Report: Wholesale spinoff could save Staples-Office Depot deal

Without some type of side deal to spin off the contract business supplies trade, the proposed acquisition of Office Depot by Staples is likely questionable.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 27, 2015

REI to close on Black Friday (Yes, Black Friday)

The outdoor and sportswear retailer, a privately held co-operative, has launched the hashtag #OptOutside to coincide with its decision. 

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 27, 2015

Two years after Rana Plaza, garment factories in Bangladesh remain unsafe

Quartz reports that fire hazards and structural weaknesses in buildings still remain.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 26, 2015

Lord & Taylor enters the off-price game

The first “Find @ Lord & Taylor” store will open next month in Paramus, NJ.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 26, 2015

Wal-Mart streamlining stores, targeting higher-income shoppers

But the question remains: Is all that going to help Wal-Mart meet its new goals?

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 26, 2015

Westfield creates new data team to help digitize malls

The mall owner aims to create personalized and immersive shopping experiences with a dedicated analytics team.

By Barbara Thau • Oct. 26, 2015

J.C. Penney cuts 9% of headquarter jobs

The layoffs reflect the first big move by new CEO Marvin Ellison, on a mission to restore profitability at the chain.

By Barbara Thau • Oct. 26, 2015

Walgreens using interactive mapping tech to spot local trends

The retailer taps geo-location analytics to enhance its competitive edge. 

By Barbara Thau • Oct. 23, 2015

Under Armour has first $1B sales quarter

The company said that its expanding roster of high-profile athlete endorsements and footwear sales helped boost sales.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 23, 2015

GNC accused of selling supplements laced with chemical ingredients

The retailer says the suit is without merit.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 23, 2015

Amazon beats estimates with surprise profit

It’s hard not to compare the e-retail giant’s fortunes to those of Wal-Mart, whose stock took a beating in recent days as investors question its potential for growth.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 23, 2015

Target now shipping to Canada—but is it another misfire?

Target's website allows Canadians to order goods, but with much higher prices and shipping than at Target’s U.S. stores and website.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 23, 2015

Diversity veteran tapped to improve Abercrombie hiring practices

Jeanetta Darno has 22 years of experience guiding companies in diversity and inclusion.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 22, 2015

Amazon evades trademark suit over search results

After reversing an earlier decision, the court found that Amazon didn't violate the trademarks of a watchmaker in its search results. 

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 22, 2015

EBay cheers investors with better-than-expected Q3

Profits were down, but not as much as expected. And most importantly, eBay is still growing.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 22, 2015

Lululemon taps first creative director amid exec reorganization

The retailer has been dealing with increased competition, falling margins, and quality issues.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 22, 2015

Bucking the trend, Amazon boosting holiday hiring by 25%

While many retailers are keeping their holiday hiring even with last year, Amazon will add 100,000 seasonal jobs. 

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 21, 2015

Global Nike goes for the 'buy local' market

Adding local flavor can help national retailers give each location a more communal vibe—and possibly increase sales. 

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 21, 2015

Target partnering with MIT for food-related research

The retailer is looking at innovation as one path to improve its grocery business.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 21, 2015

Report: Matching Wal-Mart's raises could cost retailers $4B

There’s good news though for retail companies already paying workers beyond the federal minimum wage, according to the Hay Group.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 20, 2015

Amazon battles with the Times over harsh exposé

New York Times executive editor Dean Baquet and Amazon spokesperson Jay Carney Monday posted dueling arguments on blog platform Medium.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 20, 2015

More retailers join White House climate pledge

The new commitments come as President Obama continues to build support for the United Nations climate negotiations.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 20, 2015

Alibaba fighting to stay off US blacklist for counterfeits

Groups are telling the U.S. Trade Representative that Alibaba is making little effort to address reports of fake merchandise on its sites.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 19, 2015

Wal-Mart investigation finds little major misconduct in Mexico: WSJ

But evidence of bribery in India was unearthed in the same investigation.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 19, 2015

As retail evolves, Wal-Mart is at a crossroads

The world’s largest retailer is facing two hard truths as the retail landscape shifts: its bottom-of-the-barrel wages are no longer viable, and its bottom-of-the-barrel prices are no way to compete.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 16, 2015