Top retail conferences in 2026

These events will cover the topics that are top of mind for executives, including AI, customer behavior and technology.

Former Macy’s merchant heads to Five Below

The retailer also tapped Edgewell executive Daniel Sullivan as chief financial officer. Ken Bull, who has been interim CFO, remains chief operating officer.

At Home set to emerge from bankruptcy with most of its stores

The furniture retailer is axing almost $2 billion in debt and will be owned by a group of its lenders, according to a court-approved plan.

Nike CEO touts ‘tangible progress’ as revenue rises 1% in Q1

Three priority areas — running, North America and wholesale — all posted growth in the quarter.

How retailers are hiring for the 2025 holiday season

In a year already marked by job cuts, and with the busiest shopping season ahead, tariffs and depressed consumer spending could mean fewer hires. 

One-third of consumers plan to use AI for holiday shopping

Customers are using AI tools to search for better deals and gift ideas, but they remain skeptical of the technology, a UserTesting survey found.

Home Depot releases digital Project Planning tool for pro customers

The platform was built to help professional contractors streamline complex projects with the backing of the retailer’s entire product assortment. 

Retail’s love affair with incentivized reviews

The beauty sector relies on incentivized reviews to attract attention — and sales — while some consumers grow skeptical of their authenticity.

Peloton raises membership pricing ahead of holidays

The company also deployed an AI system called Peloton IQ across all connected fitness equipment.

Target plots retail, marketing blitz around ‘Stranger Things’ final season

Target is the only retailer running a national campaign developed directly with Netflix and featuring on-screen talent from the show.

Banana Republic, looking to the future, digs into its past

The brand is celebrating its roots — and appealing to younger consumers — with a vintage apparel collection and a fan’s archive of marketing ephemera.

More than a quarter of consumers plan to cut holiday spending

Only 22% of shoppers are expecting to spend more this holiday season compared to last year, according to a recent report from Experian.

Journeys owner shuffles brands, leadership

Footwear company Genesco Inc. has consolidated its Journeys, Schuh and Little Burgundy teen brands into one global retail entity.

The Weekly Closeout: Muji launches skin care and Arc’teryx aims for $5B in sales

The Japanese retailer is debuting a serum and a lotion. Meanwhile, the outdoors brand rolled out a series of goals for 2030.

ChatGPT lets shoppers buy products within the platform

Launching first in partnership with Etsy and Shopify, the Instant Checkout functionality has the potential to rival Amazon and Google, one expert said.

Target introduces accessible self-checkout

As the retailer enhances its self-checkout experience to include more guests, other major retailers are scaling theirs back.

The Backroom: How the holidays are different this year

Heading into the season, shoppers and retailers alike are getting squeezed by tariffs and mounting economic uncertainty.

Stanley launches take-back program

The brand, known for its tumblers, is furthering its “Built for Life” promise by offering a $5 discount code to customers who send back eligible products.

Pinterest mobilizes Gen Z searchers, retail media with new ad offerings

Top of Search ads, currently in beta testing, will appear within the top 10 slots and Related Pins section of search results.

Warby Parker’s Neil Blumenthal on what’s next for the brand

The co-founder and co-CEO discusses the brand’s store expansion, its partnership with Target and the decision to sunset an iconic aspect of its business.

Why customers say online shopping just can’t compare to the in-store experience

Over half of customers said they shop in person instead of online so they can try on clothing or test products, according to a Chatmeter survey.

Kohl’s expands private label athleisure line to kids

The struggling department store is leaning on its proprietary brands to offer value while protecting margins.

The American Girl doll of the year is Samantha’s great, great granddaughter

With Raquel Reyes, the company has created a descendant of another character for the first time — while introducing a new generation to its luxury product.

Bath & Body Works wants to get inside your dryer

The retailer wants to bring immersive fragrance experiences to daily tasks, according to Chief Merchandising Officer Betsy Schumacher.

Spirit Christmas to open 30 locations

The company, a spinoff of Spirit Halloween, tested stores last year. This year, it is nearly quadrupling its footprint.