8 retailers to watch during back-to-school

If the end of the retail shakeout is in sight, we might see the first signs during back-to-school. But the season is also a time to watch retailers try new things, test new strategies and make themselves into students of a chaotic marketplace. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 11, 2017

Sephora launches members-only social platform

The "Beauty Insider Community" allows customers to search for their favorite looks and engage in beauty-focused group discussions.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 11, 2017

Canada Goose expands online and off In a challenge to The North Face

The upscale outdoor apparel retailer is adding five stores to its fleet of two in Toronto and New York, and has launched four of seven planned markets this year.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 11, 2017

Store closures eat up J.C. Penney's margins

The department store retailer managed a 1.5% increase in net sales in Q2 — a modest feat unmatched by some of its peers — but posted a loss as comparable sales declined.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 11, 2017

Sally Beauty taps former DSW exec as new president

Carrie McDermott will be on hand to help the retailer as it amps up its e-commerce, omnichannel and marketing efforts.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 11, 2017

Toys 'R' Us plans Times Square return

The company may be looking overseas for growth, but the New York City location could boost sales for the holidays.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 11, 2017

Nordstrom stands out among faltering department stores

The company must continue to take the long view, and that might mean going private.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 11, 2017

Dillard's plunges on second quarter losses

The regional department store suffers from too much inventory and a failure to adapt to the changing retail landscape, according to one analyst. 

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 11, 2017

Payless CEO retires as the retailer exits bankruptcy

As it searches for a new chief, the shoe retailer will be led by a new executive committee that includes CFO Michael Schwindle, COO Mike Vitelli, headed by board chairman Martin R. Wade, III, as Paul Jones steps down from the role he's held since 2012.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 10, 2017

Oregon becomes first state to require predictive scheduling

The new law's requirements apply to employers in the retail, hospitality and food service industries.

By Kate Tornone • Aug. 10, 2017

Macy's sales drop 5.4%, hit by store closures

Sales at the department store chain fell in the second quarter, but beat low expectations. CEO Jeff Gennette expects a better performance in the back half of the year. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 10, 2017

Analyst: An improving Kohl's might be poised to expand

Amid a years-long turnaround, the discount department store is getting a firm grip on costs, inventory and its brick-and-mortar footprint, analysts told Retail Dive.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 10, 2017

Foot Locker is kicking it against Amazon

With upgraded stores and consumers' ongoing preference to try on shoes in person, the athletic shoe retailer is actually undervalued, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 10, 2017

Target partners with BarkBox in pet play

The retailer has long relied on product differentiation to compete, and this latest move bulks up its assortment of pet supplies.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 10, 2017

Amazon may have trouble lowering Whole Foods' prices

Product standards and a reliance on smaller producers may limit the e-commerce giant’s ability to remake the retailer’s “Whole Paycheck” image.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 10, 2017

Amazon’s new mobile investment could add Alexa to more devices

Amazon appears to be getting involved in the smartphone market again, but as an investor this time. 

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 9, 2017

Q&A: TreeHouse CEO Jason Ballard on greening the home improvement supply chain

You can call it the "Home Depot for hipsters," but the Texas-based retailer is charting new territory in building product sales and services.

By Hallie Busta • Aug. 9, 2017

Pier 1 loses a CFO, gains a new CIO

Jeffrey Boyer is leaving to join Fossil Group as CFO. Meanwhile retail veteran Bhargav Shah is stepping in as head of tech at the home furnishings retailer.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 9, 2017

Ralph Lauren to ax up to 25% of department store outlets

The apparel brand is suffering severe sales declines as it exits department stores and off-price retailers, but margins are improving.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 9, 2017

Macy's taps Kobi Halperin for limited fashion collection

The limited collection ranges in price from $79 to $299 and signifies a departure from the department store's recent off-price efforts.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 9, 2017

Callaway Golf to acquire TravisMathew apparel

The golf retail business is picking up as the apparel and lifestyle brand is poised for growth.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 9, 2017

Michael Kors beats estimates but remains in turnaround mode

The company has made an effort to build up its own styles and has loads of opportunity in Europe thanks to its Jimmy Choo acquisition, but fiscal 2018 remains a rebuilding year.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 8, 2017

Abercrombie & Fitch rolls out new store concept

But can capsule collections, interactive fitting rooms and more efficient cash wraps help Abercrombie get its cool back?

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 8, 2017

Alibaba, Marriott teaming up to court travelers

The travel industry is an important growth opportunity in light of the estimated 700 million trips that China's travelers are expected to take over the next five years, the companies said.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 8, 2017

Appear Here, Square host competition for pop-up store space

Entrepreneurs have the chance to fast-track their ideas from concept to storefront, with three winners receiving a two-week stint on a major shopping street.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 7, 2017