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J.C. Penney’s latest campaign highlights ballers on a budget

The department store’s “Inside Lane” features five college and professional women's basketball players sporting everyday looks.

David’s Bridal brings wedding shopping to ChatGPT, Copilot

In addition to integrating its assortment with the chatbots, the bridal retailer will audit its inventory to make it more suitable for AI shopping experiences.

The running list of major retail deals

In the first quarter of 2026, Anta Sports took a minority stake in Puma, Bob’s Discount Furniture filed for an IPO and Aritzia bought Fred Segal.

Updated April 7, 2026

Dollar General’s media network rolls out AI store audio program

The discount retailer is bringing the in-store media offering to about 6,000 locations through a new partnership with QSIC.

Williams-Sonoma names president of Rejuvenation

In the role, longtime company veteran Aujsha Taylor will oversee the banner’s merchandising strategies, product innovation and growth initiatives.

Nike’s innovation chief departs as leadership turnover continues

Turnarounds rely on innovation cycles, and the abrupt departure of Tony Bignell could be another sign that the retail giant isn’t out of the woods, one analyst said.

Inflation surges most since 2022 as consumer sentiment hits record low

Concern about inflationary harm from the Iran war flared across all demographic groups — by age, income and political affiliation.

On, Zendaya launch first co-created collection

The collection — which features tank tops, T-shirts, jackets, pants and more — comes to life through a marketing campaign directed by Spike Jonze.

Richard Baker subpoenaed for communications with ex-Saks Global CEO Marc Metrick

A committee of unsecured creditors says the Saks Global executive chairman has rebuffed requests for information as part of the luxury retailer’s bankruptcy.

Inside Walmart’s creator-driven social commerce playbook

The retail giant’s head of content, influencer and commerce shared its social principles and details about its Walmart Creator program.

Mattress Firm parent Somnigroup to buy one of its suppliers for $2.5B

The all-stock transaction to acquire Leggett & Platt will bolster the mattress giant’s influence across the industry, analysts said Monday.

Target fuels next-day delivery expansion with Shipt

The retailer will grow a direct-from-store shipping capability with its subsidiary as it chases lower costs, executives said.

CBP: Tariff refund process will take 60-90 days to issue returns

The agency previously said its in-development system would deliver refunds up to 45 days after a request was submitted.

Dollar General bets on beauty with savings event

The discount retailer, which recently reported strong Q4 earnings results, is adding to a broader effort to become a beauty destination.

Brooks chief marketer on shaping a global brand vision, with help from Cynthia Erivo

The “Wicked” and “Dracula” star anchors a new campaign tied to her training for the London Marathon, which is part of a larger global push from Brooks. 

Walmart to close Illinois fulfillment center

Operations at the Matteson facility will be relocated to other NextGen facilities in Walmart’s fulfillment network, impacting 111 employees.

Wacoal America CEO retires

Mitchell Kauffmann will remain on the intimates brand's board as an adviser and President James Wheatley was tapped as his successor.

Retailers rely on this tariff mitigation tactic. Congress has noticed.

The First Sale valuation method has helped companies lower their tariff costs for decades, but renewed scrutiny claims it harms U.S. production.

REI’s first full-time employee, longtime CEO Jim Whittaker dies

Whittaker was REI’s second CEO and was also the first American to summit Mount Everest.

Andy Jassy defends Amazon’s $200B AI investment in letter to shareholders

The e-commerce giant’s CEO noted the dominance of brick-and-mortar retail despite decades of disruption, but sees that as a massive opportunity.

The Home Depot’s Skelly gets an upgrade

New features for the viral product include the ability to record modulating voice lines via an app, as the retailer drops its “Halfway to Halloween” collection. 

Levi Strauss finance, growth chief set to retire with $3M severance

Harmit Singh will remain until a successor is appointed, then serve as a special adviser through Nov. 30, the company said.

Bed Bath & Beyond to acquire Cabinets To Go, Lumber Liquidators owner

The retailer intends to purchase most of F9 Brands' assets for about $150 million, which would help it develop a home services and improvement portfolio.

Surprise wholesale strength lifts Levi’s in Q1

Sales and margins beat expectations, thanks to growth across channels — and the ongoing popularity of denim worldwide.

Walmart alumni open POS test lab

As retailers seek omnichannel sales solutions, a new vendor-neutral demonstration lab offers point-of-sale equipment evaluation.