Back-to-school shoppers focus on sales, AI to search for deals

As tariffs drive up prices on some goods, consumers are looking for ways to make their budgets go further, according to PwC.

QVC and HSN head to Philo

As the company hones in on livestreaming e-commerce, the partnership with Philo TV guarantees new viewers for QVC Group.

How ditching Pride now could hurt brands later

Some retailers that once wholeheartedly celebrated and supported the LGBTQ+ community have pulled away. What if they want to rejoin the party?

Walmart tests dark stores

As the retailer accelerates its delivery efforts, the brick-and-mortar locations will fulfill online orders — but are not open to the public. 

Ulta Beauty CFO Paula Oyibo exits

Controller Chris Lialios will take over in the interim as the retailer searches for a replacement. No reason was given for the departure.

Walmart CFO talks private brand, delivery growth

“Bettergoods has been a big success story for us,” John David Rainey said at a recent conference.

Stores veteran departs as Saks Global further streamlines operations

Larry Bruce, who was at Neiman Marcus for nearly a decade before jumping to Saks Fifth Avenue in 2003, is leaving the luxury conglomerate.

Amazon aims to speed up delivery to 4K rural communities by end of year

The e-commerce giant is spending more than $4 billion to expand its network into sparsely populated areas, a challenge to Tractor Supply.

The Weekly Closeout: Authentic hires an Amazon vet, Dôen secures funding

Tim Derner joined the brand management firm as the global head of marketplaces, while the apparel brand closed on a Series A funding round.

Glossier CEO Kyle Leahy to step down as brand enters ‘new phase of growth’

The executive will remain on the beauty brand’s board, with founder Emily Weiss assisting in the search for Leahy’s replacement.

Petco reaffirms full-year guidance even as Q1 sales fall

While its owned brands are more directly exposed to tariffs, executives said the retailer can deliver on its outlook if levies remain at current levels.

How Bob’s, Ikea are bucking the trend of furniture retail stagnation

The segment, which grew during the height of the pandemic, has been contracting. However, value players are opening locations — and poised to take market share.

Dude Wipes secures private equity investment

The brand said it plans to use the funding from TSG Consumer Partners to grow its retail partnerships.

Walmart’s latest AI feature aims to help associates overcome language barriers

The retailer is updating its associate app to include real-time translation in 44 languages, alongside AI-driven task management.

Nordstrom’s anniversary sale adds 65 brands to the mix

Also new this year is “Anniversary Big Deals,” in which a select assortment will be offered at a deeper discount of up to 50% off. 

Fabletics names Vans vet chief marketing officer

Carly Gomez has been promoted to the position, while Meera Bhatia’s COO role has been expanded to also include president. 

Unilever acquires Dr. Squatch, valuing brand’s viral marketing to Gen Z men

The maker of soaps, shampoos and lotions has become well known for innuendo-laced ads starring “Euphoria” actor Sydney Sweeney.

Perigold opens first store

The Houston location features furniture, decor and lighting from brands such as Visual Comfort, Century Furniture and House of Rohl.

May retail sales jump 5.2% as spending normalizes

A temporary pause on some tariffs pushed shoppers to pull forward purchases in March and April, but that behavior slowed in May.

Updated June 17, 2025

Walmart, Target announce competing Prime Day sales

Both retailers are offering early access to paid loyalty members and highlighting back-to-school savings.

Free returns are often a deal breaker for consumers

Most consumers expect free returns as a standard offering, according to a Rithum survey. 

Is the US undermining ‘Made in America’ apparel manufacturing?

When it comes to reshoring garment manufacturing, the Trump administration’s tariffs are at odds with its immigration crackdown.