Toys R Us plans to hire fewer holiday workers this year

The retailer says it will offer more hours to existing and seasonal employees to make the cut.  

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 17, 2015

IRS hits the brakes on retail REITs

The Internal Revenue Service released new guidance that could curb the current enthusiasm for real estate spin-offs.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 17, 2015

Retail sales up as consumers undaunted by market woes

The American consumer seems unconcerned about global financial markets, which bodes well for the overall economy — and the upcoming holidays.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 16, 2015

How Macy's plans to revive its American department stores

As Macy's puts forth multiple initiatives to help it keep up with changing customer habits, the question remains if these moves are coming just a little too late. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Sept. 15, 2015

New Etsy program helps sellers find manufacturers

Etsy's new database helps match budding merchants with manufacturers vetted for reliability, ethical standards, and other features. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 15, 2015

Ousted Men's Wearhouse founder launches tux-rental start-up

George “I guarantee it” Zimmer’s new venture takes a Rent the Runway approach to tux rental, a lucrative space in menswear.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 15, 2015

Beauty start-up Ipsy attracts $100 million in venture capital

The new funding puts the sample subscription service in a league with competitor Birchbox. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Sept. 15, 2015

Jet quickly climbs marketplace ranks a month after launch

It’s still early days, but a new ChannelAdvisor report says the e-commerce newcomer is already beating competing marketplaces that are more established.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 14, 2015

Analyst: Wal-Mart facing a 'ton' of pressure on many fronts

The world’s largest retailer says it’s just keeping up with its own goal of being the “everyday low price” retailer for the consumer.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 14, 2015

Time is running out for on-call scheduling

While "just-in-time" scheduling has helped retailers efficiently and economically staff stores, the havoc it brings to workers' lives may be more bad press than it's worth. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 11, 2015

J.C. Penney tests fast fashion with Belle + Sky brand

But its new CEO says the retailer has to clean up its supply chain act if the line is to succeed.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 11, 2015

Lululemon facing inventory pileup

After its shares fell, Lululemon sought to reassure investors that it can keep its prices at the top of the athleisure market it created, despite fierce new competition.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 11, 2015

L Brands, owner of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, ending on-call scheduling

As the practice of on-call scheduling has drawn more scrutiny, lawmakers and regulators are calling for an end to the practice. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 10, 2015

Amazon's Fire Phone snuffed out

Amazon has run out of Fire Phones worldwide, and isn’t making or selling any more.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 10, 2015

Court rules Costco knowingly infringed Tiffany & Co. trademarks

Many people use “Tiffany” to describe a common type of ring setting. But Costco’s use of the word may have led people to believe its diamond rings were from the famous jeweler.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 10, 2015

Saks taps luxury retail veteran as fashion director

The position has been vacant since former Harrods chief merchant Marigay McKee left the job after just 15 months.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 10, 2015

Big changes at Macy's hint at an overall growth strategy

In two separate announcements Tuesday, the retailer said that it will close up to 40 stores early next year, as well as partner with Best Buy to sell consumer electronics. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 9, 2015

Google to test fresh grocery delivery this year

Going up against AmazonFresh, the service will launch in two cities. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Sept. 9, 2015

FTC steps up scrutiny of Staples-Office Depot Merger

The agency is asking competitors in the contract business space to weigh in on the merger, and its decision could come in October, or even later.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 9, 2015

New mattress start-ups could keep traditional retailers up at night

If department stores and mattress specialty stores aren’t worried about the new lean upstarts in the mattress business, they probably should be.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 9, 2015

H&M to expand fair wage program to most factories in Asia

The company has found that better pay and other improvements led to less worker absenteeism and better retention.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 9, 2015

UPDATE: Quiksilver files for bankruptcy protection

The retailer suffered from rapid expansion that led to many inconsistencies with the brand. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 9, 2015

The British are coming: What to expect from Primark's US launch

Fast fashion retailer Primark is landing in the U.S. just as some apparel retailers here seem to be turning things around.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 8, 2015

Vendors nervous about American Apparel's prospects

The retailer is facing bankruptcy, worker unrest, and legal troubles with its founder, and now at least one vendor is suing over unpaid bills.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 8, 2015

Re/Code: Uber retail delivery partnerships to be announced soon

Package delivery seems like a slam-dunk for Uber, but so far it pales compared to its global ride-hailing service.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 8, 2015