Billions of pretax healthcare funds go to waste each year. Retailers want to cash in.

Some Americans lack an understanding of what products might be eligible FSA or HSA purchases, leaving money on the table for beauty retailers and period-care brands.

Estée Lauder revamps IT leadership with transformation in mind

The global cosmetics company recruited Brian Franz from investment firm State Street to be its first chief technology, data and analytics officer.

Retail sales jump 3.6% in March as consumers anticipate tariffs

Last month’s growth may be ephemeral given economic uncertainty, analysts warned.

Updated April 16, 2025

Funko hires supply chain SVP

Cliff Engle will oversee the company’s global distribution and logistics operations as it works to mitigate tariffs.

The Container Store lays off 2% of workforce, pauses capital projects

The retailer, which exited bankruptcy in the new year, is working on a turnaround with less debt and a more streamlined operation.

How retailers are connecting with younger shoppers

From Sephora embracing its status as a Gen Alpha “playground” to Coach’s Gen Z-focused store concept, retailers are leaning in.

Tractor Supply debuts animal, pet pharmacy service

Tractor Supply Rx leverages the retailer’s acquisition of online pet pharmacy business Allivet as the company looks to scale its services in stores.

Saks Global to close fulfillment center, cut 450 jobs

The luxury department store joins Kohl’s in being particularly vulnerable to tariffs’ impact on consumer spending, according to Moody’s Ratings analysts.

How J.C. Penney’s new brand positioning is subverting consumer expectations

Out-of-home ads that don’t feature labels want consumers asking “It’s from where?” as the retailer pushes to modernize while promoting value.  

Capezio sold after more than a century of family ownership

Argand Partners said it plans to “modernize” the dancewear brand through licensing agreements and product innovation.

Target launches fresh florals brand Good Little Garden

The retailer is diversifying its private-label offerings as part of a larger merchandising shift, all amid consumer backlash to changes in its DEI efforts.

What troubles shoppers when searching online

Creating clear product landing pages that turn customer concerns into searchable content are key to help shoppers find what they’re looking for.

Etsy to customers: Buy local, avoid tariffs

The global marketplace has advice for consumers and sellers alike, but warns that U.S. trade policy is sure to change again in coming days and weeks.

Walmart tests Beauty Bars at 40 stores in tandem with spring sale event

The pilot program will allow customers to talk to beauty experts and test samples as the big-box retailer expands its presence in the category.

Maximizing retail profits: Make every SKU count

Retailers need to take back control of their shelves, write Michael Brown and Roy Kamar of Kearney. 

Men’s Wearhouse expands ‘Made in USA’ program

The “American Bespoke” collection was designed in partnership with Joseph Abboud and produced in the company’s Massachusetts factory.

Barnes & Noble plans to open over 60 stores in 2025

The bookseller opened 57 new locations last year after a decade of stagnant physical growth.

Walmart to invest $6B in Mexico operations

The effort includes store openings under the Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenters and Walmart Express banners.

Trade war puts US on ‘precipice’ of recession: Moody’s chief economist

The U.S. economy will likely begin to shrink “unless policy takes a very sharp turn here pretty quickly,” Moody’s Chief Economist Mark Zandi said.

The Vitamin Shoppe to be sold to private equity for nearly $195M

Kingswood Capital Management and Performance Investment Partners have agreed to acquire the vitamin and supplements retailer from Franchise Group.

Walmart will use geospatial tech to power delivery

The data-science capability redefines the retailer’s delivery maps to expand the channel’s reach and accessibility.

Target CEO, Rev. Al Sharpton to meet following DEI changes

The civil rights activist said he is mulling a boycott of the mass merchant, which scaled back its diversity programs in January.

L’Oréal taps Google’s generative AI tools for content creation

While the company uses the technology to speed its creative process, L'Oréal said it would not create images of people for marketing campaigns. 

Ulta brings on Revolution Beauty CEO as chief merchandising and digital officer

Lauren Brindley, who will join in June as current chief merchant Monica Arnaudo retires, will also oversee the retailer’s upcoming marketplace.

Lids leans in to customization with refreshed store concept

The stores are focused on localization and include “Build-A-Cap” kiosks where shoppers can create unique designs that match their style.