Pier 1 downgraded as it works on turnaround plan

A month after the company reported sales declines and a three-year, $60 million turnaround plan, analysts say it might not be enough to avoid the pressures of a hotly competitive sector.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 18, 2018

Nordstrom execs don't expect large-scale store closings

The company is profitable in all channels and is spending on innovations that could pay off in the long run, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2018

BJ's Wholesale Club readies to go public with IPO filing

The club's private equity owners abandoned the idea last year, but haven't been able to sell the retailer.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2018

Another Alexa exec ditches Amazon

Amazon is in the crosshairs of tech exec poachers, but claims there is no "executive retention issue."

By Dan Alaimo • May 18, 2018

J.C. Penney gets burned by a cool spring

Captured market share in appliances and toys weren't enough to help the department store retailer, which is struggling with apparel sales.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 17, 2018

Macy’s expands mobile checkout, AR/VR furniture departments

The company is adding VR furniture showrooms to 60 stores after the tech "significantly increased" transaction size and reduced returns.

By Robert Williams • May 17, 2018

Walmart e-commerce growth rebounds

U.S. online sales at the big-box retailer jumped 33%, up from a 23% increase last quarter. 

By Corinne Ruff • May 17, 2018

Kroger partners with Ocado in a bet on the future of online grocery

The Cincinnati-based retailer's agreement with the world’s largest online grocer will rapidly accelerate its automated fulfillment capabilities and position it to compete with Amazon and Walmart.

By Jeff Wells • May 17, 2018

Avenue taps new brand chief

Despite the opportunities in plus-size apparel, specialty retailers like Avenue have been faltering.

By Daphne Howland • May 17, 2018

Overstock launches 17 new private label furniture lines

The new merchandising comes as Overstock works toward selling itself, ideally to an established retailer whose online operations are behind the curve, said founder and CEO Patrick Byrne.

By Daphne Howland • May 17, 2018

Report: Amazon wraps up visits to 20 HQ2 finalists

Finalists already feel the impact. If it is attractive to Amazon, then it is attractive to other companies. Newark, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Austin, Texas had an increase in inquiries from other companies looking for a base. 

By Samantha Schwartz • May 17, 2018

Warby Parker rival Eyebobs opens first physical store

The online eyewear retailer is just the latest e-commerce player to look toward brick and mortar for growth.

By Daphne Howland • May 17, 2018

What does Amazon see in Sears?

A recent deal with the e-commerce giant sent Sears' stock price soaring by nearly 20%, but critics are skeptical about whether it will be a saving grace.

By Corinne Ruff • May 16, 2018

Walmart to debut digital Lord & Taylor flagship within weeks

The new fashion web mall will offer up two shops — one for everyday brands and the other for over 125 premium ones.

By Corinne Ruff • May 16, 2018

Toys R Us brand property going up for sale

The liquidating toy retailer said more than 60 parties are interested in buying the company's intellectual property. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 16, 2018

Macy's thinks it has a 'winning formula' as it crushes in Q1

The retailer blew past analyst expectations for the quarter, giving executives confidence in the department store's turnaround efforts.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 16, 2018

Moody's boosts J. Crew on cost cuts and Madewell growth

The retailer's turnaround is gathering steam, but J.Crew needs to bolster its flagship banner, according to Moody's Raya Sokolyanska.

By Daphne Howland • May 16, 2018

April retail sales jump 0.4% as e-commerce climbs 9.6% from last year

April continued the year's robust sales despite a cold spring in many parts of the country. But just four retailers are responsible for all the growth, according to Retail Metrics.

By Daphne Howland • May 16, 2018

Walmart sourcing executive lands at Target

William Foudy has more than 25 years of experience in the sourcing industry and has led international teams for brands including Adidas and Nike.

By Daphne Howland • May 16, 2018

Lord & Taylor names former Macy's, Stitch Fix exec as President

Vanessa LeFebvre most recently spent a year at Stitch Fix and created Macy's Backstage, but will her return to Hudson's Bay help the struggling department store chain?

By Daphne Howland • May 16, 2018

Amazon Go stores are reportedly coming to San Francisco and Chicago

As the cashierless concept expands, will the cost of its technology prove to be a barrier?

By Alicia Kelso • May 15, 2018

Nordstrom, Starbucks incidents highlight retail's bias problem

Apologies can only go so far, and a lack of concrete steps to address bias could be particularly damaging for brands that depend on a progressive image and high levels of customer service.

By Corinne Ruff • May 15, 2018

A late spring holds back Home Depot

The home improvement retailer will likely make up seasonal sales now that the weather is sunnier, but rising home prices and mortgage rates could hurt later.

By Daphne Howland • May 15, 2018

Sears explores sale of Kenmore, other units to CEO's hedge fund

The department store retailer's board has formed a special committee to negotiate asset sales with ESL Investments and potential third-parties. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 15, 2018

Marine Layer partners with photo project Lost & Found

Doug Walker spent 10 years tracking down the photographers responsible for images discovered at a California flea market, which inspired the new "Summer Rewind" collection.

By Daphne Howland • May 15, 2018