RH builds out global strategy with leadership appointments

David Stanchak rejoined as chief real estate and transformation officer, while Veronica Schnitzius was named chief manufacturing and sourcing officer.

Ulta doubled store fulfillment capabilities in 2025

The beauty retailer grew its ship-from-store program to 1,000 stores in fiscal year 2025, while its fulfillment center footprint remained flat compared to 2024.

Marks & Spencer turns to Nordstrom stores for its fashion debut

The U.K. retailer, iconic at home but only vaguely known elsewhere, is looking to expand worldwide.

Advent International acquires majority stake in Salt & Stone

Following the deal, which is expected to close next month, the body care brand’s current senior management will continue leading the company.

The Weekly Closeout: Gabe’s in search of top leadership and Home Depot’s latest acquisition

After avoiding bankruptcy, the off-pricer’s CEO and a few CFOs have left. Meanwhile, the home improvement retailer bought Mingledorff’s.

Dollar General slashes 1,500 SKUs, boosts in-stocks

Further SKU reductions are on the horizon as the retailer prioritizes leaner inventories and a simpler supply chain.

Consumer sentiment falls 6%, hit by declining stocks, higher gas prices

Household expectations for inflation in 12 months rose to 3.8% from 3.4% in February in the biggest one-month gain since April 2025, the University of Michigan found in a survey.

In the age of AI, Home Depot’s stores have ‘never been more relevant’

While the retailer has been ramping up its AI-powered offerings, it aims to provide a frictionless experience across a customer’s shopping journey, wherever that may be.

Shoe Carnival scales back rebrand

In some areas customers didn’t react well to merchandising changes after stores were converted to the Shoe Station banner.

Designer Brands brings together US, Canada retail businesses

The combined entity will give a “streamlined reporting structure,” and enable collaboration. Meanwhile, the retailer posted flat Q4 sales and a comps drop.

The Backroom: Consumer resilience in trying times

Katie Thomas of the Kearney Consumer Institute talks about nuances in the K-shaped economy that help explain why discretionary retail sales have remained strong despite shoppers’ wariness.

David’s Bridal reshapes C-suite for the AI era

The retailer named a CTO, chief global transformation and operations officer, and is on the hunt for its next CFO.

GameStop closed over 700 stores last year

That amounts to more than 1,300 over the past two fiscal years, though the gaming retailer said it doesn’t expect any major footprint reductions in 2026. 

REI faces possible anniversary sale boycott after abandoning labor talks

The REI Union, expressing confidence that the retailer’s customers would join workers in sending a message, will finalize a decision by May 1.

How Tecovas is leveraging AI to improve the store experience

The boot brand is using the tech to help with inventory replenishment and allocation, and foster better interactions between associates and customers.

Nordstrom to close 2 full-line stores despite top-line strength last year

Anchors at malls in Delaware and Texas will close this spring, but the off-price Rack fleet continues to grow, with plans to add 23 locations in 2026.

Retailers report shrink levels down from pandemic highs

Is the improvement from addressing theft, operational weaknesses or accounting gaps? It’s probably a combination, but most aren’t saying.

How Lowe’s creator network is winning over the next generation of shoppers

The home improvement retailer has partnered with content creators like MrBeast to connect with Gen Alpha long before they purchase their first home.

Walmart brings Sparky to ChatGPT as OpenAI rethinks Instant Checkout

OpenAI is pivoting away from handling purchases after its initial efforts failed to provide enough flexibility.

Sephora launches app in ChatGPT

The AI-enhanced experience will give customers advice and help them discover products, according to Global Chief Digital Officer Anca Marola. 

How Gap Inc. is ‘leaning in’ to AI to elevate online shopping

The apparel retailer is accelerating its digital experience with two new partnerships, CTO Sven Gerjets told an audience at Shoptalk.

Puma debuts AI concierge at Las Vegas store

A multilingual assistant in a large digital display will automatically detect the language a shopper speaks and answer their questions about products.

On CEO’s ‘planned hiatus’ comes as a surprise

The sneaker brand is shaking up its C-suite again, less than a year after Martin Hoffmann took over as its sole chief executive.

Wealthy consumers are heading to dollar stores

Inflation pushed dollar stores to expand their price points. Higher-income shoppers, pressured by the same headwind, came along for the ride.

GLP-1 users are changing apparel trends

Some categories, like intimates, are already seeing shifts as shoppers buy clothes for new body sizes and routines, according to a Circana report.