Gap downgraded as it raises new debt to stay afloat

The retailer's brand, flexible leases and well-developed e-commerce help, but the pandemic will continue to pressure sales and margins, analysts said.

By Daphne Howland • April 27, 2020

L Brands slams Sycamore for bargaining down Victoria's Secret price

In a countersuit Thursday, the retailer called the private equity firm's claims "buyer's remorse" and "a pretext for its invalid and improper termination."

By Daphne Howland • April 24, 2020

WSJ: J.C. Penney moves closer to bankruptcy

The retailer is working with lenders on a financing package to fund it through a court process after missing an interest payment, the newspaper reported. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 24, 2020

Walmart, Nextdoor partner to facilitate shopping assistance

The retailer's latest effort to provide safe purchase options puts consumers who need help buying essentials in touch with neighbors willing to do it for them.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 24, 2020

Target's digital sales skyrocket, but at the expense of profit

The retailer said it's capitalizing on e-commerce demand in categories like grocery and gaining market share that will benefit it down the road.

By Jeff Wells • April 23, 2020

Gap Inc. says some stores will never reopen

The apparel retailer is withholding rent and talking to landlords, but warns that the steps it's taken so far have been no match for lost sales.

By Daphne Howland • April 23, 2020

Walmart taps Target exec for chief marketer

William White is stepping in as CMO to replace Barbara Messing, who resigned last August after less than a year in the role. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 23, 2020

Sycamore looks to back out of Victoria's Secret deal

The private equity firm asked a court to free it from an agreement, signed two months ago, that would give it a majority stake in the lingerie brand.

By Daphne Howland • April 22, 2020

With shuttered stores and slashed budgets, retail marketers have only tough choices left

If retailers don't cut costs, they may not be able to pay for essential functions. But cut too deeply and it may be hard for brands to get back out.

By Cara Salpini • April 22, 2020

Fandango buys streaming video service Vudu from Walmart

The deal complements Peacock, the ad-supported streaming service launched last week by Fandango parent NBCUniversal.

By Robert Williams • April 22, 2020

Casper lays off 21% of staff, CFO to exit

The workforce cuts and executive departure come as the company said it's winding down its European unit to focus on North American operations.

By Caroline Jansen • April 22, 2020

American Eagle Outfitters names new CFO

Mike Mathias first went to work at the apparel retailer in 1998, managing the finances of stores and operations, and has replaced Bob Madore. 

By Daphne Howland • April 22, 2020

Retail groups push for national pandemic insurance program

With retailers struggling to get claims paid, industry organizations support a bill that would create a federally backed loss-sharing program.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 22, 2020

Why storefronts are boarded up during COVID-19

As the pandemic drags on, many companies have opted to cover up their stores. But is it the best decision long-term for a retailer's brand? 

By Kaarin Moore • April 22, 2020

Bed Bath & Beyond taps True Value chief for COO

John Hartmann is the latest pick by new chief executive Mark Tritton, but not the last. He will arrive at a crucial time for the struggling retailer.

By Daphne Howland • April 22, 2020

Tapestry lays off 10% of its workforce

The conglomerate is also taking other actions to shore up finances, including the postponement, in some cases indefinitely, of new store openings.

By Daphne Howland • April 21, 2020

Portland, Maine backtracks to allow curbside and delivery by nonessential retail

After an outcry last week, the city council on Monday said they won't enforce rules that appear to be among the most restrictive in the country.

By Daphne Howland • April 21, 2020

Reuters: Lord & Taylor mulls bankruptcy

In early April, parent company Le Tote laid off most employees at both entities, just months after acquiring the iconic department store from HBC.

By Daphne Howland • April 21, 2020

While government backstops business, distressed retailers left out, Moody's says

Without federal bail-out money, private equity owners may "determine the fate" of many troubled retail companies, analysts said in a new report. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 21, 2020

Pet retailers see a boost during the pandemic

The industry is taking a hit with most stores temporarily closed due to the coronavirus. But consumers are still spending on their pets.

By Caroline Jansen • April 21, 2020

Michaels launches contactless, same-day delivery

The craft retailer is among the latest to offer delivery options that support social distancing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 20, 2020

Stage Stores presses vendors for concessions

The retailer was already stumbling in its plans to convert to an off-price retailer when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down its stores. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 20, 2020

The future of Neiman Marcus: When private equity debt meets a pandemic

The storied luxury department store has been in distress for years. Now with a looming retail cataclysm, Neiman could soon file for bankruptcy.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 20, 2020

Lululemon CFO to depart amid pandemic

The athletics brand joins Macy's in having its chief financial officer exit at a critical moment. 

By Jane Thier • April 20, 2020

RTW Retailwinds CEO-elect, board members step down

Traci Inglis was tapped less than a month ago to take the reins on April 17, but has resigned instead.

By Daphne Howland • April 17, 2020