Ulta leans into exclusivity amid Target Beauty Studio competition

The specialty retailer reported strong Q2 sales and raised its full-year guidance, though makeup comps were nearly flat compared to last year.

By Dani James • Aug. 28, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Arc’teryx vet heads to Helly Hansen, Avon North America to be acquired

Kontoor Brands tapped C.J. King to lead Helly Hansen’s North American sports division, while Regent’s deal reunites the beauty company with Avon International.

By Retail Dive Staff • Aug. 28, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

The direct-to-consumer landscape in retail

More mature brands are pursuing exit strategies and expanding their reach, while traditional retailers are increasingly shifting to a DTC model.

By Retail Dive staff

Dollar stores gain as Americans stretch budgets

Dollar General and Dollar Tree both reported second quarter increases in average ticket and traffic amid a tough macroeconomic backdrop.

By Dani James • Aug. 28, 2026

Old Navy chief out as sales falter again

The Gap brand, which lost its luster and was stuck in the doldrums for years, has become the “star of the show” at Gap Inc.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 27, 2026

Bath & Body Works e-commerce returns to growth

The retailer expects to see continued gains in the channel in the back half of the year through 2027.

By Kaarin Moore • Aug. 27, 2026

Build-A-Bear fires chief growth officer as earnings fall flat

The company's summer trend merchandise didn't resonate with customers and wholesale progressed slower than expected.

By Dani James • Aug. 27, 2026

Burlington CEO calls using tariff refunds to cut prices ‘the right thing to do’

Michael O’Sullivan expects discounts to be widespread in the second half of the year, so lower prices will help struggling customers and protect market share, he told analysts Thursday.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 27, 2026

Is Sephora becoming a problem for Kohl’s?

Sales at the beauty shop-in-shops fell for the second straight quarter, and the department store expects that to continue for the rest of the year.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 26, 2026

Bath & Body Works CEO: ‘2026 remains an investment year’

Although Q2 net sales declined, they came in better than expected as the company pushes forward with its transformation strategy.

By Kaarin Moore • Aug. 26, 2026

Dick’s keeps Foot Locker in the game despite losses, gloomy outlook

The mall chain, which depends on new and retro sneaker styles, is getting hit hard by fewer launches and shifting demand in athletic footwear.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 25, 2026

In off price, Ross is the new boss

Store comps at the off-price retailer soared 10% in Q2, thanks to new and returning customers, in sharp contrast to major rival TJX Cos.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 21, 2026

Roots to be acquired by Roberto Cavalli parent company

The outdoor retailer will go private in a deal led by Marquee Brands that is designed to ensure it “remains anchored in Canadian culture.”

By Kaarin Moore • Aug. 21, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Target’s home turnaround and Macy’s 100th parade countdown

Long lead times in the category mean a rebound will take time. Meanwhile, the department store is setting its sights on its centennial Thanksgiving Day Parade.

By Retail Dive Staff • Aug. 21, 2026

Walmart’s stores have ‘evolved’ as e-commerce grows

CFO John David Rainey said brick and mortar is vital as retail becomes more omnichannel. Meanwhile, Walmart's Q2 U.S. comps were softened by drug pricing regulation.

By Dani James • Aug. 20, 2026

TJX blames merchandising missteps for rare miss in the US, but is that the whole story?

Some analysts believe the off-price retailer is also suffering the consequences of stiffer competition and consumers’ resistance to price increases.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 20, 2026

Lowe’s cuts outlook as DIY spending remains pressured

Growth in Pro, home services and online sales helped the home improvement retailer eke out a 0.2% comp increase.

By Caroline Jansen • Aug. 19, 2026

Target scores major sales growth in beauty, hardlines merchandise

The mass retailer saw lower sales increases in apparel and home, where executives said more improvement is needed.

By Dani James • Aug. 19, 2026

Pros continue to outperform DIY shoppers at Home Depot

The segment is still the “clearest opportunity to drive growth” at the home improvement retailer even as it beat its own expectations in Q2.

By Caroline Jansen • Aug. 18, 2026

Dillard’s gains market share

Sales barely rose, tariff refunds padded the bottom line and customers were choosy, but the retailer held its own in Q2, analysts said.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 13, 2026

Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. names chief accounting officer

Jill Windrum will also serve as deputy chief financial officer, effective Aug. 31, taking on the principal accounting officer role from CFO Brian LaRose.

By Dani James • Aug. 13, 2026

Wrangler to open more stores amid direct-to-consumer push

Owner Kontoor executives called the company’s Helly Hansen outdoor brand its “growth engine,” but some analysts aren’t so sure.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 12, 2026

On’s revenue disappoints — is currency change to blame?

The brand’s constant currency net sales growth of 21.6% in Q2 was lower than experts anticipated, but exchange rates may be contributing to the disconnect with Wall Street.

By Dani James • Aug. 11, 2026

Simon poised to rake in millions more in rent thanks to Saks Global closures

After vacating a million square feet, the luxury retailer stopped paying $18 million in rent, but the mall owner is on pace to more than double that.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 11, 2026

Bob’s Discount Furniture is winning over higher-income shoppers

The furniture retailer, known for its value-oriented marketing, said it’s seeing momentum build within its cohort of customers earning over $100,000.

By Caroline Jansen • Aug. 10, 2026

Will people pay more for Under Armour?

Flouting signs of soft demand, CEO Kevin Plank on Friday said that “consumers are going to choose Under Armour at a premium.”

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 7, 2026