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

Report: Meijer restructures IT amid major grocery shifts

The move could affect up to 10% of IT jobs as competition heats up in the grocery market.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 22, 2017

UBS analysts: Amazon poses a grave threat against footwear retailers

Nike’s decision to sell on Amazon is bad news for Foot Locker and Finish Line, some analysts warn, though others say Foot Locker is holding its own.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 22, 2017

TJX debuts 'Homesense'

Offerings at the new store differ just enough from the company's HomeGoods line to keep customers coming to both, TJX says.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 22, 2017

Target remodels stores to focus on freshness and shopper experience

Changing up the music, adding LED lights and moving produce and grab-and-go items to the front are just a few adjustments the retailer hopes will increase sales.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 22, 2017

Hibbett sales drop $19M

The struggling sports retailer is just getting into e-commerce as its same-store sales plummet. 

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 21, 2017

Stein Mart loses $13M as it clears inventory

The retailer has been behaving too much like a department store, executives told analysts last week.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 21, 2017

Moody's: Department store turnarounds taking hold

Analysts see relative improvements across the sector as chains grapple with traffic declines, e-commerce costs and managing inventory and store footprints. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 18, 2017

Target and Barnes & Noble Education team up against Amazon on campus

The collaboration aims to reach young consumers in areas without Target’s new small-format stores.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 18, 2017

Ross' brick-and-mortar stores help spark sales uplift

The company has even more unlocked potential and could continue to add to its store fleet.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 18, 2017

Target needs big ideas to grow grocery

The retailer has made improvements to its supply chain and organic assortment, but it has still struggled to increase sales in a highly competitive market.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 18, 2017

Gap sees Q2 improvements in ongoing turnaround

The company reported its third straight quarter of sales increases, with Old Navy once again leading the pack.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 18, 2017