How Ascena went bankrupt

The retailer went big in the new millennium, even as clothing sales growth shrank. Its Chapter 11 filing Thursday isn't just about the pandemic.

By Daphne Howland • July 23, 2020

Are subscription services viable across retail broadly?

With the possibility of new lockdown orders as COVID-19 cases surge, the model could boost sales online. But it may not be good for every sector.

By Caroline Jansen • July 21, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Gen Z and the next-generation consumer

If there's anything retailers want more than financial stability right now, it's to understand Gen Z. 

By Retail Dive staff

Millennials and Gen Zers look to retailers for a more community-minded commerce experience

Brands need to continually demonstrate that they understand these young consumers’ life values and priorities if they want to win their trust and loyalty.

July 21, 2020

Retail Therapy: Target, Zappos launch new collections with inclusivity in mind

The mass merchant brought back its adaptive Halloween costumes, while the shoe retailer is selling single shoes or shoes in differing sizes.

By Caroline Jansen • July 17, 2020

Why used clothing can survive the global health crisis

While 2020 hasn't seen the same volume of partnerships among resale platforms and retailers, analysts expect the market to continue to rise.

By Caroline Jansen • July 16, 2020

Is Walmart getting the customer it always wanted?

Stellar results during the COVID-19 pandemic and a new loyalty membership suggest it may be. But that could hamper its "everyday low prices" promise.

By Daphne Howland • July 15, 2020

Retail Therapy: Burger King brews up the perfect combo

In partnership with Danish craft brewer Mikkeller, the fast-food chain created a nonalcoholic beer, The King's Cup, to serve in Denmark and Sweden.

By Caroline Jansen • July 10, 2020

Back-to-school spending holds steady this year at $28.1B

But the shopping season is fraught with anxiety and uncertainty amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to two Deloitte surveys.

By Daphne Howland • July 9, 2020

Department stores miss out on Fourth of July consumer attention

Specialty retailers, while giving off-price retailers a run for their money, leaned on promotions to sway shoppers, according to Wedbush analysts.

By Daphne Howland • July 7, 2020

Will the protests be a turning point for diversity in athletics retail?

The backlash and resulting action at top sportswear brands is a microcosm of an issue that's being tackled with renewed force in every area of retail.

By Cara Salpini • June 30, 2020

Retail Therapy: Lush UAE develops a product to make hand washing a breeze

The cosmetics brand created a soap designed to dissolve in 30 seconds, which it will provide for free across Dubai through a partnership with Deliveroo.

By Caroline Jansen • June 26, 2020

Drugstores got a lift as essential retailers, but what's next?

Analysts say CVS could benefit the most from the sales boosts in recent months as consumers flock to stores for health care and everyday items.

By Daphne Howland • June 25, 2020

The Backroom: Tracking retail sales numbers in a pandemic

In this episode, the team discusses how Retail Dive reports monthly sales numbers and what those figures signal about the industry's future.

By Caroline Jansen • June 25, 2020

Back to school? Maybe

As summer rolls on, the COVID-19 pandemic promises to interfere with one of retail's most important shopping seasons.

By Daphne Howland • June 24, 2020

Resale market predicted to reach $44B in 2029

A recent survey from ThredUp indicates more consumers may turn to used goods as they look to save cash. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 23, 2020

3 strategies to lead through the "New Next"

Help retailers plot a steady course and find their way through uncharted territories.

By Mike Webster, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Oracle Retail • June 22, 2020

Retail Therapy: Busch takes inspiration from Willy Wonka in latest campaign

The beer maker launched a contest where fans could win a $5,000 outdoor vacation if their Busch-branded puzzle features a golden can.

By Caroline Jansen • June 19, 2020

Do brands still care about sustainability amid the pandemic?

As the coronavirus took hold, companies were forced to shift their attention to more immediate needs. Eight experts weigh in on what that means long term.

By Caroline Jansen • June 17, 2020

About a third of consumers are shopping at pre-COVID-19 levels. They're just doing it online.

A PYMNTS.com report found that, while some consumers have transitioned purchases to digital channels, a larger number haven't made any shifts.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 16, 2020

Consumers want retailers to do the right thing

Storytelling is how brands connect with customers. As protests lead to widespread demands for change, they must prove they're selling more than fairy tales.

By Daphne Howland • June 15, 2020

Black-owned beauty brands in the spotlight

Campaigns led by Black entrepreneurs are pushing retailers and brands to take action beyond their "Black Lives Matter" social media posts.

By Daphne Howland • Updated June 12, 2020

Retail Therapy: Boy Smells releases 'genderful' collection

The candle and intimate apparel brand created a collection in celebration of Pride month with proceeds going toward The Trevor Project.

By Caroline Jansen • June 12, 2020

Apparel margins take a hit as retailers face a new future

Reopenings are boosting clothing sales due to pent-up demand, but specialty and department stores will keep some doors shut for good.

By Daphne Howland • June 10, 2020

Reopening in the home category

From single-use slipcovers over furniture to appointments for shopping, retailers in the space must navigate how to resume operations.

By Caroline Jansen • June 2, 2020

Brick and mortar's next chapter

The pandemic is forcing retailers to finally define just what their stores are for.

By Daphne Howland • June 1, 2020