Page 2

Deep Dive

Is the DTC brand aesthetic bad for business?

Sans serif font and bright colored backgrounds are hallmarks of digitally native brands, but it may not matter if they all look the same.

Walgreens revamps app, loyalty program

Mobile users can now chat with a pharmacist, book medical care and vaccination appointments and obtain real-time flu alerts. 

Walmart illuminates holidays with drone light show

The retailer's latest experiential activation was crafted with the socially distanced, contactless needs of the pandemic era in mind.

Column

Retail Therapy: Pizza Hut brings the ultimate comfort this year

The restaurant created a weighted blanket inspired by its famous Original Pan Pizza for those consumers looking for a double dose of cozy this season.

Guitar Center files for bankruptcy

The retailer has a deal with lenders to cut $800 million in debt and get the company in and out of Chapter 11 by year's end. 

UPDATED: Nov. 23, 2020 at 9:42 a.m.

Walmart boosts shoppable videos with Tastemade cooking shows

Tastemade's "Struggle Meals" series lets viewers text an on-screen number to add suggested ingredients to a virtual shopping cart.

Is Amazon's pharmacy foray disruptive? Experts disagree.

Analysts are split on the impact of the e-commerce giant entering the space in full force. Either way, it's unwelcome news for heavyweights like CVS and Walgreens.

Caleres to close 133 Naturalizer stores in shift to digital

Hit by the pandemic, many of the locations under the women's footwear brand had become unprofitable, while more sales were originating online.

With relatively few stores, Amazon touts holiday pickup options

The e-commerce giant is suddenly at something of a disadvantage as fulfillment promptness remains a worry.

The implications of shipping direct to consumer

On top of high costs, fast and free delivery expectations, and returns, brands also put customer retention at risk by forfeiting control over the last mile.

Ugg opens first flagship in NYC

The retailer will open a fleet of flagship stores internationally starting in 2021. 

TJX retailers launch 'Carol for a Cause' holiday campaign

In an effort to raise money for Feeding America, the brands are encouraging consumers to use Instagram Reels to record videos of themselves caroling.

As pandemic continues, Home Depot and Lowe's continue to reap benefits

Heading into the winter months, analysts don't expect the sales boom to subside as consumers will be forced to stay inside more.

Lululemon names new CFO

Meghan Frank has served as co-CFO in the interim since April, and her appointment comes shortly after several exec moves in October.

Ross keeps customers coming to stores in steady Q3

Profits declined more than 64%, but the off-price retailer stayed in the black and even bested its rivals despite having no e-commerce.

Deep Dive

'It's a violation of an implicit psychological contract': Why DTC culture issues hit hard

Many DTCs have faced criticism for workplace issues. Part of the problem may be that they promised something better.

Despite 'strong' Q3, Macy's operating loss approaches $5B for the year

The retailer's e-commerce rose at a steady clip and brought in new and younger customers, but its stores may be a problem even when they're open.

RadioShack brand acquired by new owner of Pier 1, Modell's IP

Retail Ecommerce Ventures has been on a buying spree of distressed retail intellectual property. 

October retail sales suffer from lack of stimulus, surging pandemic

Last month, the consumer didn't spend quite as much as analysts expected, and September's result was also revised downward.

UPDATED: Oct. 16, 2020 at 12:12 p.m.

La-Z-Boy manufacturing comeback stunted by raw materials shortage

Low supply of an essential component affected the entire furniture industry and led to stockouts during a period when furniture demand was up.

5 ways retailers have adapted to a Black Friday unlike any other

Curbside sales, staggered discounts, websites that hold your place in line — retailers are reinventing Black Friday for a pandemic. 

Victoria's Secret rebound lifts L Brands as Q3 profits soar

While Bath & Body Works for several quarters seemed to be the retailer's only hope, its lingerie brand's new strength is poised to change that narrative.

5 DTC brands to watch

While more traditional retailers have begun leaning into the model, the true DTC darlings aren't going away, and the industry is ready to welcome the next class.

Target steals more market share as same-day channels grow 217% in Q3

The retailer posted banner numbers across the board as consumers leaned on its digital-first services, and flocked to its stores, too.

Walmart doubles number of personal shoppers for the holidays

The big-box retailer has over 150,000 associates dedicated to filling orders, including grocery.