Heydude taps Sydney Sweeney for campaign emphasizing comfort

The brand has an ambitious full-year goal to limit declines to 10% or less, and a lot is riding on the holiday quarter.

Nearly 40% of consumers return an online purchase ‘at least’ once a month: report

The majority of consumers are open to exchanges or store credit instead of full refunds if the returns process is easy, according to Narvar.

Dolly Parton launches beauty line

A collection of four lipsticks is available online now, with a full in-store rollout scheduled to begin in 2025.

Universal Standard’s CEO talks inclusivity, legacy and brand-building

As Polina Veksler expands her business, she also wants to push the fashion industry to be more size inclusive.

Mobile shopping forecast to drive over half of online holiday sales: report

With more people shopping on mobile devices, a “tipping point” with consumer behavior is on the horizon, according to Adobe Analytics.

Ace Hardware sales up 3% as it leans into stores

The retailer debuted its Elevate Ace store concept in the quarter and is on track to open 200 stores by the end of the year.

Amazon launches annual grocery subscription plan

The yearly option’s debut comes just a few months after the company rolled out its monthly subscription offering.

Kevin Plank can’t let go of Under Armour. Is that hampering a turnaround?

Three CEOs have come and gone in the four years since Plank stepped down. Now, the sportswear brand’s founder is back with another plan to revive the brand amid flagging sales and relevance.

Adidas opts to avoid China in US product sourcing

The retail brand is leaning on more localized supply chains to improve its speed and agility.

Urban Outfitters sees return to ‘pre-COVID behavior’ as sales slow in recent weeks

The apparel conglomerate’s CEO said that, starting in July, already careful shoppers grew even more selective, which could be a new reality.

The Weekly Closeout: Amazon rebrands resale unit and seasonal hiring commences

Amazon Warehouse, which sells used, pre-owned or open-box products, is now known as Amazon Resale. Meanwhile, Joann is starting seasonal hiring early.

Target exec says GenAI tool is boosting worker efficiency

The chatbot, which helps Target’s team members resolve on-the-job challenges, is making it easier and faster to assist customers, COO and CFO Michael Fiddelke said. 

Walmart adds its first dining benefit to Walmart+ loyalty program

Amazon in May made a similar move in offering Prime members a free annual Grubhub+ membership.

Peloton projects nearly 10% sales decline for the year

CFO Liz Coddington expects “softness” in connected fitness demand in the medium term, but remains optimistic about the category’s growth potential.

Avocado Green Brands names COO, builds out leadership team

The sustainability-focused mattress company named Matthew Anderson as its chief operating officer, among other personnel announcements. 

Shopify, YouTube expand partnership

Through an affiliate program, Shopify merchants now have access to thousands of creators to showcase their products.

Survey: 31% of back-to-school shoppers will take on debt

While that’s relatively flat to 2022, there are fewer shoppers this year opting for cheaper brands or using other money saving strategies, Bankrate found.

Macy’s Q2 sales disappoint as stores slated for closure post steep declines

The department store is preparing for its all-important holiday quarter with a value message that goes beyond discounts, executives said.

Amazon allowing sellers to ditch physical returns

The offering for Fulfillment by Amazon users helps them avoid fees by simply having customers keep items, the company said.

Same day services, price cuts drive Target growth in Q2

Results show that deal-hunting consumers are “still willing and able to spend,” said the retailer’s Chief Commercial Officer Rick Gomez. 

Fueled by Amazon Prime Day events, retail sales surge 6% in July

The month’s deals and discounts got consumers to spend, but retailers’ bottom lines were probably squeezed.

Updated Aug. 15, 2024

Foot Locker partners with Nike, Jordan on basketball concept at revamped flagship

The “Home Court” space is the result of a “shared vision” between the athletics retailer and Nike, but it still features other major brands.

Wayfair’s Perigold banner to open first physical store

The move comes about three years after Wayfair said it would open locations for each of its five brands, which also include Joss & Main and Birch Lane.

How Target made grocery a $24B business

The retailer shares how assortment, e-commerce and labor changes have helped it grow food and beverage sales by more than $8 billion since 2019.

Steve Madden sells Greats to Unified Commerce Group

The upscale sneaker label will join apparel brands Frank And Oak and Spiritual Gangster on the growing retail platform.