House requests information on USPS' competitive activities

The investigation will look at opportunities for "cross-subsidization" in package delivery. 

By Ian P. Murphy • May 19, 2015

Costco launches gamified referral campaign

The program rewards current members with Procter & Gamble goods.

By Ian P. Murphy • May 19, 2015

Gas savings no help for Wal-Mart as Q1 misses

But comparable sales at its smaller Neighborhood Market stores rose 7.9% in the quarter. 

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2015

Urban Outfitters misses expectations as Anthropologie brand disappoints

Urban Outfitters' smallest brand, Free People, outperformed its Anthropologie and namesake brands, which dragged the company to a miss in Q1.

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2015

Home Depot earnings edge past expectations

Thanks to a busy spring and the improving economy, pent-up demand for home projects boosted sales at the retailer. 

By Daphne Howland • May 19, 2015

Why the flash sale boom may be over—and what's next

After a huge growth spurt and subsequent plateau, it might be time for these retailers to adapt to survive. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • May 18, 2015

Target cutting back on processed foods promotions: WSJ

The retailer is emphasizing other grocery categories like fresh and healthy foods.

By Carolyn Heneghan • May 18, 2015

Ascena to buy Ann Inc. for $2.16B

Ann Inc.’s stock rose more than 19% upon the announcement Monday.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2015

FAO Schwarz to close iconic Fifth Avenue store

The retailer can’t handle the rents at its Midtown Manhattan location, which are among in highest in the world.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2015

Ikea to test small format urban stores

The stores will be 20,000 square feet or so and will have a mix of items more conducive to immediate shopping.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2015

Hhgregg reports disappointing loss, considers store closures

The electronics and appliance retailer saw sales fall in most categories.

By Daphne Howland • May 18, 2015

Nordstrom sales up thanks to online, in-store growth

The department store’s revenue beat expectations, but missed on profits, mainly because of its investments in several areas.

By Daphne Howland • May 15, 2015

Alibaba CEO: 'We must absolutely globalize'

Still, selling to U.S. consumers hasn’t been Alibaba’s strength so far.

By Daphne Howland • May 15, 2015

Macy's tests luxury shopping with 'platinum' stores

It looks like the company is trying to push past its traditional mid-range, first with its off-price stores and now a move to the luxury side.

By Daphne Howland • May 15, 2015

Hoax Avon bid sends shares up

The share price amazingly remained up even after the takeover filing was found to be bogus.

By Daphne Howland • May 15, 2015

What does the Trans-Pacific Partnership mean for retail?

If indeed it’s ultimately approved, the TPP will be an agreement among the U.S. and 11 other countries to promote trade. 

By Daphne Howland • May 14, 2015

Tit for tat continues as Charney hits American Apparel with another lawsuit

This time the founder and ex-CEO is alleging defamation against the retailer itself, a day after more leaked reports of a “dossier” on his personal conduct.

By Daphne Howland • May 14, 2015

J.C. Penney rebounds in Q1 and raises expectations

While good news for J.C. Penney, rebounded sales might mean that rival Macy's is ceding ground to the once seemingly doomed retailer. 

By Daphne Howland • May 14, 2015

Longtime Lululemon exec stepping down

Delaney Schweitzer has talked about the loss of founder Chip Wilson’s vision as he stepped away from his leadership positions at Lululemon.

By Daphne Howland • May 14, 2015

UPDATE: Activist investors agitating Children's Place over pricing, CEO

Macellum Advisors and Barington Capital released an open letter to shareholders urging the election of its nominations to the board and arguing for change.

By Daphne Howland • May 13, 2015

Macy's Q1 hit by port disputes, strong dollar

But CEO Terry J. Lundgren says that things are looking up, thanks in part to its partnership with loyalty program Plenti.

By Daphne Howland • May 13, 2015

GameStop offers gamified 'Monster Hunt' promo

Players can win gift cards by using Google Maps to hunt monsters. 

By Ian P. Murphy • May 13, 2015

April retail sales reports something of a relief

But consumers appear to remain cautious, with some boosts in retail sales attributed to Easter promotions.

By Daphne Howland • May 13, 2015

Chico's switches agencies for media and digital business

The retailer has chosen Zimmerman to handle its $36 million media and digital account.  

By Ian P. Murphy • May 13, 2015

Nike: Pacific trade pact would bring 10,000 jobs back to US

Sports-retail giant Nike threw its weight behind the U.S.-Pacific trade deal, which faces a U.S. Senate vote today.

By Daphne Howland • May 12, 2015