Bark won’t go private, for now

The online pet company said one recent take-private proposal was withdrawn and another "did not adequately reflect the value of the company."

By Dani James • March 23, 2026

Wealthy consumers are heading to dollar stores

Inflation pushed dollar stores to expand their price points. Higher-income shoppers, pressured by the same headwind, came along for the ride.

By Dani James • March 23, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

The direct-to-consumer landscape in retail

More mature brands are pursuing exit strategies and expanding their reach, while traditional retailers are increasingly shifting to a DTC model.

By Retail Dive staff

Torrid has more to prove as Q4 sales tumble 14%

As part of its turnaround the women’s plus retailer closed more than 150 stores and brought lower price points to nearly a third of its assortment.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 2026

Destination XL hit by ‘volatility’ of GLP-1 usage

The plus-size apparel retailer reported Q4 total sales decreased 6% and expects the merger with FullBeauty Brands to close in the second quarter. 

By Dani James • March 20, 2026

Top Ikea operator eyes 800 job cuts

Ingka Group CEO Juvencio Maeztu said the company has “grown too complex in a retail environment that requires speed and agility.”

By Caroline Jansen • March 19, 2026

Five Below delivers strongest holiday performance since going public

The discount retailer's Q4 net sales soared over 24% compared to a year ago. CEO Winnie Park says expanded pricing will continue to play a pivotal role.

By Dani James • March 19, 2026

NRF forecasts 4.4% retail sales growth this year despite rising uncertainty

The group acknowledged a softening labor market, persistent inflation and fallout from geopolitical tensions, but said “underlying fundamentals” and higher tax refunds should boost consumers.

By Daphne Howland • March 19, 2026

Bloomingdale’s takes share from Saks Global, lifts Macy’s Inc. in Q4

“The vendor community has rallied around Bloomingdale's like never before,” Macy’s Inc. CEO Tony Spring told analysts Wednesday.

By Daphne Howland • March 18, 2026

Lululemon adds Chip Bergh to board as North America revenue declines

The appointment is a “key acquiescence” to the demands of founder Chip Wilson, though he called the decision “underwhelming.”

By Cara Salpini • March 18, 2026

Bob’s Discount Furniture posts 17% revenue gain in 2025, plots store openings

Fresh off its IPO, the furniture retailer represents a bright spot in an otherwise challenged home sector.

By Caroline Jansen • March 18, 2026

Family Dollar to pilot extra small store format in urban markets

Fresh off its separation from Dollar Tree, the discount chain is pursuing a turnaround that includes 70 initiatives across various departments.

By Dani James • March 18, 2026

Ernesta secures $20M to fuel store expansion

The DTC rug brand plans to use the fresh capital to expand its brick-and-mortar footprint and improve its technology platform.

By Howard Ruben • March 17, 2026

Saks Global snags final $300M in bankruptcy financing, nears home stretch

An ad hoc group of senior secured bondholders has approved the luxury retailer’s five-year plan, aiming for double-digit adjusted EBITDA margin and profitable growth.

By Daphne Howland • March 17, 2026

The US consumer is hitting a rough patch

Even before the Iran war’s oil price spikes, people were getting more cautious about spending. That means buying less from retailers.

By Daphne Howland • March 17, 2026

Dollar Tree traffic declines, again

CEO Mike Creedon attributed the traffic declines to the retailer's restickering efforts, which the executive said are largely complete.

By Dani James • March 16, 2026

Ulta to launch on TikTok Shop with curated assortment

The beauty retailer's Q4 net sales grew nearly 12%, though industry analysts questioned the retailer's "softer" fiscal 2026 comp guidance.

By Dani James • March 13, 2026

Dick’s pulls back on Foot Locker closures amid store pilot success

A new format is performing so well that Dick’s plans to expand it to 250 Foot Locker stores by this fall — and will shutter a “much smaller” list of locations.

By Cara Salpini • March 13, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Amazon notches a win against Perplexity, Reebok reenters soccer

The e-commerce giant got a temporary order blocking access for Perplexity’s AI shopping agents, while the athletics brand signed two professional soccer players.

By Retail Dive Staff • March 13, 2026

Sleep Number issues going concern warning, says bankruptcy is possible

The mattress maker’s turnaround has been slow, mired in debt and liquidity issues, but is picking up speed under new leadership.

By Daphne Howland • March 13, 2026

Vera Bradley names Coach vet CEO

Ian Bickley, previously executive chairman, has been pushing forward the company’s transformation initiatives.

By Kaarin Moore • March 13, 2026

Dollar General to introduce new store format, pilot subscription program

The discount retailer reported Q4 net sales jumped nearly 6% year over year, with average basket size growing due to increased retail unit prices.

By Dani James • March 12, 2026

Build-A-Bear CEO to exit

Sharon Price John will retire from the role in June, and Chief Operations and Experience Officer Chris Hurt will step into the top spot. 

By Kaarin Moore • March 12, 2026

With $500M in fresh funding, Quince’s valuation tops $10B

The DTC brand, best known for its attractively priced cashmere sweaters, said revenue grows by triple digits annually and topped $1 billion last year.

By Daphne Howland • March 11, 2026

Could off-price retailers start grabbing market share from each other?

So far, department stores and other mainstream retailers have the most to fear as TJX, Ross and Burlington open hundreds of stores each year.

By Daphne Howland • March 11, 2026

Kohl’s rules out major store closures despite disappointing Q4

The struggling department store is simplifying promotions and adding value-priced merchandise to appeal to its lower- to middle-income customer. But is it going far enough?

By Daphne Howland • March 10, 2026