Voice AI startup hires Google’s text-to-speech leader

Ian Hodson, an industry veteran and mentor of engineering talent, has left Google to join Voysis as a Distinguished Architect.

By Dan O'Shea • May 23, 2017

Target to pay $18.5M settlement for 2013 data breach

The retailer is closer to putting its massive holiday season snafu behind it, but it's still awaiting court approval to settle a consumer class action lawsuit.

By Dan O'Shea • May 23, 2017

DSW earnings hit by M&A costs, inventory clearance

The company is blurring its e-commerce and store channels, growing through acquisition and pivoting to respond to customer preferences — and that costs money.

By Daphne Howland • May 23, 2017

Report: Lululemon could snag Sephora's former 5th Avenue space

The yoga-wear retailer could get a good deal on the space as landlords face rising vacancies even in the toniest shopping areas of New York.

By Daphne Howland • May 23, 2017

Struggling Sears buys time with deals to reduce debt, pension obligations

The retailer's latest announcement is yet another indication that its efforts are largely focused on financial survival — to the detriment of retail fundamentals.

By Daphne Howland • May 23, 2017

Report: M&A activity to rise despite political uncertainties

Slow growth in retail, plentiful capital and strong balance sheets will drive consolidation, according to consulting firm A.T. Kearney.

By Daphne Howland • May 23, 2017

Mall owners see upside of market dotted with store closures

Retail real estate executives gathering in Las Vegas for the International Council of Shopping Centers conference see opportunities in the mass closures of retail stores, but they still face long-term headwinds.

By Daphne Howland • May 23, 2017

JD.com plots massive 'heavy-load' drone logistics network in China

The company aims to construct the country’s largest low-altitude drone logistics network for devices that can carry shipments weighing more than a ton.

By Dan O'Shea • May 22, 2017

Facing bankruptcy rumors, Gymboree names former Tilly's head as CEO

Daniel Griesemer, who led teen apparel retailer Tilly's for nearly five years, replaces ex-CEO Mark Breitbard, who left the company amid reports of a looming restructuring.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 22, 2017

Vince faces NYSE delisting amid turnaround

The luxury brand also recently received a Rights Offering Commitment Letter from global investment firm Sun Capital Partners V, L.P. that provides $30 million.

By Daphne Howland • May 22, 2017

Report: Automation threatens up to 7.5M retail jobs

Retail cashier jobs, 73% of which are held by women, are at highest risk of loss to automation technologies, according to a study conducted by Cornerstone Capital Group.

By Dan O'Shea • May 21, 2017

New Amazon research center propels drone traffic management

The Prime Air Development Center will employ about a dozen software developers tasked with creating a traffic control system to work the company’s planned fleet of delivery drones.

By Dan O'Shea • May 21, 2017

New Ralph Lauren CEO has work cut out for him after dismal year

The iconic fashion company reported a weak quarter and fiscal year, though some of the results came from changes it’s making through its turnaround plan.

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2017

Forever 21 to roll out Riley Rose beauty shops in 'top tier' GGP malls

The experiential stores, aimed at millennials, are part of the shopping center developer’s diversification strategy, which could also include restructuring and even a sale.

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2017

J.C. Penney expands B2B operations with hotel sales

The retailer, which noticed hotel managers were volume-ordering bedding, window treatments and bath supplies, is pushing further into the space.

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2017

Old Navy Q1 sales stabilize struggling Gap

The company is still a player in the apparel game, but it’s relying heavily on star player Old Navy, which boosted its same-store sales by 8% in the quarter.

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2017

Ross growth cools amid off-price slowdown

The off-price retailer, like rival TJX, is reporting a lackluster performance uncharacteristic of the sector. More stores, of all things, may be the answer.

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2017

Under Armour's MLB diamond debut tees up early

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that the branded player uniforms will launch in 2019, starting the 10-year partnership a year earlier than planned.

By Dan O'Shea • May 18, 2017

Ascena tanks as executives warn of more traffic declines

Shares plunged 30% after the specialty apparel company projected same-store sales could drop 8% in the third quarter and 7% for the year.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2017

Alibaba revenue rises, but investments in growth take toll

Sales continue to soar — and a shift toward an increasingly consumption-based economy in China provides long-term opportunities for the company, executives said.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2017

Despite sales drop, L Brands raises outlook and beats expectations

While the fashion retail conglomerate suffered declines in comparable sales and profits, the increased guidance suggests the company may be in a position to bounce back from recent struggles.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 18, 2017

Wal-Mart's e-commerce play brings big payoff in Q1

The retail behemoth's acquisition of Jet last year and of smaller players since then was evident in the retail giant's first quarter results, with e-commerce sales growing by more than 60%.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2017

Lululemon snaps up REI's Averill to fill CTO spot

The move comes not long after the company said Miguel Almeida, who was hired less than two years ago to overhaul digital e-commerce operations, was stepping down.

By Dan O'Shea • May 18, 2017

Opening soon: Inside Lidl's blueprint to invade the US grocery market

At an event in New York Tuesday night, the much-hyped German retailer offered a taste of its low priced, quality goods — and previewed its strategy to stand out in the U.S.

By Megan Poinski • May 17, 2017

Urban Outfitters plots 4-point pivot to curtail sales tumble

With apparel sales under pressure, the company will focus on its best-performing segments and its e-commerce, international and wholesale channels.

By Daphne Howland • May 17, 2017