Trump excludes some electronics from reciprocal tariffs

Smartphones and electronic integrated circuits now qualify for the “semiconductor” exemption, but officials say sector-specific duties are coming.

Frank and Oak accelerates closure of US operations citing tariffs, customs uncertainty

The Canadian apparel brand is liquidating amid a restructuring process and plans to close its stores.

Nike is still winning the teen market

The athletics brand ranked top for apparel and footwear, while beauty spending reached its highest ever, according to Piper Sandler's latest report.

Harry Potter charms Chicago: Take a look inside the new store

The Magnificent Mile location has a “Goblet of Fire” theme and features the largest Butterbeer Bar in the U.S.

Consumer sentiment plummets, inflation expectations soar amid trade war

“There’s been a sharp decline in consumer sentiment, and business sentiment measures have weakened too,” New York Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams said.

Lovesac taps Crocs veteran as first chief brand and marketing officer

As chief marketing officer at the footwear brand, Heidi Cooley had a digital and social-first approach to driving growth.

China raises tariffs on US imports to 125%

The increase takes effect Saturday, and the country's Ministry of Finance signaled it won’t retaliate further if Trump hikes duties again.

At brick-and-mortar powerhouse Walmart, e-commerce turns profitable

The retail giant isn’t immune to tariff fallout but is maintaining its outlook, in part because it sees market share opportunity, executives said Wednesday.

J.C. Penney operator axes 9% of corporate roles

The downsizing at Catalyst Brands comes less than two months after 250 corporate employees, or 5% of that workforce, were laid off.

Sam’s Club to add 15 stores per year in plan to double sales

The Walmart-owned club retailer also intends to remodel all of its locations as it looks to reach more customers over the next decade.

Small businesses may take the brunt of tariffs, even when they’re based in the US

Small-scale boutiques, brands and factories don’t have the deep pockets, diverse supply chains or flexibility enjoyed by chains like Walmart.

Trump pauses most reciprocal tariffs, hikes China’s further

The U.S. will now charge a 125% duty on imports from China, while most other countries will be subject to a 10% rate for 90 days.

Updated April 14, 2025

Target beefs up online grocery offerings with ButcherBox partnership

The tie-up with the direct-to-consumer online meat seller underscores Target’s focus on expanding its grocery offerings.

The enduring appeal of pens and paper in a digital era

Analog forms of communication are far from dead. U.S. indie brands are capitalizing on a dedicated customer base that has had to look abroad for special stationery goods. 

Harry’s Inc. rebrands to Mammoth Brands

The parent to the shaving brand of the same name is looking to build out its portfolio of brands, which also includes Flamingo and Lumē.

EBay taps AI to make listing easier for sellers on mobile

The marketplace is continuing to build on creating a seamless listing experience with new mobile AI tools.

Beyoncé’s Cécred tells real women’s stories in first brand campaign

Cécred also rolled out this week to over 1,400 Ulta Beauty stores and online, making it the biggest exclusive hair launch in the beauty retailer’s history. 

Amazon pilots AI app feature that can buy items from third-party sites

Buy for Me can purchase eligible products from third-party sites without customers leaving the Amazon Shopping app.

Tariffs are the latest test of beleaguered US consumers

Before the expansive levies were announced, spending power was already weakened by high prices and rising debt, among other forces, analysts say.

Peloton names new COO, chief commercial officer

As a result, the retailer’s chief supply chain officer is leaving the business and the company is on the hunt for a new chief of information.

The Weekly Closeout: Hudson’s Bay hunts for a buyer and tariffs hit apparel hard

The department store is soliciting offers for part or all of its business. Meanwhile, one analyst said new tariffs put “all 2025 guidance at risk.”

Victoria’s Secret hires Savage x Fenty vet in leadership overhaul

The lingerie company named Adam Selman as its executive creative director and appointed three brand presidents.

Updated April 9, 2025

Any Levi’s tariff-related price bumps will be ‘surgical,’ but impact of trade policy still unclear

Chief Financial and Growth Officer Harmit Singh this week said the last time the company faced a similarly murky challenge was during the pandemic.

China raises tariffs on US to 84%, matching Trump’s increase

The retaliatory duties, taking effect Thursday, were originally set at 34% before the White House raised its own rates further.

Etsy marries AI and human touch with curated collections

The feature builds on the marketplace's holiday gift recommendation tool. But Chief Product Officer Nick Daniel said the company is "just scratching the surface" with AI.