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

Wal-Mart hit with discrimination suit by LGBT groups

The retail giant faces a Title VII class action lawsuit over same-sex couple medical benefits that they denied prior to Jan. 1, 2014.

By Tom Starner • July 15, 2015

Target launches back-to-school season with social media stars

The chain seeks to leverage the young influencers' recognition among teens. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 15, 2015

Books-A-Million in $21M buyout after offer sweetened

The family of chairman Clyde B. Anderson, whose grandfather founded the chain in 1917, will take the company back.

By Daphne Howland • July 15, 2015

Sears taps new exec to help it become 'member-focused' retailer

Gymboree COO Joelle Maher is both young and experienced, and could help the once-iconic retailer finally emerge from its rut.

By Daphne Howland • July 15, 2015

A new approach, new life for the American mall

For a while it seemed like the only malls left in America were high-end destinations or abandoned sites of decay. But there’s plenty of life left in the middle, with the right approach.

By Daphne Howland • July 14, 2015

Rakuten buys virtual fitting room company Fits.Me

Fits.Me offers 'robot mannequins' to help shoppers visualize how apparel items might fit. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 14, 2015

UPDATE: eBay to sell eBay Enterprise for $925M

The news comes as eBay prepares for its imminent split from PayPal.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2015

Online beauty service Birchbox expanding physical stores

The retailer is crowd-sourcing where to locate its next two stores, including one dedicated to men.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2015

8 perspectives on Wal-Mart's controversial new supplier costs

How will Wal-Mart's recent charges to suppliers affect both its business and relationships with vendors? Industry watchers weigh in. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • July 13, 2015

Retailer finds catering to 'fan girls' a lucrative business

Her Universe's success in catering to female sci-fi and fantasy fans shows there’s money to be made from consumers other businesses ignore.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2015

Crate and Barrel taps Restoration Hardware exec as CEO

Crate and Barrel has been a bit at sea since the death of long-time executive and board member Barbara Turf, who was known for leading the company with creativity and flair.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2015

Ascena Retail Group lowering expectations ahead of Ann Inc. acquisition

The company said it would also adjust the book value of its plus-size Lane Bryant brand. 

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2015

Dick's creates 'All American Center' with Field & Stream store

The retailer seems to have taken note of the boost its web sales get from physical stores.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2015

Value-driven J. Crew concept to open this month

J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler likely knows what he’s doing—he’s the creator of Gap’s Old Navy brand, which has solidly outpaced Gap for several quarters now.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2015

Toys 'R' Us to refocus merchandise, e-commerce

The retailer is taking its e-commerce operations in house.

By Daphne Howland • July 10, 2015

Walgreens buys Liz Earle cosmetics from Avon

This move falls in line with Walgreens' focus to be a resource for a wide variety of skincare and beauty products at different price points.

By Daphne Howland • July 10, 2015

Target's new 'Open House' displays all things IoT

The "house" is meant to be a showcase, but it’s also a store — everything there is for sale, including things you’d expect and some things you might not.

By Daphne Howland • July 10, 2015

Kate Hudson's Fabletics yet another e-retailer heading to brick-and-mortar

The athleisure retailer, which also just launched a men’s line, is opening six stores across the country this fall.

By Daphne Howland • July 10, 2015

Walgreens names permanent CEO of newly-merged company

Stefano Pessina previously served as chairman of Alliance Boots before its merger with Walgreen Co. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • July 9, 2015

Major Canadian shoe retailer seeks bankruptcy protection

The Sherson Group owns 48 Nine West stores and controls the Canadian rights of several other shoe brands.

By Daphne Howland • July 9, 2015

CVS leaves US Chamber of Commerce over tobacco lobbying

The retailer’s reaction to a report that the Chamber of Commerce is fighting anti-smoking laws overseas is weightier than even the hospitals and health insurers on its board.

By Daphne Howland • July 8, 2015