Williams Sonoma vows to be 'aggressive' this year

The company said it's ready for rising competition in the space and plans to better protect design assets going forward.

By Daphne Howland • March 15, 2018

Walmart sows the seeds for farm entry with drone patents

The retail giant is looking to improve produce offerings with six drone patents aimed at automating the farming process.

By Dan Alaimo • March 15, 2018

Bankrupt Bon-Ton faces two possible fates: Acquisition or death

The potential outcomes for the department store chain are narrowing as a judge clears a path for a bankruptcy auction, and bids emerge to both save and wind down the business.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 14, 2018

Walmart ramps up grocery delivery to head off Amazon

The retailer will offer same-day service from 100 markets — reaching more than 40% of U.S. households — by the end of the year.

By Jeff Wells • March 14, 2018

Retail defaults to peak in March, Moody's says

Analysts predict six more retail and apparel companies could default over the next year, likely sooner rather than later. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 14, 2018

February core retail sales fell 0.1%

Sales improved dramatically from the year ago period, rising 4.2% thanks to healthy consumer confidence and a strong labor market.

By Daphne Howland • March 14, 2018

Ikea rolls out TaskRabbit furniture assembly service

The service is now available online, wherever TaskRabbit services are located, and in six Ikea stores from coast to coast.

By Daphne Howland • March 14, 2018

DSW to shutter e-commerce site Ebuys

The footwear retailer paid $62.5 million for the online unit, which it's ditching to focus on the core footwear business.

By Daphne Howland • March 14, 2018

Mastercard partners with UK grocer on in-aisle mobile checkout

Similar to Amazon's Go concept, customers at The Co-op can scan items with a smartphone as they shop and leave without visiting a register.

By Robert Williams • March 13, 2018

Guitar Center downgraded again on new refinancing plan

The musical instrument retailer has announced a plan that would buy it more time to pay down its debt. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 13, 2018

Dick's suffers as brands bypass brick-and-mortar

The sporting goods retailer is taking a hit as brands like Nike move to sell directly to customers, prompting Dick's to expand its own private labels.

By Daphne Howland • March 13, 2018

94% of retail execs expect as many — or more — bankruptcies in 2018

Rising consumer credit and interest rates could send more retailers into financial tailspins, according to a new report from BDO.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 13, 2018

Burlington is 'firing on all cylinders'

The off-price sector is getting ever more crowded, but that isn't stopping the major players, and Burlington has more room than most to improve, Morgan Stanley analysts said last week.

By Daphne Howland • March 13, 2018

Stitch Fix misses profits, grows client base 30%

Profits did not meet expectations in the quarter, but a new styling service and an add-on program for essentials were still too new to have an impact.

By Daphne Howland • March 13, 2018

Ross plans to open 100 stores this year

The off-price retailer will keep up its building blitz following a triumphant fourth quarter — which could mean more bad news for department stores.

By Daphne Howland • March 12, 2018

Whole Foods to meet with disgruntled suppliers

The grocer will meet with manufacturers on March 19 to address concerns over new fees and the company’s centralized merchandising setup.  

By Jeff Wells • March 12, 2018

American Eagle sees 'tremendous opportunity' in Aerie

The apparel retailer posted 12% top-line growth — and a mind-boggling 34% same-store sales increase at its lingerie brand — but holiday discounts and e-commerce costs hit margins.

By Daphne Howland • March 12, 2018

Sephora lines up largest accelerator yet

The beauty retailer disrupted department stores years ago and "Sephora Accelerate" helps ensure it doesn't get staid.

By Daphne Howland • March 12, 2018

Claire's close to filing for bankruptcy, report says

The ailing teen retailer is closing in on a deal for lenders to take it over in bankruptcy, according to Bloomberg. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 9, 2018

Neiman Marcus pegs sales gains on 'Digital First' strategy

Same-store sales at the department store retailer rose 6.7%, thanks to investments in digital, technology and marketing tools, the company said.

By Daphne Howland • March 9, 2018

FabFitFun opens downtown LA pop-up

The subscription service, which sends out boxes only four times a year, is hoping to get some quality face time with shoppers in a sector that struggles to retain customers.

By Daphne Howland • March 9, 2018

Nordstrom snaps up tech startups to fuel mobile shopping

The companies, BevyUp and MessageYes, are aimed at digital selling and conversational commerce, indicating a new focus for the retailer.

By Dan O'Shea • March 9, 2018

Toys R Us reportedly preparing to liquidate US business

Multiple news services are reporting that, failing to find a buyer or reach a deal with lenders in bankruptcy, the toy retailer might be forced to liquidate domestic operations.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 9, 2018

Alexa shopping chief rides out of Amazon, joins Uber

The e-commerce company had quite the week of departures, with execs leaving from two of its most high profile operations — Prime and voice.

By Daphne Howland • March 9, 2018

Best Buy's Geek Squad allegedly took money from the FBI

Best Buy confirmed to Retail Dive that its Geek Squad repair employees alert law enforcement when they "inadvertently" find child pornography, but says taking payment from the FBI is against their policy.

By Daphne Howland • March 9, 2018