Perfumania files for bankruptcy, plans to close stores

The country's largest fragrance retailer is looking to downsize and invest more in omnichannel efforts as it grapples with debt and sales declines. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 28, 2017

J.C. Penney CFO wants to increase tech investment

The newly-appointed exec hopes allocating more to tech investment will boost the department store retailer's chances of recovery from ongoing struggles.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 28, 2017

Study: Uncertain immigration policies dampen US Hispanic spending

The situation is especially challenging for retailers in California, Texas and New Mexico, but is likely a short-term problem considering its more of a political and social issue than an economic one.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 25, 2017

Dollar Tree shrugs off Walmart competition in healthy Q2

The discount retailer plans to expand its brick-and-mortar footprint for both Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores as it faces price competition on several fronts. 

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 25, 2017

Ulta shows its strength

Despite a slowdown in growth, same-store sales remain robust and the beauty retailer shows nothing but strength on and offline.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 25, 2017

Macy's beds Lucky Brand for new collection

The department store has announced a steady stream of exclusively designed collections for apparel and home to entice customers.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 25, 2017

Target names new strategy and innovation chief

Minsok Pak will take over the role previously filled by Casey Carl, who left in April after spearheading some of the retailer's most cutting edge projects.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 25, 2017

Amazon's Whole Foods takeover immediately cuts prices, grows Prime

After the deal goes into effect Monday, prices will drop on grocery staples and Whole Foods’ private-label brands will be available to Prime members.

By Jeff Wells, Corinne Ruff • Aug. 25, 2017

Staples beats expectations amid sales decline

Shareholders will soon take up the company's proposed acquisition by Sycamore Partners, which plans to spin off the retail business.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 24, 2017

Madewell a bright spot as J. Crew struggles

The company trimmed debt by $300 million and its young brand is doing well, but is that enough to save J. Crew?

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 24, 2017

Sears closing 28 more Kmart stores, posts $1B sales decline

The department store retailer's many cost cuts and store closures have slowed the rate at which it's losing money, but Sears is still plagued by poor sales and fading customer interest.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 24, 2017

How Target is using small-format stores to score with younger shoppers

The big-box retailer is betting big on convenient, localized small-format stores to win over millennial and Gen Z college consumers. 

By Corinne Ruff • Aug. 24, 2017

A&F in need of brand reinvention

The flagship is taking lessons from its stronger Hollister brand, but hasn't found a new direction yet, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 24, 2017

Destination Maternity hires adviser as sales slump

The retailer says it is focused on cutting costs — not restructuring — as closures and terminated partnerships at Macy's, Sears and Kohl's hurt sales.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 24, 2017

West Elm growth boosts Williams-Sonoma in Q2

The home goods and furniture retail company is primed for a strong end to the year.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 24, 2017

FTC clears Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods

Whole Foods shareholders also approved the move Wednesday, allowing both sides to finalize the $13.7 billion deal. 

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 23, 2017

Aerie lifts American Eagle to Q2 sales beat

The flagship is doing better with jeans and female consumers, but it suffered a hit to margins in the quarter and men aren't buying.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 23, 2017

DSW e-commerce sales surge 27% in Q2 thanks to mobile traffic growth

The retailer has more work to do, however, considering the challenges in the footwear market and among the retailer’s budget-minded shoppers.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 23, 2017

Lowe's sales jump nearly 7%, but Wall Street isn't impressed

The home improvement retailer posted second quarter sales that would make it a marvel in other retail sectors, but the company still plays "second fiddle" to rival Home Depot. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 23, 2017

Walmart and Kroger join with suppliers for blockchain initiative

Companies throughout the industry will implement the technology in an effort to improve food safety and test widespread adoption.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 23, 2017

Inside Backstage, Macy's off-price Hail Mary

Macy's is late to the off-price party, but the company is betting it can boost sales, traffic and real estate productivity by expanding the Backstage concept. And if they can keep customers from going to T.J. Maxx or Ross — even better.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 22, 2017

Sears inks new deals for Kenmore, DieHard products

The struggling retailer is broadening its private label distribution even beyond Amazon with new licensing agreements.  

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 22, 2017

Kohl's expanding small-format stores

Much like Target, Kohl's is expanding its effort to reach urban customers, who tend to be wealthier and younger.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 22, 2017

Macy's to slash 100 merchandising jobs as eBay exec joins ranks

Hal Lawton will take over as president next month amid a shakeup that aims to consolidate merchandising, planning and private brands.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 22, 2017

Patagonia's first TV ad gets political as national monuments decision looms

The outdoor retailer's founder issued a call-to-action asking viewers to defend public lands from the Trump administration, a marketing move core to its brand message.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 22, 2017