Morningstar: J.C. Penney store closures could impair $30B in commercial mortgage-backed loans

Roughly 40 closings in particular — in malls already suffering from below-average tenant sales — are poised to impair some $7.29 billion in securities, the credit rating firm said.

By Daphne Howland • March 10, 2017

Signet Jewelers to close 165 stores, review sexual harassment charges

Following allegations that it fostered a culture of harassment and discrimination, the diamond jeweler will add a “respect in the workforce” committee to its board and conduct a review of its policies.

By Corinne Ruff • March 10, 2017

Men's Wearhouse parent halting expansion of Macy's tuxedo partnership

Tailored Brands, which also owns Jos. A. Bank, has tallied operating losses between $19 million and $20 million related to its Macy's concessions.

By Daphne Howland • March 10, 2017

Ulta Beauty to open another 100 stores

The cosmetics retailer's Q4 net sales increased 24.6% to $1.58 billion from $1.27 billion in the year-ago quarter.

By Daphne Howland • March 10, 2017

Sears Holdings revenues tank even as losses shrink

The once-iconic chain is "is broken and now well beyond repair,” according to GlobalData Retail managing director Neil Saunders.

By Daphne Howland • March 9, 2017

Staples to shutter 70 stores

The office supplies retailer is left to implement a turnaround strategy after its plan to merge with rival Office Depot failed last year.

By Daphne Howland • March 9, 2017

RadioShack files for second bankruptcy in 24 months, closing 200 stores

The electronics retailer is reportedly in talks with wireless operator partner Sprint (which helps run about a third of its brick-and-mortar operations in co-branded stores) to evaluate its options and help preserve jobs.

By Daphne Howland • March 9, 2017

Macy's reportedly steps up self-service shoe approach

The “open sell" model resembles off-price retail, and players in that space have steadily taken market share from the struggling department store.

By Daphne Howland • March 9, 2017

What went wrong at BCBG Max Azria

The success of online retailing and fast fashion certainly helped grease the way for BCBG’s descent, but that’s not the whole story behind what brought down the house that Azria built.

By Lara Ewen • March 9, 2017

Walgreens may give FTC notice of 'certified compliance' to force Rite Aid merger decision

The move gives regulators just 30 days to decide on the proposed merger between the drugstore retailer and rival Rite Aid.

By Daphne Howland • March 9, 2017

Instacart adds $400M in Series D, plans expansion to 25 new markets

The funding vaults the estimated total value of the grocery shopping and delivery startup to $3.4 billion, up from $2 billion in its previous round.

By Dan O'Shea • March 8, 2017

Adidas gunning for Nike as it shatters sales records

The athletic apparel company's three-pillar turnaround strategy is paying off in a big way, CEO Kasper Rorsted said.

By Daphne Howland • March 8, 2017

Express sales plummet on discounts, dwindling mall traffic

The teen apparel retailer's fourth quarter net sales plunged 11% to $678.8 million from $765.6 million in the year-ago quarter.

By Daphne Howland • March 8, 2017

Urban Outfitters posts record sales, but still grappling with online-offline mix

Fourth quarter net sales rose 2% to $1.03 billion, driven by $19 million in sales from new Vetri Family Restaurants locations.

By Daphne Howland • March 8, 2017

Dick's soars on turmoil in sporting goods market

But the retailer isn’t resting on its laurels, announcing a new merchandising strategy to better compete against brands selling direct to shoppers.

By Daphne Howland • March 7, 2017

HHGregg files for Chapter 11, lines up buyer

An anonymous party has agreed to purchase the electronics retailer's assets, allowing HHGregg to exit the bankruptcy process debt-free.

By Daphne Howland • March 7, 2017

Report: RadioShack braces for second bankruptcy

The retailer is loaded with debt and struggling amid stiff competition in the electronics space.

By Daphne Howland • March 7, 2017

Ascena stanches losses despite traffic, pricing struggles

Some segments performed better than others: Loft is outpacing Ann Taylor, and Dressbarn eclipsed Maurices.

By Daphne Howland • March 7, 2017

Gordmans reportedly preparing to seek bankruptcy protection

The century-old discount department store is weighed down by debt, and growth has slowed significantly after a two-year store expansion.

By Daphne Howland • March 7, 2017

IBM Watson, Salesforce Einstein form AI dream team to aid retail, other industries

The tech giants will integrate and leverage one another’s artificial intelligence solutions to deliver new applications for customers in a variety of sectors.

By Dan O'Shea • March 6, 2017

Walgreens promotes Turner to CIO post

Steve Turner replaces Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer Abhi Dhar, who is leaving Walgreens this month to focus on a new startup venture.

By Daphne Howland • March 6, 2017

Amazon's Elements brand adds vitamins, supplements

The line also includes baby wipes and, as with its other private-label consumer goods, Amazon is swiftly grabbing market share.

By Daphne Howland • March 6, 2017

Finish Line unloads JackRabbit for low, low price of $0

Private investment firm CriticalPoint Capital is buying the specialty running shoe business, which includes 65 stores nationwide.

By Daphne Howland • March 6, 2017

Report: Macy's-Hudson's Bay merger talks at impasse

Insiders say Macy’s asking price is simply too steep; in addition, activist hedge fund Starboard Value has reduced its stake and dialed down pressure to extract value from the retailer's real estate holdings.

By Daphne Howland • March 6, 2017

Branding firm Gordon Brothers snaps up Wet Seal for $3M

The Boston-based firm says it will develop a “unique business model” to meet the particular challenges of the teen apparel space.

By Daphne Howland • March 6, 2017