Consumer Trends
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J.C. Penney CEO leaving for Lowe's
Marvin Ellison helped slow losses at the department store retailer and now returns to his roots (and greener pastures) as CEO of the home improvement chain.
By Ben Unglesbee • May 22, 2018
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Nike sells out of Facebook Messenger sneaker drop in less than an hour
This is the athletics retailer's second social commerce success story in three months, after selling out of Air Jordans on Snapchat in just 23 minutes.
By Cara Salpini • May 22, 2018
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US hits pause on trade war with China
Just last week, a number of retail trade groups and executives testified before the United States Trade Representative on the potential impact of proposed $50 billion in tariffs on China, which may still be on the table.
By Corinne Ruff • May 22, 2018
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NYC retailer offers gender-free experience
Phluid, which has no men's or women's sections, was founded by a retail veteran who believes there's opportunity in many young consumers' rejection of gender as binary.
By Daphne Howland • May 22, 2018
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David's Bridal taps new CEO from within
Before joining the struggling wedding apparel seller, Scott Key had led Gap Inc.'s successful Athleta athleisure brand.
By Daphne Howland • May 21, 2018
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Pier 1 downgraded as it works on turnaround plan
A month after the company reported sales declines and a three-year, $60 million turnaround plan, analysts say it might not be enough to avoid the pressures of a hotly competitive sector.
By Ben Unglesbee • May 18, 2018
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ColumnRetail Therapy: Swimsuit fashion hits a royal snag
The royal wedding holds a lot of great traditions, but merchandise covered in the couple's faces shouldn't be one of them.
By Cara Salpini • May 18, 2018
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EBay asks shoppers to share their interests
The online marketplace has launched a feature that uses customers' input on their hobbies and preferences to help build more personalized shopping experiences.
By Dan O'Shea • May 17, 2018
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J.C. Penney gets burned by a cool spring
Captured market share in appliances and toys weren't enough to help the department store retailer, which is struggling with apparel sales.
By Ben Unglesbee • May 17, 2018
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Walmart e-commerce growth rebounds
U.S. online sales at the big-box retailer jumped 33%, up from a 23% increase last quarter.
By Corinne Ruff • May 17, 2018
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Walmart to debut digital Lord & Taylor flagship within weeks
The new fashion web mall will offer up two shops — one for everyday brands and the other for over 125 premium ones.
By Corinne Ruff • May 16, 2018
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Macy's thinks it has a 'winning formula' as it crushes in Q1
The retailer blew past analyst expectations for the quarter, giving executives confidence in the department store's turnaround efforts.
By Ben Unglesbee • May 16, 2018
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Deep DiveNordstrom, Starbucks incidents highlight retail's bias problem
Apologies can only go so far, and a lack of concrete steps to address bias could be particularly damaging for brands that depend on a progressive image and high levels of customer service.
By Corinne Ruff • May 15, 2018
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In challenge to Amazon, Google adds YouTube to home assistants
Video has come to home assistants and the turf war between Google and Amazon is escalating with the addition of YouTube to Google devices.
By Dan Alaimo • May 15, 2018
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Shoe seller Rockport files for bankruptcy
After a messy separation from Adidas, the brand filed for Chapter 11 with a plan for a private equity firm to take over and possibly keep some stores open.
By Ben Unglesbee • May 14, 2018
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Sephora joins 'clean' beauty craze
The new "Clean at Sephora" category will feature over 50 brands and 2,000 SKU's, all made free from many potentially harmful ingredients.
By Cara Salpini • May 14, 2018
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Macy's may not be closing stores 'fast enough'
In a new report, Morgan Stanley analysts downgraded the department store retailer, praised off-pricers and said that retailers spending on e-commerce will see fewer gains.
By Ben Unglesbee • May 11, 2018
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ColumnRetail Therapy: Nike's shoe treadmill takes a step in the wrong direction
While the company was filing a patent for tech that helps shoppers put on shoes, Kanye West was evidently ripping off its old designs.
By Cara Salpini • May 11, 2018
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Consumers walk away from poorly personalized experiences
Half of the consumers surveyed by Accenture Interactive said they have left websites because shopping experiences were poorly curated.
By Dan O'Shea • May 09, 2018
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Has Nike hit peak crisis yet?
After the loss of four more top executives, the culture at Nike is under continued scrutiny. How the situation is handled could impact brand loyalty, trust and the bottom line.
By Cara Salpini • May 09, 2018
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H&M turns to big data, AI to tailor store assortments
To keep up with online competition, reduce markdowns and reverse slumping sales, the fast-fashion retailer is customizing in-store assortments with data and artificial intelligence.
By Dan Alaimo • May 09, 2018
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Deep DiveGen Z's need for speed and how retailers can keep up
The two youngest generations aren't necessarily the same, but they do have a lot in common: in particular, a taste for Amazon, Nike and social commerce.
By Cara Salpini • May 08, 2018
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How much upside is left for department stores?
Analysts with Deutsche Bank see the sector as "structurally challenged" and their report sent stocks falling.
By Ben Unglesbee • May 08, 2018
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Amazon reportedly could grab 10% of retail sales by 2020
Telsey analysts see the e-commerce juggernaut as unstoppable, but others are not so sure.
By Daphne Howland • May 08, 2018
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Happy Socks to open 30 more stores
The Swedish brand is coming to America with six planned stand-alone locations on both coasts, and according to founder Viktor Tell, "The sky’s the limit."
By Daphne Howland • May 08, 2018