Economy hits a soft patch: Commerce Department

The March jobs report was a little off mainly due to severe winter weather. While things will likely pick up as the weather warms up, stagnant wages remain a problem.

By Daphne Howland • April 6, 2015

Forever 21 expanding with new categories

The fast-fashion chain is adding collections for men, tweens, and plus sizes to more stores.

By Daphne Howland • April 6, 2015

Ace Hardware expands pick-up in store

For hardware stores, which often see customers in need of a tool or supplies that they need right away, the option seems especially useful.

By Daphne Howland • April 2, 2015

Sears REIT to raise $2.6B from shareholders

The retailer Wednesday released more details about its plans to leverage its extensive real estate holdings.

By Daphne Howland • April 2, 2015

Wal-Mart has big plans to improve physical stores

After touting a push to boost e-commerce for months, the retail giant now admits its stores are in need of attention.

By Daphne Howland • April 2, 2015

Social media firm Sprinkler attracts capital for growth

The social media management platform targets large clients. 

By Ian P. Murphy • April 2, 2015

GNC names new marketing agencies

The three innovative partners understand GNC's brand, the company says. 

By Ian P. Murphy • April 2, 2015

American Apparel laying off 180 employees

The struggling retailer will start layoffs as part of its restructuring plan. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 1, 2015

Hundreds of RadioShack stores survive bankruptcy

A bankruptcy judge deemed hedge fund Standard General’s offer “economically superior” and the best chance to keep afloat a “century-old American retailing icon.”

By Daphne Howland • April 1, 2015

PetSmart beefs up leadership team

PetSmart was bought in December by a London-based private equity firm and in March announced it was going private. Now comes the fun part.

By Daphne Howland • April 1, 2015

Groupon launches marketplace for its Goods business

The company is steadily inching away from its deals-by-email approach.

By Daphne Howland • April 1, 2015

Wal-Mart urges Arkansas governor to veto 'religious freedom' bill

The state’s governor says he’s likely to sign the bill, but the world’s largest retailer warns that it would be bad for business.

By Daphne Howland • April 1, 2015

Zappos to employees on 'no bosses' policy: 'Take it or leave it'

The company is sweetening the path to exit in order to speed up adoption of its “holacracy” approach, which eliminates not just job titles but also traditional business hierarchies.

By Daphne Howland • April 1, 2015

IBM teams with The Weather Company to produce analytics for retailers

Weather can affect $500 billion in business every year. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 31, 2015

Yoox completes Net-a-Porter merger in all-share deal

The new company, Yoox Net-a-Porter Group, will combine Net-a-Porter's editorial skills with Yoox's online retailing expertise. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • March 31, 2015

Former Ann Taylor president named Justice CEO

Brian Lynch has 35 years of retail and fashion experience and comes aboard as the brand is ready for some attention.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2015

Occupancy rate at malls reaches 6-year high

The demise of the American mall may have been exaggerated, though some are in need of major change.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2015

Macy's unveils sweeping omnichannel initiatives

The chain will combine its digital and in-store merchandising marketing teams and invest deeply in online.

By Ian P. Murphy • March 31, 2015

Wal-Mart pulls back free shipping in Canada

The company joins several other U.S. retailers in scaling back operations up north.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2015

Amazon hires pilot union exec for drone program

And the e-retail giant also moves along its patents for a clerk-free brick-and-mortar store.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2015

Amazon launches professional services marketplace

With Amazon Home Services, the e-commerce giant goes beyond selling physical and digital products. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • March 30, 2015

With new owner, SkyMall catalog may return to airlines

C&A Marketing won SkyMall’s trademark and e-commerce business, but its new owner says plans go beyond returning the catalog to the seat pocket in front of you.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2015

Williams-Sonoma releases mobile recipe app

The branded app brings favorite recipes and tools to mobile users.  

By Ian P. Murphy • March 30, 2015

MakerBots 3D printers debut at Sam's Club

The low-cost 3D printers make a move for the mainstream. 

By Ian P. Murphy • March 30, 2015

Apple CEO Tim Cook blasts new Indiana religious law

Retailers are front and center as Indiana's "religious freedom" law—which allows businesses to discriminate in the name of religious belief—hits.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2015