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Scandit secures $80M in funding as COVID-19 drives demand for contactless mobile tech

Areas like click and collect are booming, pushing retailers and supply chain companies to invest in tech that can meet demand in a safe manner.

Column

Retail Therapy: Chipotle, American Eagle reimagine Prom night

To coincide with a prom afterparty, the fast-casual chain teamed up with cosmetics brand E.l.f to release a makeup line inspired by its burrito.

Instacart rolls out in-app safety features for workers

The grocery delivery service has faced recent backlash about maintaining safety amid surging demand caused by COVID-19.

Macy's Q1 loss could top $1B

The department store badly needs to reopen, and that has begun. But with so many mall locations and wary consumers, results could remain weak.

What the pandemic reveals about e-commerce

As stores were forced to close, digital sales were expected to take over. They've soared, but serious constraints are also now on display.

L Brands to close 250 Victoria's Secret stores

The company reiterated its commitment to separating its lingerie and personal care brands, which presented distinctly different results in the first quarter.

Target to sell products through Instagram Checkout

The mass merchant is among the latest retailers to venture into social commerce. 

Sales soar at Home Depot, Lowe's in Q1

The home improvement sector was a bright spot in an industry that has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Target's 141% digital growth during pandemic pushes sales and costs up

A booming top line masks the volatility in the retailer's business as the pandemic has forced extreme changes on an incredibly short timeline. 

Best Buy poised to emerge a 'winner' as it leans on curbside, digital

The retailer's online sales rose more than 155%, allowing it to hold on to most of its revenue even as stores closed during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Ch. 11 is J.C. Penney's best shot at a turnaround, but it's not a sure one

Bankruptcy will give the retailer a chance to shed debt and close stores. But when — and if — Penney makes it out, it still faces an ailing sector.

Anne Klein streams video series on Facebook Live

Livestreaming platforms like Facebook Live, Amazon-owned Twitch and Google's YouTube Live give brands creative control over long-form programming. 

Shopify unveils new pay installment, money management features

The company also launched a local delivery option to help drive business during COVID-19. 

What Under Armour's resolute focus on performance wear says about its pandemic prospects

The athletics retailer already needed a win, and instead it's been met with a more challenging landscape and another surge in athleisure.

Whole Foods continues to open online-only 'dark' stores

The retailer has dedicated six locations to filling e-commerce orders amid record demand.

Walmart nixes Jet as pandemic shopping pushes digital sales up 74%

Costs and sales surged as the COVID-19 crisis brought "the broadest set of challenges we've ever seen globally" to the retail giant during Q1.

April retail sales plummet 16%

With nonessential stores shut the whole month, and some reopening now, the record-breaking decline may be the year's worst. But recovery will be slow.

UPDATED: May 15, 2020 at 12:02 p.m.

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Retail Therapy: Ikea creates step-by-step fort instructions

Reminiscent of the assembly directions for its flat-pack products, the retailer launched a campaign illustrating the ultimate stay-at-home activity.

Brand licensing company Centric files for bankruptcy

The company has deals with Nautica, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and others, and blames the pandemic for disrupting its wholesale business and cash flow.

Lime Crime hires Body Shop alum as CEO

Andrea Blieden joins the beauty brand as it focuses on innovation and tech to fuel growth. 

Neiman Marcus says it has a plan

But can a 113-year-old bankrupt luxury department store make a comeback in the middle of a pandemic?

Facebook debuts Shops e-commerce initiative for small businesses

New digital storefronts for Facebook and Instagram mark a significant bet to capitalize on e-commerce.

Deep Dive

COVID-19 changed the stakes for e-commerce. Do fulfillment networks need to change too?

The pandemic that cratered demand for discretionary goods and upped screen time has changed the risk calculus for online operations.

Former Stitch Fix COO launches AI-powered shopping app

The Yes has consumers take a quiz then indicate if they like certain products to curate a personalized feed of styles and brands.

Kohl's swings to $541M loss as closures decimate sales

The largely off-mall retailer has some distinct advantages over its peers, but new debt and a slow return to normal will likely hamper its progress.