UK sports retailer snaps up Finish Line for $558M

The move snatches away Sports Direct's share in Finish Line and would likely give Finish Line and its acquirer a broader reach.

By Daphne Howland • March 26, 2018

Tapestry taps Michael Kors exec to lead Kate Spade

The luxury accessories company picked up Kate Spade for $2.4 billion last spring and has since pulled it back from department stores to reclaim a more upscale appeal.

By Daphne Howland • March 26, 2018

Whole Foods lays off marketing staff as Amazon centralizes ops

The elimination of store-level graphic designers and certain regional employees follows the departure of more than a dozen executives due to cultural differences.

By Jeff Wells • March 26, 2018

Lululemon brings in new chief strategy and digital officer

The athleisure seller has tapped a former Zulily executive as it seeks to stay on a growth track even without a CEO in place.

By Dan O'Shea • March 25, 2018

7 takeaways from Shoptalk 2018

From speeding up the supply chain to adding personalization and making shopping more convenient — technology is fundamentally transforming the business. Here's what you need to know.

By Corinne Ruff , Laura Heller • March 23, 2018

6 ways brands and retailers are using stores to boost business

Stores aren't going away, but they are going on a diet. Here are the most innovative concepts showcased at Shoptalk.

By Corinne Ruff • March 23, 2018

Nike sees opening for domestic sales growth in 2019

The shoe and sportswear maker reported a revenue increase of 7%, but didn't address how its new efforts to expand women's sales may be undermined by alleged misconduct of top executives.

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2018

Michaels shuttering all full-line Aaron Brothers stores

While 94 of the custom framing shops will shutter, three smaller locations will operate as a "learning laboratory." 

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2018

Toy maker working on bid for Toys R Us

As the ailing toy seller winds down U.S. operations, it's putting $2 billion in discounted toys on the market. In a "sad synchronicity" in timing, the chain's founder has also died.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 23, 2018

Lands' End plots physical expansion as sales jump 11%

The retailer is plotting up to 60 new stores in the coming years after posting its best quarterly performance in three years.

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2018

Walmart expands CarSaver pilot to 250 stores

The program, launched as a pilot last year, resembles similar online car buying setups at Costco and Sam's Club.

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2018

Pottery Barn Kids bringing wholesale business to the UK

The banner this autumn is launching concessions at the largest department store in the region, building on a partnership with UK department store John Lewis that Williams Sonoma Inc. began in 2015.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2018

Sears exchanges debt, freeing up millions

Analysts with Fitch still see massive cash burn ahead this year for the ailing department store chain.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 22, 2018

Five Below plots further expansion as sales soar

The discount retailer is dialing back expectations for this year considering its strong 2017.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2018

Claire's private equity owners come under fire in bankruptcy

An investment fund holding some of the teen retailer's debt said in court papers that Apollo Global Management has "exercised unfettered control over" Claire's that should be scrutinized. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 22, 2018

Why is Lowe's struggling to turn shoppers into customers?

Traffic is booming, but conversions are falling. Does that mean the home improvement retailer's tech isn't all it's cracked up to be? 

By Corinne Ruff • March 22, 2018

Sephora launches 30-day exclusives to drive traffic

The new products, part of the "First at Sephora" program, will bypass even the brand's own sites and stores, selling exclusively at Sephora for 30 days after each debut.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2018

Nordstrom to kick off men's store with Stadium Goods partnership

The new store, slated to open April 12 in New York City, will feature a sneaker-filled Stadium Goods concept space.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2018

Walmart's Marc Lore: We're staying the course

In spite of a decline from 2017's e-commerce sales gains, it's business as usual for Walmart and Jet, with more acquisitions planned to win with millennials.

By Laura Heller • March 21, 2018

Nordstrom family's go-private effort is kaput

The founding family wasn't able to top an offer, which the department store's board earlier this month rejected as "inadequate." 

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

Amazon, AARP reportedly working on tech for seniors

The two companies have been in talks about how to improve technology for older Americans since 2015, according to CNBC.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

The Children's Place ties up with China's biggest kids apparel retailer

The move follows a strong fourth quarter — with sales growing more than 9% — and shows the children's apparel retailer still has plenty of room for further gains.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

KB Toys plots a comeback as Toys R Us collapses

As the toy retailer winds down operations, a business that revives old brands is trying to bring back defunct KB Toys — with Toys R Us employees.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 21, 2018

Walmart opening FedEx Office locations in 500 stores

The companies piloted the effort in 47 Walmart stores in six states, and will expand in the next 24 months.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

Why retailers are prioritizing private label

Whether it's to protect market share from Amazon or meet demands for uniqueness, more companies are building out proprietary lines, but it doesn't come without challenges. 

By Corinne Ruff • March 21, 2018