Retail sales grow nearly 4% in January

A new administration and fears regarding tariffs led to some early purchases from consumers, according to analysts.

Updated Feb. 14, 2025

Wolverine expects bounce-back year in 2025

CEO Chris Hufnagel credited the better-than-expected Q4 results to execution of the company’s previously announced restructuring plan.

Dollar General opens distribution center in Arkansas

The North Little Rock facility will support the company’s traditional supply chain, DG Fresh network and DG Private Fleet. 

DEI could get better than ever

The intense pressure to end diversity initiatives has led companies to scrutinize their policies. Many will end up making them stronger.

Belk to open 2 more outlet stores in North Carolina

Customers have “come to love the concept,” which features an outlet on the first floor and a traditional Belk store on the second.

Ross Stores promotes from within for next CFO

William Sheehan, the company’s group senior vice president of finance, will take over when Adam Orvos retires this fall.

How Lego builds unique store experiences

From big displays and livestreams with employees to personalization stations, Lego wants to create stores that keep customers coming back.

Consumer sentiment slumps on fears tariffs will fuel inflation

Consumers are “clearly bracing for a resurgence in inflation,” said Joanne Hsu, director of the University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers.

Solo Brands CEO exits after just a year in the role

Chris Metz, who took the helm last year, had begun a full strategic review of the company’s portfolio amid declining sales.

Mattel leverages diversified supply chain amid new China tariffs

China will represent less than 40% of the toymaker’s global production in 2025 — down from 50% last year.

Are B malls having a moment?

Companies like Simon Property Group and Walmart are throwing money at shopping centers with empty stores, weak traffic and falling sales.

J.C. Penney, Eddie Bauer operator lays off 5% of corporate staff

About 250 people at Catalyst Brands, which also runs Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Nautica and Lucky Brand, were let go.

Walmart issues modest full-year earnings outlook despite strong Q4

The company is cautiously optimistic about its outlook, but Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey said there is uncertainty around consumer behavior and, more broadly, global economic and geopolitical considerations.

Store closures outpace openings amid ‘historic shift’ to service-based tenants

But the outlook isn’t all bad, as the real estate churn may open up 140 million square feet of retail space in a market where high quality storefronts are in short supply, a JLL report says.

Ikea to open 8 new US stores this spring, summer

The furniture retailer is executing its multibillion-dollar investment strategy to expand its footprint and revamp its operations.

Ruggable taps Nike veteran as CEO

Nicole Otto previously led the athletic giant’s direct-to-consumer business in North America and served as The North Face’s global brand president.

Saks Global to close century-old Neiman Marcus flagship in downtown Dallas

The luxury department store's new owner will spend $100 million to renovate an anchor location at the nearby NorthPark Center mall.

Tapestry to sell Stuart Weitzman for $105M

With the sale to Caleres, "Tapestry’s plans of being a large luxury house are not happening," according to an analyst.

Wayfair’s revenues inch up in Q4 as losses narrow

While the retailer's customer base continues to shrink, CEO Niraj Shah is optimistic that the home goods downturn is nearing its end.

The Weekly Closeout: Beyond closes Kirkland’s deal — and a very beary Valentine’s Day

The two home retailers finalized their investment deal, while Build-A-Bear expanded its long-running “After Dark” collection.

Best Buy launches free degrees for full- and part-time workers

The consumer electronics retailer said it will provide immediate access to the program on the first day of employment.

Petco taps Gap vet as CFO

In addition to Sabrina Simmons, the company appointed a new chief marketing officer and chief customer and product officer.

The running list of major retail bankruptcies

Since December, retailers including Party City, The Container Store and Joann have all filed for Chapter 11.

Updated Feb. 13, 2025

Guitar Center names former Wayfair exec chief merchandiser

Jerry Brandehoff joins the retailer with over 30 years of experience, as the company continues to bring fresh faces to its executive team.

Amazon tests search feature that shows products it doesn’t sell

Currently in beta, the expanded search function will send shoppers to a brand’s website if the product they want isn’t sold on Amazon.