Tuesday Morning files for bankruptcy with plans to close a third of its stores

The off-price retailer cited COVID-19 as an "insurmountable financial hurdle" that forced it into Chapter 11, though its struggles go back further. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 27, 2020

J.C. Penney unveils new home brand

The bedding collection launch comes just days after the retailer filed for Chapter 11 and announced plans to "offer compelling merchandise."

By Caroline Jansen • May 26, 2020

Financial anxiety persists as health concerns ease

More U.S. consumers feel safe going to the store, and are spending on wants as well as needs. But many also worry about losing their jobs, Deloitte found.

By Daphne Howland • May 26, 2020

Will anyone save Stage Stores from retail oblivion?

An all-in bet on off-price was derailed by a holiday miss and then the pandemic. If no one steps in to buy the retailer, it is destined for liquidation.

By Ben Unglesbee • Updated May 26, 2020

TJX, Ross weather the storm in Q1

Sales and profits plummeted at both off-pricers, but they're already staging a comeback, with unique advantages going forward, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • May 22, 2020

Apparel's pandemic 'shock' will be felt into 2021, Moody's says

The COVID-19 crisis will tip distressed clothing and footwear retailers into default and "challenge the rest," analysts said in a recent report. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 22, 2020

Macy's Q1 loss could top $1B

The department store badly needs to reopen, and that has begun. But with so many mall locations and wary consumers, results could remain weak.

By Daphne Howland • May 21, 2020

Whole Foods continues to open online-only 'dark' stores

The retailer has dedicated six locations to filling e-commerce orders amid record demand.

By Jeff Wells • May 21, 2020

L Brands to close 250 Victoria's Secret stores

The company reiterated its commitment to separating its lingerie and personal care brands, which presented distinctly different results in the first quarter.

By Daphne Howland • May 21, 2020

Best Buy poised to emerge a 'winner' as it leans on curbside, digital

The retailer's online sales rose more than 155%, allowing it to hold on to most of its revenue even as stores closed during the COVID-19 crisis. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 21, 2020

Lime Crime hires Body Shop alum as CEO

Andrea Blieden joins the beauty brand as it focuses on innovation and tech to fuel growth. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 21, 2020

5 retail deals that have collapsed in 2020 (so far)

Some retailers' problems can be traced back to last year. A global health crisis was just the accelerator to things falling apart. 

By Kaarin Moore • May 21, 2020

Sales soar at Home Depot, Lowe's in Q1

The home improvement sector was a bright spot in an industry that has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Caroline Jansen • May 20, 2020

Target's 141% digital growth during pandemic pushes sales and costs up

A booming top line masks the volatility in the retailer's business as the pandemic has forced extreme changes on an incredibly short timeline. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 20, 2020

Brand licensing company Centric files for bankruptcy

The company has deals with Nautica, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and others, and blames the pandemic for disrupting its wholesale business and cash flow.

By Daphne Howland • May 20, 2020

Ch. 11 is J.C. Penney's best shot at a turnaround, but it's not a sure one

Bankruptcy will give the retailer a chance to shed debt and close stores. But when — and if — Penney makes it out, it still faces an ailing sector.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 19, 2020

Kohl's swings to $541M loss as closures decimate sales

The largely off-mall retailer has some distinct advantages over its peers, but new debt and a slow return to normal will likely hamper its progress.

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2020

Pier 1 gets approval to liquidate stores, wind down operations

Liquidation sales will begin as soon as stores are able to reopen, and the company expects the process to wrap up by the end of October.

By Caroline Jansen • Updated June 1, 2020

Walmart nixes Jet as pandemic shopping pushes digital sales up 74%

Costs and sales surged as the COVID-19 crisis brought "the broadest set of challenges we've ever seen globally" to the retail giant during Q1.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 19, 2020

Rent the Runway CTO, president exit the company

The company, which specializes in the rental of designer clothing, has faced criticism for continuing to operate during the pandemic. 

By Kaarin Moore • May 19, 2020

Nordstrom closing its three Jeffrey specialty apparel stores

With the 16 full-line stores slotted for closure, the move further undermines the retailer's luxury play, as off-price Rack stores remain untouched.

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2020

Office Depot to cut more than 13K jobs, close some stores

The office supplies retailer said it expects to save about $860 million by the end of 2023, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2020

What Under Armour's resolute focus on performance wear says about its pandemic prospects

The athletics retailer already needed a win, and instead it's been met with a more challenging landscape and another surge in athleisure.

By Cara Salpini • May 18, 2020

J.C. Penney files for bankruptcy

The company plans to close about 242 stores and has new access to cash as it looks to shed debt and sell assets in Chapter 11.

By Ben Unglesbee • Updated May 18, 2020

Apparel collapse drags down retail in April

A significant e-commerce boost and a rise in grocery were unable to make up for record declines in clothing, furniture and electronics sales.

By Daphne Howland • May 15, 2020