including a potential $150 million hit to margins, executives said pricing won’t change.

Kizik taps Nike vet as CEO

Gareth Hosford, who held leadership positions at the athletics giant and Converse, will lead the hands-free footwear brand and its parent company.