How Amazon's Whole Foods deal could spoil Target's grocery ambitions

The mass merchant's grocery business has struggled with spoilage and turnover. With Amazon moving fast into brick-and-mortar grocery retailing, it's now or never for Target to carve out a defensible position.

By Corinne Ruff • June 20, 2017

Lululemon invests in high-tech cycling wear startup 7mesh

The companies share a commitment to innovative fabrics, and Lululemon is on the hunt for growth.

By Daphne Howland • June 20, 2017

Hubba launches group discussion forums for retailers, brands

Small merchants can trade learnings and share advice through new Hubba Group discussion forums on a variety of retail topics.

By Dan O'Shea • June 20, 2017

Ulta opens its 999th store on Chicago's 'Mag Mile'

Ulta plans to open approximately 100 net new stores this year with the ultimate goal of 1,400 to 1,700 locations.

By Daphne Howland • June 19, 2017

Papaya becomes latest teen apparel retailer to file for bankruptcy

The California-based retailer, which went through a rapid expansion in recent years only to run into a sales drought hitting retailers across sectors, hopes to stay in business.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 19, 2017

J. Crew speeds up timeline for refinancing moves

That its securities have risen since its debt swap announcement last week suggests bondholders are amenable to the plan to trade notes for equity and new bonds.

By Daphne Howland • June 19, 2017

Amazon vs. Walmart: Why the Whole Foods deal escalates the war for the American shopper

The deal gives Amazon a big brick-and-mortar footprint in the grocery business it's trying to disrupt. 

By Laura Heller • June 19, 2017

Sports Direct completes takeover of Eastern Mountain Sports, Bob's Stores

The U.K. sports retail company will expand product lines available to U.S. stores and websites, including the debut of an extensive portfolio of European brands.

By Daphne Howland • June 16, 2017

Amazon to buy Whole Foods in $13.7B deal

The online giant is buying the organic and natural foods pioneer as it faces growing competition from Kroger, Walmart and other retailers.

By Christopher Doering • June 16, 2017

Mattel looks to get leaner and nimbler

While not approaching the speed of fast fashion, plans include a supply chain revamp and a focus on its core brands, including American Girl, Barbie and Fisher Price.

By Daphne Howland • June 16, 2017

Target debuts remodeled stores

The discounter is debuting remodeled stores in Dallas, the first in a $7 billion three-year store overhaul. 

By Daphne Howland • June 16, 2017

Ascena cuts 200 jobs amid restructuring effort

The move is part of the company's "Change for Growth" initiative, which looks to focus and downsize a company struggling with traffic and sales declines.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 16, 2017

Amazon reportedly interested in picking up Slack

Could Amazon acquire red-hot collaboration start-up Slack? Here's why it might actually make sense.

By Dan O'Shea • June 15, 2017

Nike to cut 2% of workforce as it reshapes consumer approach

As more big brands go direct to consumer, Nike is reshaping it marketing focus and structure, and cutting about 1,400 jobs in the process.

By Dan O'Shea • June 15, 2017

How Mickey Drexler failed J. Crew — and what James Brett needs to succeed

The era of the Merchant Prince is over, and the incoming CEO is tasked with reinventing the brand and reinvigorating relevancy with shoppers.

By Lara Ewen • June 15, 2017

Gymboree said vendor issues hastened financial woes

Starting in January, when Gymboree's CEO departed, vendors began demanding tougher terms, sparking a vicious financial cycle. 

By Ben Unglesbee • June 15, 2017

Core retail sales flat in May

The monthly snapshot belies relatively healthy consumer confidence, though some retailers benefited more than others.

By Daphne Howland • June 15, 2017

How much will Lidl disrupt the US grocery market?

Thursday’s opening is the first step in an offensive that analysts say will push traditional grocers — perhaps to their breaking point.

By Jeff Wells • June 15, 2017

Amazon reportedly eyeing BigBasket buy in India

Amazon may be close to making another big move in India with the purchase of online grocer BigBasket.

By Dan O'Shea • June 14, 2017

Toys R Us holiday woes continue into Q1

Weakness in the baby and toys business continues to plague Toys R Us, as competition drives down prices.

By Daphne Howland • June 14, 2017

Report: Back-to-school shopping poised to grow 4% this year

E-commerce is grabbing market share from physical stores in all categories thanks to kids’ comfort with online shopping. 

By Daphne Howland • June 14, 2017

Is Walmart's new last-mile delivery program brilliant — or a disaster in the making?

The Uber-like program will have store associates delivering packages on their way home from work. Will it work for Walmart?

By Laura Heller • June 14, 2017

Walmart maintains top Fortune 500 spot for 5th straight year

Walmart maintains its top spot with Amazon rising fast, from No. 8 to No. 12 in a single year. 

By Daphne Howland • June 14, 2017

J.C. Penney adds Libby Edelman to the apparel roster

Women’s apparel is critical for Penney, which hopes the footwear designer can kick-start sales.  

By Daphne Howland • June 14, 2017

Three executives leave Sears amid corporate layoffs

More executive departures at Sears spell, for many, the steady collapse of a one-time giant of American commerce.

By Daphne Howland • June 14, 2017