The Backroom: Breaking down Dick’s Sporting Goods’ deal to acquire Foot Locker

The team discusses the implications of the surprise acquisition, how Dick’s is defending it and why the stakes could be different for each retailer.

DTC footwear brand Oofos opens first stores

A location in Virginia has already opened and the active recovery brand will open locations in Georgia and Florida later this month.

Walmart challenges consumer perceptions with ‘Who Knew?’ campaign

In a 60-second spot set to The Who’s “Who Are You,” “White Lotus” star Walton Goggins dishes on the retailer’s perks following a January brand refresh.

Ollie’s takeover of Big Lots leases ‘off to a very strong start’

The company took over dozens of leases at the start of the year, and openings have been “smoother than we had anticipated,” executives said. 

Retail job cuts surge in 2025’s first half

In the U.S., job losses were up 274% from last year, while hiring plans remain “historically low,” according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

Amazon confirms layoffs in books business

A move to streamline some roles affects fewer than 100 people and doesn’t reflect downsizing in the books organization, the company said.

Kirkland’s appoints UpWest, Richer Poorer vet as COO

James Schisler takes on oversight of the home retailer’s operations. Meanwhile, Beyond has tapped a former Kirkland’s CEO for the board.

Walmart to expand drone delivery to 5 more cities

Customers in Atlanta, Houston and more will be able to tap into the technology by next year as part of the retailer's deepening collaboration with Wing.

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.

Lululemon to raise prices as progress stalls in the US

As the retailer plans modest tariff-induced price hikes, CEO Calvin McDonald said U.S. shoppers are growing more "discerning" than those in Canada.

Five Below CFO exits as Q1 sales jump 20%

COO Kenneth Bull will serve as interim financial chief while the company continues to focus on assortment newness. 

Torrid to close as many as 180 stores, 30% of its fleet

The plus-size apparel retailer already keeps about 60% of sales and customers from shuttered locations, and plans to invest in retention efforts. 

Joann’s future a mystery as Michaels snaps up IP, private labels

The move comes amid growing interest in fabrics and sewing at Michaels, but it’s not clear what it means for the Joann brand.

Shoe Carnival CEO: Shoe Station is the ‘future of our store base’

The company announced that its Shoe Station banner will represent over 80% of its store fleet by 2027.

Discounts motivate TikTok Shop shoppers

A survey found that celebrity and influencer recommendations are on their way out for TikTok Shop consumers.

Adults boost US toy sales

Consumers are either paying more for pricier toys or opting for lower-cost products, but mid-tier options are feeling a pinch, according to a Circana report.

Peloton launches peer-to-peer resale platform

The exercise company launched a beta version of Peloton Repowered in select metro areas, offering special discounts to buyers and sellers. 

Wealthier consumers flock to Dollar Tree in Q1

The discounter, which is better positioned against rival Dollar General without its Family Dollar unit, is expanding a multiprice strategy to more stores.

Beauty brands blend AI into operations

The Estée Lauder Companies, Coty and Ulta Beauty are pushing forward on the technology to save costs, tailor communications and optimize forecasts. 

Big Lots to reopen nearly 80 more stores

The locations bring the total number of reopened stores to 219 under new owner Variety Wholesalers.

Costco holds prices on some tariff-impacted items, CFO says

The warehouse club retailer has sought to eliminate the effect of higher duties on prices of certain “staple” goods like bananas, CFO Gary Millerchip said.

Guitar Center targets optimized inventory planning, visibility

The retailer will use Relex Solutions technology to gain real-time visibility of inventory levels to help reduce stockouts and overstocking.

Skechers sued by investor group over go-private deal

A lawsuit alleges the footwear giant violated federal securities law by failing to disclose important information to shareholders.

How lower China tariffs will affect direct-to-consumer imports

Temporarily reduced duties likely won't be enough to stop ongoing shifts among de minimis-reliant supply chains, experts said.

Shrink down, margins up at Dollar General a year after removing nearly all self-checkout

The discounter expects to raise prices “as a last resort” as tariffs and the economy replace lost merchandise as its major concerns.