Struggling Ascena still has time for turnaround, Moody's says

Analysts with the ratings firm think that the retailer — which runs Ann Taylor and Loft, among others — has enough liquidity and new omnichannel capabilities to compete, at least in the short run. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 4, 2018

In Parkland aftermath, Dick's is lobbying for gun control

The move follows stricter limits to Dick's firearms sales and strong statements from CEO Edward Stack in the wake of the Florida shooting.

By Daphne Howland • May 4, 2018

Finish Line shareholder sues to hold up JD Sports merger

The merger was considered good news for both retailers, but Edward Martinez alleges that the sales process was "hastily conducted."

By Daphne Howland • May 4, 2018

Cowen: Target is 'hitting its retail stride'

After suffering a string of quarterly declining comparable sales last year, Target is back — but that doesn't mean the company can kick its feet up.

By Corinne Ruff • May 3, 2018

Amazon launches new private-label pet brand Wag

The retail giant, eight years after its marketplace debut, also released its first report on the small- and medium-sized businesses selling there.

By Daphne Howland • May 3, 2018

Sears launches online leasing program

The department store retailer first launched its leasing program — which, on the longest-term leases, can charge customers as much as three times the ticket price of an item — in 2012. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 3, 2018

CVS homes in on healthcare while stores languish

Executives are squarely focused on its health care ambitions, but cleaning up its stores and its retail offer would help that.

By Daphne Howland • May 3, 2018

Kohl's names new merchandising chief

Doug Howe comes from QVC and HSN parent Qurate Retail Group, but his 30-year merchandising resume includes stints at Gap Inc., Walmart and May Department Stores.

By Daphne Howland • May 3, 2018

Crate & Barrel collaborates with Reese Witherspoon's Draper James

This is the second major retail partnership this year for the celebrity's southern heritage lifestyle brand.

By Corinne Ruff • May 2, 2018

Macy's buys Story concept

The magazine-like boutique's founder will join Macy's as an executive in charge of brand experiences across the retailer's business.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 2, 2018

Birchbox sells majority stake to longtime investor

After talks reportedly fell through with QVC, according to Recode, Birchbox's CEO announced that hedge fund Viking Global Investors will take over a majority of the business.

By Corinne Ruff • May 2, 2018

Guitar brand Gibson files for bankruptcy

The musical instrument maker plans to reorganize around its core business after a debt-financed overseas acquisition went awry. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 2, 2018

Sephora opens 2nd 'Studio'

The new location in Hoboken, New Jersey, joins the first of its kind in Boston, and the retailer plans to open more of the experiential store concept this year.

By Daphne Howland • May 2, 2018

Alexa exec leaves Amazon for 'a serious break'

Charlie Kindel, the executive most responsible for Alexa’s success, has left the fast pace of Amazon, citing a need to "catch my breath."

By Dan Alaimo • May 2, 2018

Amazon to hire thousands of tech workers

Dwarfing the hundreds laid off from corporate earlier this year, Amazon plans to hire 200 in a Minneapolis tech office, 2,000 in Boston and fill 3,000 jobs in Vancouver, mainly with technologists.

By Dan Alaimo • May 1, 2018

Barneys tunes into the podcast craze

The luxury department store plans to launch a show that will bring on fashion designers, interior designers and hair stylists to talk about their experiences in the fashion world.

By Corinne Ruff • May 1, 2018

Macy's adds 20 Backstage stores, to double off-price footprint

The department store retailer plans to add 100 Backstage outlets inside existing stores in fiscal 2018 in an effort to fend off the off-pricers at its flank. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 1, 2018

Tapestry leans on Kate Spade as Stuart Weitzman falters

Kate Spade is getting the same treatment as Coach, which has ditched discounts and department stores to good effect and is now appealing to younger shoppers.

By Daphne Howland • May 1, 2018

Under Armour still looks like a brand running 'out of steam'

The brand continues to falter against rivals, especially in North America where the sportswear segment dominates.

By Daphne Howland • May 1, 2018

Walmart's Asda grocery chain to merge with Sainsbury's

If given the green light, pending various approvals, Walmart will hold 42% of the combined company, which is poised to become a U.K. grocery powerhouse.

By Corinne Ruff • April 30, 2018

Nike promotes 2 women to replace executives departing amid 'toxic environment'

Nike is moving fairly quickly to replace executives who have left in recent weeks, including appointing a new C-level chief diversity and inclusion officer.

By Daphne Howland • April 30, 2018

Toys R Us still has a chance to save some US stores

The investment firm buying the retailer's Canadian business is reportedly interested in select units, while MGA's CEO Isaac Larian, plans "to continue the fight to save Toys R Us in the U.S."

By Ben Unglesbee • April 30, 2018

Younger apparel shoppers flock to Amazon, Target and T.J.Maxx

Walmart is maintaining its stronghold with older, less wealthy shoppers, while T.J. Maxx is appealing to pretty much everybody, according to a report from Coresight Research.

By Daphne Howland • April 30, 2018

Fred's CEO departs

The drug store retailer's CEO has left after just two years on the job and a bid to buy up hundreds of Rite Aid stores failed last year. 

By Daphne Howland • April 30, 2018

Malls plan for more store closures

Shopping centers are mixing up their tenant base as department stores, which have served as anchor tenants for decades, close locations.

By Daphne Howland • April 30, 2018