Amazon's market value tops Wal-Mart's as it reports surprise profit

There may be less scoffing at Amazon for last week's Prime Day this Friday morning.

By Daphne Howland • July 24, 2015

Antitrust watchdog calls for closer look at Staples-Office Depot merger

The American Antitrust Institute says that competitive concerns still remain regarding the merger.

By Daphne Howland • July 24, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

The direct-to-consumer landscape in retail

More mature brands are pursuing exit strategies and expanding their reach, while traditional retailers are increasingly shifting to a DTC model.

By Retail Dive staff

Wal-Mart takes full ownership of its Chinese e-commerce venture

Wal-Mart will buy the remaining shares of Yihaodian, a nimble e-commerce site that can help it reach the growing Chinese middle class. 

By Daphne Howland • July 23, 2015

Forever 21 creates fabric mosaics from Instagram photos

Retailer teams with Brooklyn's Breakfast for massive thread screen. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 23, 2015

Wal-Mart ending 24-hour shopping at some stores

In a move that could be duplicated at more locations, the retailer will close some of its 24-hour stores around midnight.

By Daphne Howland • July 23, 2015

TJX, Kohl's face lawsuits claiming deceptive pricing

Will these lawsuits prompt retailers to start selling on value rather than inflated “compare to” pricing?

By Daphne Howland • July 23, 2015

Apple's iPhone sales way up, yet not up enough for investors

Apple also didn’t break out its Watch sales, but said they beat its own expectations.

By Daphne Howland • July 22, 2015

Nordstrom's Trunk Club service expanding to include women

The personal stylist service is now taking signups from women, and there’s already a waitlist ahead of an autumn launch.

By Daphne Howland • July 22, 2015

Dick's to take on Lululemon with new specialty women's stores

The “Chelsea Collective” stores will have athleisure-wear and sports gear for women, as well as accessories and beauty products.

By Daphne Howland • July 22, 2015

NRF cuts 2015 retail sales forecast due to harsh first half

The damage done by various events in the first half of the year will be mitigated in the second half, but not by much, according to the National Retail Federation.

By Daphne Howland • July 22, 2015

Amazon rival Jet launches today amid buzz—and questions

Jet has focused on dynamic pricing, promising the lowest prices on the web. Trouble is already brewing though, with reports that the newcomer is losing money on most sales.

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2015

Cowen: Amazon on track to become No. 1 US apparel retailer

Cowen and Company thinks that Amazon will leave even Macy’s in the dust within the next couple of years.

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2015

Kate Spade latest to move into yoga wear

Kate Spade seems to be revving back up after shuttering some lines and stores, with plans for athleisure, home goods, and more.

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2015

PayPal outshines eBay first day after split

PayPal loomed large in its new capacity as a stand-alone company, while eBay is said to be in need of a turnaround. But both companies must up their game.

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2015

Barnes & Noble continues executive reshuffle with new e-commerce head

Retail veteran Frederic D. Argir will be in charge of the troubled Nook division. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 21, 2015

EBags taps former Staples exec as CEO

EBags is one of the survivors of the original dot-com boom, and is poised for a shot in the arm.

By Daphne Howland • July 20, 2015

Brand management firm Xcel grabs C. Wonder

Xcel has helped steady the likes of Isaac Mizrahi and Liz Clairborne — and perhaps C. Wonder will see a similar revival.

By Daphne Howland • July 20, 2015

Amazon's Prime Day to return

Despite post-Prime Day stories citing disappointment from shoppers, Amazon said its invented midsummer sale holiday was a huge success.

By Daphne Howland • July 17, 2015

Labor Dept. clarifies employment rules as issue comes under scrutiny

Disruptive startups, including retail same-day delivery companies, are relying on workers that in some cases should be classified as employees.

By Daphne Howland • July 17, 2015

Ollie's Bargain Outlet stages robust IPO

Ollie’s utter lack of e-commerce makes it unique in today’s retail landscape — and the retailer has no intention of changing that.

By Daphne Howland • July 17, 2015

Another Walgreens executive departs amid executive reshuffling

The name on the company’s shingle is “Walgreens” but the retailer’s top executive team is increasingly looking like “Alliance Boots.” 

By Daphne Howland • July 17, 2015

Prime Day gives Amazon 80% sales jump, leaves shoppers disappointed

There were plenty of snarky Tweets and lots of viral venting over the sale, which was promised to be bigger than Black Friday. 

By Daphne Howland • July 16, 2015

Back-to-school spending may be healthy this year, but not as healthy as last: reports

E-commerce is the major force keeping retailers on their toes these days, but back-to-school shopping by and large remains a brick-and-mortar activity.

By Daphne Howland • July 16, 2015

Macy's investor pushing for a REIT

Starboard Value said it’s advocating for a spin-off of the department store’s real estate, but that may not be best for Macy's.

By Daphne Howland • July 16, 2015

Target tapping into growing 'buy local' movement

Target is working with designer Todd Snyder to bring hometown flair to stores in multiple cities. 

By Daphne Howland • July 16, 2015