Study: Retail prices stable a year after Seattle minimum wage hike

Price increases feared by some opponents of the legislation haven’t materialized so far, the University of Washington says.

By Daphne Howland • April 22, 2016

Report: Aeropostale could file for bankruptcy this month

Bankruptcy protection would allow the struggling teen apparel retailer to fund its turnaround and quickly close underperforming stores.

By Daphne Howland • April 22, 2016

Sears, Kmart closing 78 more stores in bid to restore profitability

The question is whether Sears is still over-stored, or if cost-cutting might begin eating into its ability to operate effectively.

By Daphne Howland • April 22, 2016

Under Armour revenues top $1b in Q1, buoyed by Stephen Curry shoe line

Under Armour also credited its partnerships with golf star Jordan Spieth for powering its Q1 results.

By Daphne Howland • April 21, 2016

Macy's topples Kohl's in Harris Poll brand equity study

Macy's win, which comes as it's grappling with underperforming stores and other woes, speaks to its brand's enduring strength.

By Daphne Howland • April 21, 2016

Target: Transgender people can use bathrooms, fitting rooms of their choice

Retailers tend to shy away from controversial topics, but Target has made several moves to blur gender lines.

By Daphne Howland • April 20, 2016

Report: Bass Pro Shops preparing bid to buy Cabela's

Outdoor gear and apparel retailer Cabela’s has been under pressure from one of its investors to be sold.

By Daphne Howland • April 20, 2016

Judge hears closing arguments in Staples/Office Depot merger case

U.S. District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan pushed back on arguments made by Staples' attorney, but also questioned the Federal Trade Commission's efforts to block the deal.

By Daphne Howland • April 20, 2016

CVS to launch Express pickup service with Curbside

The new effort, currently in pilot, enables consumers to place an order via mobile app and pick up their purchase an hour later.

By Jason Ankeny • April 19, 2016

Nordstrom slashing up to 400 additional jobs as cost cutting continues

The layoffs, representing about 6% of Nordstrom's workforce, are expected to save some $60 million in fiscal 2016.

By Daphne Howland • April 19, 2016

Report: Aeropostale launching strategic review as struggles continue

The teen apparel retailer hasn’t seen the rebound that its rivals have, and last month said it would explore a restructure or sale.

By Daphne Howland • April 19, 2016

Target boosting minimum pay to $10 per hour

The raise could dent Target’s earnings as it also invests in tech and store upgrades.

By Daphne Howland • April 19, 2016

New Avon names new CEO in turnaround effort

Scott White joins the newly spun-off but still-struggling company with loads of consumer product experience but none in Avon’s mainstay — direct selling.

By Daphne Howland • April 19, 2016

Ikea plots organizational overhaul to improve agility

The home furnishings retailer’s convoluted structure has allowed it to escape taxes, but may be hampering its ability to compete.

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2016

US consumer confidence falls amid economic growth concerns

Consumer confidence fell for the fourth straight month according to the University of Michigan preliminary consumer sentiment index for April. 

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2016

Sport Chalet shutters all stores, halts online sales

The move is part of a new strategic focus on parent Vestis Retail Group's other two regional sports retailers, Bob’s Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports.

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2016

Target's Marimekko collection fails to replicate Lilly Pulitzer frenzy

The newest collection with Helsinki-based design house Marimekko saw tepid response, according to news reports. But that didn't surprise or disappoint Target.

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2016

Retail Therapy: The strange selling power of celebrities

How do you sell $80 furry sandals? With Rihanna, of course! 

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 15, 2016

Sports Authority bankruptcy auction pushed to May

Several entities are reportedly interested in bidding on Sports Authority's assets, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Modell’s. 

By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2016

Report: Amazon eyed multiple startups to boost fashion cred

Amazon considered acquiring Everlane, Rent The Runway, ThirdLove, and others, according to TechCrunch. 

By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2016

CVS expands Hispanic-focused 'Pharmacy y más' to Los Angeles

The project was developed after research into local tastes and needs, according to the drugstore retailer.

By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2016

Survey: Americans favor bargains over 'Made in the USA' goods

The vast majority of consumers say they’d like to buy American, but that it costs too much.

By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2016

Gap names supply chain exec to lead Old Navy

Sonia Syngal previously led Gap's enterprise-wide global supply chain efforts.

By Jason Ankeny • April 14, 2016

More states question controversial on-call scheduling

The coordinated move follows a similar one last year, an effort that prompted six retail brands to end the practice.

By Daphne Howland • April 14, 2016

Are retailers over-investing in omnichannel at brick-and-mortar's expense?

When Finish Line said it would refocus on the in-store experience, some took it as a sign that it's ditching omnichannel. But is it really an either/or choice? 

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 13, 2016