Amazon: Better inventory placement fuels record delivery speeds

The e-commerce giant has reduced its U.S. inbound lead time by nearly four days as it pushes for faster shipping capabilities.

Saks Global approaches merger anniversary with a whirlwind of executive changes

Most surprising is last week’s exit of Emily Essner, who was aboard as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus combined and whose duties just expanded.

Etsy’s OpenAI partnership is ‘an early foothold’ in generative AI shopping, incoming CEO says

The work with OpenAI is a bet on the future of the channel. Agentic visits represent “a small slice of e-commerce traffic,” but share is growing, Kruti Patel Goyal said.

The Weekly Closeout: Lululemon links up with the NFL, Parade shuts down

The activewear brand is launching an apparel collection tied to the league’s teams, while the intimates brand abruptly ceased operations after six years.

Dollar General eyes AI optimization with new role

Former Dropbox executive Travis Nixon joins the discount retailer to integrate the tech across supply chain, store operations and merchandising.

Brooks Running launched 5 footwear styles in Q3, driving revenue up 17%

The period marked the running brand’s ninth consecutive quarter of growth as all regions and channels notched double-digit gains.

Gap extends ‘Give Your Gift’ holiday campaign to promote hope, unity

An emotional spot set to a cover of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” was handled by the same creative duo behind Gap’s record-breaking “Better in Denim” ad.

Walmart introduces AI tools for in-store and online holiday shopping

The retailer’s latest AI investments span its app, supply chain and customer service operations.

ThredUp’s next big growth opportunity is peer-to-peer selling

CEO James Reinhart believes he has the answers to the model’s oft-repeated challenges, including low-quality items, unverified sellers and difficult returns.

Bath & Body Works brings on former Bluemercury CEO in new role

Maly Bernstein, who spent four years leading the Macy’s, Inc. banner, has been named chief commercial officer.

Collectibles drive toy sales up 7% through September

The results indicate a return to growth after two years of stagnation, though Q4 performance will rely on how shoppers react to tariffs, a Circana report found.

The Backroom: Halloween casts a spell over retail

The creepy-crawly event has grown into a monthslong celebration and a $13 billion business. But is it a harbinger for the holidays?

Courteney Cox’s Homecourt secures $8M

The 3-year-old home and personal fragrance company will use the capital to grow its team, build infrastructure and increase brand awareness.

Urban Outfitters expands localized store concept aimed at Gen Z

The new formats, which feature localized merchandising, will be applied to street-level as well as mall stores. But are they too normal?

Macy’s to shutter unit at Connecticut distribution center

The closure will take place in stages starting Dec. 28 as the retailer advances a turnaround effort that includes a multiyear supply chain revamp.

Best Buy bets on sports, creators to serve up holiday gifting inspiration

The tech retailer will feature creators in its CTV ads for the first time and will advertise during 30 different NFL games throughout the season. 

AI will accelerate the end of brick and mortar’s reign: Amazon CEO

The domination of e-commerce is inevitable and will only come faster thanks to the emerging technology, even if physical stores represent opportunity for now, Andy Jassy told analysts Thursday.

Target brings back ‘Hot Santa,’ adds new characters to holiday push

Americans are prioritizing small moments of joy to combat a tough economic climate, according to internal research that informed Target’s holiday strategy.

Puma layoffs grow to 1,400 amid broad-based Q3 declines

The athletic brand’s reset — announced earlier this year and still in its early stages — touches wholesale, DTC and all regions.

How skeletons transcended Halloween

Once a standard spooky time decoration, these figurines now play sports, walk their dogs and otherwise hold court in yards year-round.

Adidas CEO praises local strategy as sales reach record high

Efforts in China and the U.S. are gaining attention as the activewear brand leans into local trends and sports. 

J.C. Penney, iHeartRadio partner on holiday collection

The move is part of the department store’s broader plans for the season, which also include special 24-hour deals throughout November.

Why this manufacturer isn’t crumbling under tariff pressure

Cookie-cutter maker Ann Clark shifted to in-house production more than two decades ago and sources most inputs domestically.

Etsy CEO to step down after nearly 9 years at the helm

Former Depop chief Kruti Patel Goyal will replace Josh Silverman on Jan. 1, an announcement that came with Q3 results that beat expectations.

Nordstrom relaunches holiday catalog

The department store will host more than 1,500 events this year and will also have Santa Claus at all of its locations for the first time.