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Dollar stores gain as Americans stretch budgets

Dollar General and Dollar Tree both reported second quarter increases in average ticket and traffic amid a tough macroeconomic backdrop.

Kohl’s names Walmart fashion alum as chief merchant

Ryan Waymire, who has also had merchandising roles at Wayfair, FabFitFun, Amazon and Target, will replace Nick Jones.

The Home Depot extends AI assistance in local stores

The retailer expanded its AI shopping assistant, Magic Apron, to include localized store knowledge to help customers quickly find items, ask product-specific questions and get project advice. 

The Backroom: A sit-down with Ron Johnson

The retail veteran shares his journey with Apple, the infamous stint with J.C. Penney and more ahead of the release of his memoir, “Shop Different.”

Williams-Sonoma AI assistants drive customer engagement — and conversions

Customers who use Olive, Williams Sonoma’s AI agent, convert at three times a higher rate than those who do not.

Kohl’s unites marketing, digital under new chief customer officer role

The position combines media, loyalty, digital commerce and other functions under one title. Chief Marketing Officer Christie Raymond will depart the company.

Take a look inside the new Barnes & Noble in Chicago

As the retailer builds out its store footprint, a location in the heart of the Illinois city is keeping readers in The Loop.

Dollar Shave Club acquires body care brand Truly Beauty

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but both brands will retain their distinct identities as Truly Beauty markets to a different customer base.

Target bets on ’90s nostalgia with exclusive Delia’s collection

The assortment offers a fresh take on the brand’s vintage style and includes a version of its famous catalog. 

The FTC is turning its sights on personalized pricing. What does it mean for customers?

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comments on the practice, giving businesses yet another reason to be wary of implementing personalized or surveillance pricing.

Nuuly drives Urban Outfitters’ record second-quarter revenue

The subscription rental service increased its average active subscriber count by more than 30% and posted $179 million in net sales.

Macy’s names senior vice president of creative, production

The retailer is bringing back former staffer Maya Dukes to lead its creative strategy as it executes on its Bold New Chapter strategy. 

How Athleta is revamping its brand narrative with bolder purpose

Chief marketer Erika Everett details a fall campaign that aims to be more provocative and visually distinct than the activewear retailer’s past marketing.

Best Buy emphasizes expert support with AI shopping assistant

Ask Blue can answer shopping questions or guide users to customer support as needed.

Nike names Walmart vet as commercial chief, months after cutting role

Jane Ewing joins the company next month and will be “vital” to strengthening connections across the organization, CEO Elliott Hill said.

Nike is quietly closing its localized neighborhood stores

More than a dozen Nike Live locations, which were eventually rebranded as Nike Well Collective, have shuttered across the country.

Walmart to build $1.3B fulfillment center in Georgia

The 1.5-million-square-foot automated facility is slated to break ground later this year.

Ulta leans into exclusivity amid Target Beauty Studio competition

The specialty retailer reported strong Q2 sales and raised its full-year guidance, though makeup comps were nearly flat compared to last year.

USPS announces 6% rate increase for 2026 peak season

The holiday price bump is set to impact Ground Advantage, Priority Mail and other package shipping services starting Oct. 4.

Old Navy chief out as sales falter again

The Gap brand, which lost its luster and was stuck in the doldrums for years, has become the “star of the show” at Gap Inc.

Build-A-Bear fires chief growth officer as earnings fall flat

The company's summer trend merchandise didn’t resonate with customers and wholesale progressed slower than expected.

Burlington CEO calls using tariff refunds to cut prices ‘the right thing to do’

Michael O’Sullivan expects discounts to be widespread in the second half of the year, so lower prices will help struggling customers and protect market share, he told analysts Thursday.

Sur La Table launches peer-to-peer marketplace

The kitchenware retailer is partnering with resale technology platform Archive to power its Second Servings venture.

Kohl’s expands home assortment with Martha Stewart, Bobby Flay

The retailer will offer cookware and kitchen appliances from the two household names with an eye toward value, functionality and design. 

Consumer confidence wanes on dimming view of jobs, incomes, business

Most consumers expect higher inflation and anticipate that interest rates will rise in the next 12 months, The Conference Board said.