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.

Retailers enter a generative AI feedback loop

The industry is turning to AI to better understand the technology itself, all with the hope of capturing consumer attention.

Walmart balances whimsy with value in Dr. Seuss-inspired holiday ads

Spots taking place in a town called WhoKnewVille reinforce a messaging platform that challenges consumer perceptions around the retailer’s image.

Pinterest rolls out AI-powered personalization features

The updates will turn the platform “into a personal shopping assistant” led by the technology, according to executives. 

A tale of 3 small businesses: How they changed packaging to mitigate tariffs

A Shark Tank startup, skin care brand and local retailer share their stories of navigating changes with packaging suppliers.

Amazon to cut 14K roles in effort to stay ‘nimble’

The company is betting AI will change its workforce needs and leaning into job cuts as a way to simplify its organizational structure.

Wayfair invests in AI to power its customer experience push

The retailer is using the technology in its product image carousels, search engine and contact center operations.

Carter’s to lay off 300, close more stores as tariffs decimate profits

The children’s apparel retailer, already chasing profitability before new import duties, will close 150 locations in North America over the next three years.