Amazon launches restaurant delivery in Seattle

The e-retail giant is also hiring for a restaurant division in New York. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 8, 2015

Star Wars: The Force awakens retail

The new Star Wars movie's much anticipated release could be a merchandising bonanza spanning from last week's "Force Awakens Friday" until the holidays.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 4, 2015

E-book sales fall after prices rise

In the absence of the tight-fisted control Amazon once had, the market will need time and experimentation to find the sweet spot in pricing.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 4, 2015

Delia's betting on nostalgia for its comeback

Early fans of Delia's famous catalog who are all grown up will soon be able to buy jeans and other clothing in adult sizes.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 4, 2015

Is CVS' tobacco-sales ban helping the US quit smoking?

Results of a study looking at tobacco sales commissioned by the drugstore retailer are debatable, but some advocates say they’re significant.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 3, 2015

After union complaint, Wal-Mart reopening 5 stores it abruptly closed

The retailer says that stores in several states were shuttered and workers laid off due to plumbing issues and store upgrades.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 3, 2015

Net-a-Porter founder quits ahead of Yoox merger

Natalie Massenet resigned as executive chairman of the company and will not become chairman of the merged company as previously planned. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 3, 2015

New rule could bring gap between retail CEO, worker pay into sharp relief

Some praise the looming pay rule, saying it’s useful to see which companies are responsible for the country’s wage gap, while critics condemn it as a shaming tactic.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 3, 2015

Asos founder steps down as CEO after 15 years

These days the British e-retailer must concentrate on growth and strategy more than vision and drive, so having its COO take over makes sense.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 2, 2015

Kmart to pay $1.4M in Medicare inducement case

The infractions occurred from June 2011 to June 2014 came to light thanks to a whistleblower, who will share the proceeds of the fine with the government.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 2, 2015

Dollar Tree shows strength after Family Dollar merger

The retailer is asking for time post-merger to figure out major issues like merchandising and store location, but is proving to be a capable rival to Wal-Mart Stores.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 2, 2015

Lululemon unveils its new approach to yoga pants

Could this move introduce a new era in “athleisure” street wear?

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 2, 2015

Apple exec move shows that luxury is getting serious about e-commerce

A recent report predicted that web sales could make up to 18% of luxury sales by 2025. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 2, 2015

PayPal consumer business exec Hill Ferguson resigns

The company's consumer and merchant operations will be consolidating under Bill Ready. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Sept. 1, 2015

After wage hikes, Wal-Mart cutting hours in certain stores

The retailer’s recent pay boost is ballooning costs, but is curtailing staff schedules the answer when shelves are empty and stores are dirty?

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 1, 2015

Department stores find new ways to lure back beauty customers

It would be unwise for department stores to cede this territory to their drugstore and specialty retail competition. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 1, 2015

Forever 21 looks to downsize

Signs of life from other teen retailers aren't helping the retailer, which seems to have overextended itself in recent years. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 1, 2015

Higher wages lead to spending bump in July

July’s consumer spending growth is a good indication that the U.S. economy was largely sheltered from the economic woes seen globally. 

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 31, 2015

Myanmar sets daily wage minimum to boost apparel manufacturing

The $2.80 per day minimum was finally set after two years of intense negotiations among labor groups, factory owners, and the government.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 31, 2015

Wal-Mart launches holiday layaway two weeks early

The early launch is tied to the release of new Star Wars toys and collectibles, which are expected to take center stage during this year's holiday season. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Aug. 28, 2015

Bonobos co-founder Andy Dunn to return as CEO

The menswear company's current CEO, ex-Coach exec Francine Della Badia, will be stepping down after less than three months at the job. 

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 28, 2015

Labor Board expands employer responsibility for temp, franchise workers

In many ways, the ruling is an adjustment to today’s employment reality, but it is likely to be challenged in court by businesses.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 28, 2015

J. Crew still suffering from falling sales in Q2

But its lower-priced Madewell brand, with price points and styles that are pleasing shoppers, helped mitigate the results.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 28, 2015

WSJ: Amazon scaling back Fire phone, other devices' development

It’s unlikely that Amazon will abandon its hardware-development unit entirely, as the “Internet of Things” and devices for the “connected home” are starting to appeal to the mainstream consumer. 

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 28, 2015

Target ramps up Star Wars fever with new nostalgic site

ShareTheForce.com will collect Star Wars memories from fans ahead of the highly-anticipated movie's holiday release. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Aug. 27, 2015