Can Claire’s make a comeback?

Investment firm Ames Watson spoke with Retail Dive about its approach to reinvigorating the brand after buying it out of bankruptcy.

Updated Nov. 5, 2025

Retail industry remains one of ‘hardest hit’ from 2025 job cuts

The federal government again did not publish its monthly jobs report, but Challenger, Gray & Christmas data shows another period of high layoffs across sectors.

Under Armour CFO to exit next year

Dave Bergman has spent 21 years with the retailer, nine of them as its financial chief, and will be replaced by Samsonite executive Reza Taleghani.

Saks Global pins hope on stylists, top sellers

The luxury conglomerate may be trying to woo top-notch stylists and their high-spending customers back to Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. To succeed, the company will need inventory it may not have.

Amazon sues Perplexity over AI shopping agents

The mass e-commerce company — which alleges Comet agents are covertly making purchases for users — is open to third-party agentic commerce, but on its own terms.

Saks Off 5th to close 9 stores, giving Nordstrom another opening

Saks Global says the closures will help refine its off-price business. But its struggles with vendors may have played a role.

Agentic commerce portends merchant headaches

AI agents used by shoppers will change the equation for online sellers, according to Mastercard’s executive vice president for security solutions.

Amazon: Better inventory placement fuels record delivery speeds

The e-commerce giant has reduced its U.S. inbound lead time by nearly four days as it pushes for faster shipping capabilities.

Saks Global approaches merger anniversary with a whirlwind of executive changes

Most surprising is last week’s exit of Emily Essner, who was aboard as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus combined and whose duties just expanded.

Etsy’s OpenAI partnership is ‘an early foothold’ in generative AI shopping, incoming CEO says

The work with OpenAI is a bet on the future of the channel. Agentic visits represent “a small slice of e-commerce traffic,” but share is growing, Kruti Patel Goyal said.

The Weekly Closeout: Lululemon links up with the NFL, Parade shuts down

The activewear brand is launching an apparel collection tied to the league’s teams, while the intimates brand abruptly ceased operations after six years.

Dollar General eyes AI optimization with new role

Former Dropbox executive Travis Nixon joins the discount retailer to integrate the tech across supply chain, store operations and merchandising.

Brooks Running launched 5 footwear styles in Q3, driving revenue up 17%

The period marked the running brand’s ninth consecutive quarter of growth as all regions and channels notched double-digit gains.

Gap extends ‘Give Your Gift’ holiday campaign to promote hope, unity

An emotional spot set to a cover of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” was handled by the same creative duo behind Gap’s record-breaking “Better in Denim” ad.

Walmart introduces AI tools for in-store and online holiday shopping

The retailer’s latest AI investments span its app, supply chain and customer service operations.

ThredUp’s next big growth opportunity is peer-to-peer selling

CEO James Reinhart believes he has the answers to the model’s oft-repeated challenges, including low-quality items, unverified sellers and difficult returns.

Bath & Body Works brings on former Bluemercury CEO in new role

Maly Bernstein, who spent four years leading the Macy’s, Inc. banner, has been named chief commercial officer.

Collectibles drive toy sales up 7% through September

The results indicate a return to growth after two years of stagnation, though Q4 performance will rely on how shoppers react to tariffs, a Circana report found.

The Backroom: Halloween casts a spell over retail

The creepy-crawly event has grown into a monthslong celebration and a $13 billion business. But is it a harbinger for the holidays?

Courteney Cox’s Homecourt secures $8M

The 3-year-old home and personal fragrance company will use the capital to grow its team, build infrastructure and increase brand awareness.

Urban Outfitters expands localized store concept aimed at Gen Z

The new formats, which feature localized merchandising, will be applied to street-level as well as mall stores. But are they too normal?

Macy’s to shutter unit at Connecticut distribution center

The closure will take place in stages starting Dec. 28 as the retailer advances a turnaround effort that includes a multiyear supply chain revamp.

Best Buy bets on sports, creators to serve up holiday gifting inspiration

The tech retailer will feature creators in its CTV ads for the first time and will advertise during 30 different NFL games throughout the season. 

AI will accelerate the end of brick and mortar’s reign: Amazon CEO

The domination of e-commerce is inevitable and will only come faster thanks to the emerging technology, even if physical stores represent opportunity for now, Andy Jassy told analysts Thursday.

Target brings back ‘Hot Santa,’ adds new characters to holiday push

Americans are prioritizing small moments of joy to combat a tough economic climate, according to internal research that informed Target’s holiday strategy.