Retailers brace for the impact of coronavirus

While consumers' appetite for discretionary shopping has decreased substantially, mass merchants and grocery stores grapple with new demands.

By Caroline Jansen • March 18, 2020

Malls in New Jersey shut down on governor's order

They've closed elsewhere, too, as governments and businesses fight the spread of COVID-19. Many are still open, though, with some questioning why. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 18, 2020

L Brands leans on its revolver for cash as it braces for store shutdowns

The retailer was also recently downgraded by Moody's, which warned that the divestment of Victoria's Secret takes diversity out of the company's portfolio. 

By Daphne Howland • March 18, 2020

Kohl's to sell Lands' End online, in stores

The apparel company, which was once known for its association with Sears, will sell merchandise in 150 Kohl's stores starting this fall.

By Kaarin Moore • March 17, 2020

Retail at risk as consumers hunker down

The industry is reeling as the U.S. takes precautions and shoppers adopt new habits. What is the new normal, and how long will it last?

By Daphne Howland • March 17, 2020

Back to school, inflation help drive August retail sales up 5.5%

Promotional events last month also sent shoppers online, as e-commerce surged more than 8% year over year.

By Retail Dive Staff • Updated Sept. 16, 2025

Ascena gives its balance sheet some relief, but analysts still expect a restructuring

After buying back its own debt on the cheap, the distressed apparel seller maintained that it wasn't considering bankruptcy. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 17, 2020

Amazon hires 100K, opens 75K additional roles as COVID-19 surges demand

E-commerce has boomed as consumers worldwide practice social distancing and self-quarantining, leading e-tailers to amp up their supply chains to cope.

By Shefali Kapadia • Updated April 13, 2020

Tracking retail's response to the coronavirus

J.C. Penney has joined the growing list of retailers requiring customers to wear masks in its stores, following Walmart, Target and others.

By Retail Dive Staff • Updated July 23, 2020

Retailers implore consumers to avoid panic buying as shelves swiftly empty

The National Retail Federation and Retail Industry Leaders Association said supply chains are strong, and cautioned against closing stores.

By Daphne Howland • March 16, 2020

Out-of-stocks surge at Amazon amid panicked shopping

The e-commerce giant is out of some key goods and is extending shipping times as consumers stockpile amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 16, 2020

Gap Inc. profits plunge despite Old Navy recovery

Outgoing CFO Teri List-Stoll said Thursday that the company is "evaluating" its namesake brand, which she said needs to "earn its way in the portfolio."

By Daphne Howland • March 13, 2020

Former Toys R Us suppliers allege execs, directors took millions as retailer crumbled

A trust representing more than 100 creditors accuses the defunct toy seller's private equity owners and managers of pervasive conflicts of interest and fraudulent behavior. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 13, 2020

Big Lots downgraded as competitive position weakens

Sales fell at the discount retailer during the holidays, and now the coronavirus threatens its traffic and supply chain as it loses ground in its sector.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 13, 2020

Ulta shutters stores shortly after cutting services, store hours

Over the past few days, the beauty retailer’s response to the coronavirus outbreak has steadily escalated.

By Cara Salpini • Updated March 17, 2020

L Brands names Les Wexner's replacement as board chair

Sarah Nash joined the board last year, amid struggles at Victoria's Secret. A majority stake in the lingerie brand is being sold to private equity.

By Daphne Howland • March 13, 2020

What 5 retail industry leaders are saying about coronavirus

While it's still not clear the total impact COVID-19 will have on retail, industry leaders met to talk about solutions and potential fallout in the sector. 

By Kaarin Moore • March 13, 2020

Payments and delivery drive shoppers to Amazon over DTC brands

A new study reveals that free and fast shipping can influence purchasing decisions in favor of the e-commerce giant. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 12, 2020

Party City shuffles CEOs as it tries to rebuild sales

Jim Harrison is transitioning from chief executive to vice chairman as company president Brad Weston takes over after a year of falling sales.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 12, 2020

Despite 'herculean efforts,' Modell's files for bankruptcy

The 130-year-old sporting goods retailer will liquidate its 134 stores in Chapter 11 and is looking to sell its IP.

By Cara Salpini • March 12, 2020

Hubert Joly to step off Best Buy board in June

Widely credited with inoculating the electronics retailer against Amazon and the "retail apocalypse," Joly will stay as an adviser for at least a year.

By Daphne Howland • March 12, 2020

Walmart rolls out emergency leave after associate's positive COVID-19 test

One of the nation’s largest employers described the circumstances that will allow workers to take time off to preserve their health.

By Katie Clarey • March 12, 2020

Neiman Marcus to shutter almost all Last Call off-price stores

The upscale retailer expects about 750 jobs will be affected as part of a turnaround that combines online and offline teams, and emphasizes full price.

By Daphne Howland • Updated March 11, 2020

Target, Walmart address store sanitization as coronavirus concerns mount

Retailers are ramping up cleaning and pick-up efforts as consumers both stockpile products and avoid stores.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 11, 2020

Revlon restructuring relies on layoffs for cost reductions

A plan to save up to $230 million by 2022 mostly comes at the expense of employees. About 60% of the savings will be the result of staff cuts in 2020.

By Cara Salpini • March 11, 2020