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.

Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos to step down, again

This time, Ahold Delhaize USA executive JJ Fleeman will succeed him as CEO, with Vasos exiting the position in 2027.

The Weekly Closeout: Zara partners with John Galliano and Peloton goes to the gym

The fast-fashion retailer announced a two-year partnership with the designer, while the DTC brand launched its Peloton Commercial Series. 

FedEx taps OneRail to offer 2-hour, end-of-day delivery

The two companies will connect customers to more than 1,000 delivery providers through FedEx's SameDay Local service, unveiled Tuesday.

The Home Depot beefs up digital shopping experience for pros

As it pursues home improvement professionals, the retailer is enhancing the online experience with tools for better project management.

Why J.C. Penney’s spring campaign bowed with a Paris, Texas, fashion show

Marisa Thalberg, chief customer and marketing officer at operating parent Catalyst Brands, digs into the “Exactly What You Are (and Aren’t) Looking For” effort.

Estée Lauder, Puig in merger talks

The tie-up would diversify each company’s portfolio somewhat but might look better on paper, some analysts said.

Simon Property Group CEO David Simon dies at 64

The real estate magnate’s son Eli Simon on Monday took over as CEO and president and will also continue as chief operating officer.

The US consumer is hitting a rough patch

Even before the Iran war’s oil price spikes, people were getting more cautious about spending. That means buying less from retailers.

Bark won’t go private, for now

The online pet company said one recent take-private proposal was withdrawn and another "did not adequately reflect the value of the company."

Brooks shuffles C-suite as it eyes expansion

The running brand is restructuring to focus global leaders on long-term priorities like market and category expansion.

The Children’s Place refines supply chain leadership roles

The retailer expanded Kristin Clifford’s role to senior vice president, head of sourcing and product operations, as part of a larger executive shuffle.

The Weekly Closeout: Amazon notches a win against Perplexity, Reebok reenters soccer

The e-commerce giant got a temporary order blocking access for Perplexity’s AI shopping agents, while the athletics brand signed two professional soccer players.

Torrid has more to prove as Q4 sales tumble 14%

As part of its turnaround the women’s plus retailer closed more than 150 stores and brought lower price points to nearly a third of its assortment.

Destination XL hit by ‘volatility’ of GLP-1 usage

The plus-size apparel retailer reported Q4 total sales decreased 6% and expects the merger with FullBeauty Brands to close in the second quarter. 

Could off-price retailers start grabbing market share from each other?

So far, department stores and other mainstream retailers have the most to fear as TJX, Ross and Burlington open hundreds of stores each year.