Star Wars helps toy sales handily beat expectations in 2015

Star Wars-related toys enjoyed some $700 million in U.S. sales. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 21, 2016

UPDATE: American Apparel founder criticizes the retailer in court

Dov Charney says the retailer isn't giving fair consideration to a takeover bid from investors because they favor reinstating him. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 21, 2016

Wal-Mart to raise hourly pay for 1.2 million workers

If the company is to appeal to wealthier customers, it will need store employees who are happy and well trained. But it has a lot of catching up to do.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 21, 2016

Tiffany to cut jobs as holiday sales disappoint

The strong dollar and economic troubles in China will likely continue to hit upscale retailers like Tiffany.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 20, 2016

J.C. Penney to re-enter appliance sales after 33 years

The move is the first major initiative by CEO Marvin Ellison, who arrived in August from Home Depot to boost growth.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 20, 2016

Macy's shares get a lift after hedge fund investment

The investment puts more focus on the company’s real estate portfolio, but not so much on its retail strategy.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 20, 2016

NRF 2016: Why brick-and-mortar retail faces a shakeout

Expect turnarounds, bankruptcies, and store closings to dominate the headlines in 2016.

By Davide Savenije • Jan. 20, 2016

The first appliances in Amazon's Dash Replenishment program go live

Amazon appears to be betting on the idea that it can bypass other retailers if they eliminate the need for consumers to actively make necessary-yet-unexciting purchases. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 19, 2016

Adidas names former Henkel chief as new CEO

Kasper Rorsted has many admirers and a good track record, but faces the challenge of regaining market share lost to Under Armour. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 19, 2016

December sales dip as consumers end the year more cautious

Many consumers are pocketing their fuel savings rather than plowing it into spending, due in part to stagnate wages. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 19, 2016

Lululemon hires former Target digital exec

Alan Wizemann helped develop Target's popular Cartwheel app. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 18, 2016

Retail Therapy: El Chapo's fabulous shirt choice and a finger-losing Wal-Mart brawl

Every week, we bring you some of the most interesting retail reads from around the Web. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Jan. 15, 2016

Wal-Mart to close 269 stores, shut down 'Walmart Express'

The retail giant plans to turn its focus to boosting Supercenters, fine-tuning Neighborhood Markets, growing its e-commerce operations, and expanding in-store pickup. 

By Davide Savenije • Jan. 15, 2016

China, e-commerce bolster Burberry's sales growth

Economic uncertainties have hit most luxury brands hard. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 15, 2016

American Apparel board rejects takeover bid from Charney-allied investors

Meanwhile, the bankruptcy judge overseeing the retailer’s restructuring says Charney and witnesses favorable to his return can testify at a hearing scheduled for Jan. 20.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 15, 2016

Lowe's to hire 15% more seasonal workers this year

The retailer has also hired a new chief human resources officer.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 15, 2016

Kohl's to replace J.C. Penney as Academy Awards sponsor after 14 years

The move will support the relaunch of the chain's private-label Sonoma brand. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 15, 2016

Tiffany emphasizes trademarks in new marketing campaign

The luxury jeweler recently sued Costco over the use of its name, which has become a common descriptor.

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 14, 2016

Best Buy holiday sales miss, shares fall 11%

Weak demand for smartphones drove the retailer to lower its sales outlook.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2016

Pitney Bowes buys cloud software firm to boost shipping logistics for e-commerce

The acquisition of Enroute Systems Corp. will help clients find shipping options and track packages.

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 14, 2016

Why Hudson's Bay bought Gilt Groupe

The flash-sales concept has more or less collapsed, but the purchase solves one of the model's biggest problems.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2016

Can the American department store be saved? 10 retail experts weigh in

After much instability in the space, one thing is clear — change is needed. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Jan. 13, 2016

Under Armour falls after analyst cites failure to appeal to women

The note comes as a surprise considering statements that the retailer would be boosting its offerings for women.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2016

Retail holiday hiring fell again as e-commerce grows

This holiday saw e-commerce sales rise 20%, by some measures.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2016

Closing stores may not be the saving grace retailers think it is

Many retailers are closing stores in an effort to boost profitability, but the move can have a short-term hit to profits without any guarantee of long-term improvement to performance.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2016