NRF: Pandemic remains a 'shock' for small businesses

The negative impact of COVID-19 is still being widely felt by small businesses as stimulus measures run out and the virus continues its spread.

By Ben Unglesbee • Sept. 2, 2020

J. Jill attempts out-of-court restructuring

The women's apparel retailer forged an agreement with lenders holding 70% of its long-term debt but will turn to Chapter 11 if that doesn't work out.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 1, 2020

J.C. Penney lenders could take over company as sale talks sputter

The coming weeks will determine the retailer's ultimate fate. Meanwhile, suppliers are in limbo and the company is moving to close more stores. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Sept. 1, 2020

Back-to-school shoppers are showing up after all, study shows

Mass merchants, Best Buy and even office retailers saw foot traffic upticks in August, after steeper declines last month, according to Placer.ai.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 1, 2020

Walmart to launch its Walmart+ membership service

The retailer's answer to Amazon's Prime touts its store base as well as fuel and Scan & Go perks. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Sept. 1, 2020

SKU'd: 7 pop culture moments that track the downfall of the mall

From Fast Times at Ridgemont High to Harley Quinn, pop culture has been recording the slow decline of an American shopping institution. 

By Kaarin Moore • Sept. 1, 2020

Investment group outbids stalking horse to nab RTW Retailwinds for $40M

Saadia Group doubled the purchase agreement amount offered by Sunrise Brands earlier this month to grab RTW's IP and e-commerce business.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 31, 2020

J.C. Penney racked up $342M loss for July

The losses come as the retailer tries to negotiate a sale of the company, with few updates on the progress in recent weeks. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 31, 2020

What Q2 says about apparel

The category has dragged down retail since the pandemic forced stores shut and dented the economy. Some players are doing better than others.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 31, 2020

Walmart sells off 2 more digital brands

The retail giant is offloading Bare Necessities and Shoes.com, two brands purchased since 2017.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 28, 2020

Ulta's net income falls 95% as e-commerce grows by more than 200%

The beauty retailer is preparing for the holiday season by pushing up the opening of a new fulfillment center to handle a higher mix of digital sales.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 28, 2020

Gap Inc. will close 225 stores this year, more in 2021

Gap and Banana Republic footprints will shrink as Athleta emerges as the company's best performer. But executives dismissed the notion of a spinoff.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 28, 2020

Dollar stores get another boost from pandemic shopping habits in Q2

Dollar General comp sales were up nearly 19%, while rival Family Dollar comps were up in double digits too. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 27, 2020

With no buyer in sight, Lord & Taylor liquidates all stores

All 38 locations are going out of business after the pandemic shredded hopes of a comeback for the 200-year-old retailer.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 27, 2020

Tiffany swings back to profit in Q2

The jeweler extended the outside date it could walk away from its merger deal with Parisian luxury house LVMH, which hasn't said if it agrees.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 27, 2020

The Backroom: When malls buy their tenants

Mall owners are snapping up distressed retailers as years of operational pressures and a pandemic combine to take down anchors and their neighbors.

By Retail Dive Team • Aug. 27, 2020

Madewell expands its Insider loyalty program

The apparel retailer joins other companies, including Sephora, Michaels and Macy's, that have recently revamped their programs. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 26, 2020

Bed Bath & Beyond lays off 2,800

The staff reduction combined with 200 store closures will realize savings of as much as $350 million and help expand omnichannel services and private label.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 26, 2020

Dick's emerges as COVID-19 era winner with Q2 comps up 20.7%

Consumer interest in biking, running, golf, and other outdoor and fitness activities drove record sales and profits at the sporting goods specialist. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 26, 2020

J. Crew exits bankruptcy

The apparel seller's new owner sees "an immense opportunity for growth and expansion" for the company's brands.

By Ben Unglesbee • Updated Sept. 11, 2020

Pandemic, casualization of attire bring 'disaster' to Nordstrom in Q2

The department store's low inventory may be more a sign of pandemic-related upheaval in the supply chain than its usual tactic to protect margins.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 26, 2020

Retail is 'scrambling' to keep up with accelerated disruption in the COVID-19 era

A new Moody's report estimates that 20% of mall stores could close in five years amid faster-growing online shopping.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 25, 2020

Anthropologie wedding brand BHLDN launches plus assortment

The retailer has joined several digital upstarts in offering extended sizes for brides and bridesmaids, a path to a greater share of a shaken market.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 25, 2020

Report: Nike shutting down 9 wholesale accounts in shift to DTC

Among those closing are Belk, Dillard's and Zappos, according to an analyst note from Susquehanna Financial Group.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 25, 2020

Best Buy online comps grow 242% in Q2

While it won't last forever, working, learning and cooking at home spurred sales throughout the quarter and into the third, even when stores were closed.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 25, 2020