Costco beats expectations, boosted by switch to Visa

The warehouse retailer beat back challenges like falling food and fuel prices to post profits of $779 million, up from $767 million in the year-ago period.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 30, 2016

Target launches new website for tech startup pitches

The new web portal promises to help emerging companies more effectively communicate their concepts to the retail giant.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 29, 2016

Pier 1 swings to Q2 loss, hedge fund blasts poison pill measure

Alden Global Capital, which recently revealed a 9.5% stake in the struggling retailer, called its new shareholder rights plan “a nonsensical scare tactic.”

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 29, 2016

Report: American Apparel actively seeking buyer

Investment bank Houlihan Lokey has been hired to explore a sale and investor Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa Cos. has probed the embattled retailer's finances, according to reports.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 29, 2016

Target taps AddStructure to pilot Amazon Alexa voice search rival

Natural language processing startup AddStructure was one of 10 startups chosen in June to participate in the retailer's Target + TechStars accelerator program.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 28, 2016

Report: Amazon Echo to use streaming music as loss leader

In a potential bid to move more Echo devices for the holidays, the company is undercutting the market with a subscription of $5 a month.

By David Kirkpatrick • Sept. 28, 2016

Target pharmacy customers clamor for return of clear drug labels after CVS takeover

Although CVS picked up Target’s innovative medication label and bottle design when it acquired the retailer’s pharmacy operations, it has abandoned the approach — to the chagrin of many customers.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 28, 2016

Nike earnings beat expectations but shares fall on bloated inventories

Analysts skeptical of Nike’s summertime report of an inventory draw-down were vindicated by its first quarter results.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 28, 2016

Why Macy's store closure plans may just be the tip of the iceberg

A decade ago Macy's went on a buying spree, acquiring pockets of regional department stores and growing to nearly 1,000 stores nationwide. Now it's on a mission to downsize in a big way.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 28, 2016

Neiman Marcus store sales drop for fourth straight quarter

The luxury department store attributed the declines to a challenging retail environment, a strong dollar and the growing demand for fast fashion.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 27, 2016

UPDATED: Lands' End CEO Federica Marchionni resigns

Lands' End chief Federica Marchionni has resigned her post, effective immediately, the outdoor apparel retailer announced Monday morning.

By Jason Ankeny • Sept. 26, 2016

Online grocer FreshDirect snags $189M in funding round

The grocery delivery space is highly competitive and fraught with logistical challenges, but investors believe FreshDirect can fulfill its potential.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 26, 2016

Staples permanently installs Shira Goodman as CEO

Goodman was previously named interim CEO following longtime chief Ron Sargent's mid-year resignation.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 26, 2016

Office Depot sells European business to Aurelius Group

The office supplies retailer continues to implement the strategic plan it finalized in the aftermath of its failed merger with rival Staples.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 26, 2016

West Elm to open boutique hotels, sell furnishings online

The hotel rooms and common areas will incorporate design elements from their local communities, and guests will also be able to purchase furniture and artwork.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 26, 2016

Target ends kiddie shopping carts trial after chaos erupts

The pilot ended after just a few weeks of testing based on criticism in stores and across social media from parents as well as other shoppers.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 23, 2016

Nordstrom shakes up executive ranks to boost e-commerce

Longtime EVP of strategy and development Ken Worzel has been promoted to president of the Nordstrom.com unit, and siblings/co-presidents Erik, Blake and Pete Nordstrom have also changed up their duties.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 23, 2016

Elf Beauty plans brick-and-mortar expansion after $114M IPO

Shares of the cosmetics company soared 56% Thursday from its opening price on the New York Stock Exchange.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 23, 2016

Report: American Apparel CEO Schneider stepping down

Paula Schneider, who took over for the retailer's controversial founder Dov Charney in late 2014, will depart her post on Oct. 3.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 22, 2016

Wal-Mart faces class action suit over Mexican bribery allegations

The suit alleges the retailer defrauded shareholders by concealing suspected bribery to accelerate international expansion.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 22, 2016

Wal-Mart pays $200M in Q2 bonuses for hourly workers

The retailer says a new emphasis on store workers and associate training is paying off in stores by improving customer service.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 22, 2016

Deloitte: Holiday sales to grow by as much as 4%

Digital interactions like social media marketing and mobile activity will help drive an expected 17% to 19% increase in e-commerce sales.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 22, 2016

Zara rises on sales beat, launches eco-friendly line

While emphasizing the growth of its physical footprint, Zara parent Inditex also stressed the integration of its online and offline sales approaches.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 22, 2016

Bed Bath & Beyond misses expectations despite web sales surge

Comparable sales at the home-goods chain fell 1.2% during the second quarter, falling short of Wall Street forecasts.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 22, 2016

FedEx foresees record holiday shipments driven by e-commerce growth

The shipper plans to hire about 50,000 seasonal employees for the holidays, roughly the same as last year.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 21, 2016