10 companies that 'won' retail in 2014

Not all of these retailers had the biggest sales numbers of the year—but they caught our eye for a number of other reasons. 

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 15, 2014

Labor board ruling a boon to union organizing

The new rule that would speed up union organizing was hailed by unions, but retailers and other business groups object and are likely to appeal.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 15, 2014

RadioShack still breathing after victory over lender

But even after the news that RadioShack is not in debt default, the retailer again warned that it is on the brink of bankruptcy.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 15, 2014

Hedge fund urges Staples-Office Depot merger

Activist investor Starboard Value has increased its stakes in both companies, but such a deal may not be as easy as it seems.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 15, 2014

PetSmart agrees to $8.7B buyout

The sale to a private equity company is the biggest leveraged buyout of a U.S. company this year.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 15, 2014

Situation dire for RadioShack

The struggling retailer reported its eleventh straight quarter of losses recently, and it’s not being helped by its lenders.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 12, 2014

Epicor scoops up ShopVisible

With its recent acquisitions, Epicor is poised to flex some serious tech muscle for mid-sized and larger retail companies.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 12, 2014

Lululemon sales beat expectations

The activewear retailer seems to finally be recovering from some of its self-inflicted wounds.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 12, 2014

Walgreen CEO to leave after all

The original plan was for Greg Wasson to lead the company after its merger with UK drugstore retailer Alliance Boots.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 11, 2014

Wal-Mart names new COO

Judith McKenna, a 20-year company veteran, succeeds Gisel Ruiz in the latest round of executive musical chairs.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 11, 2014

Costco reports expectation-busting Q1 profits

The company is besting its competition, with same-store sales and overall sales both rising in the last quarter.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 11, 2014

Judge rules Wal-Mart labor moves unlawful

A National Labor Relations Board judge said the company's discipline of and threats against protesting workers was out of bounds.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 11, 2014

Etsy payments chief departs

Camilla Velasquez helped launch the marketplace’s wholesaling program and the development of its credit-card reader.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 10, 2014

Supreme Court sides with Amazon in warehouse worker pay case

The vote was unanimous, and said that the e-retail giant’s warehouse working conditions can continue without change.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 10, 2014

Abercrombie CEO steps down

Mike Jeffries will retire as CEO and a member of the board effective immediately. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Dec. 9, 2014

Kohl's third quarter news all about e-commerce

The retailer’s sales are sluggish, except when it comes to its online operations. 

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 9, 2014

House approves tax benefits bill for retail remodeling

The bill was stalled in the House—which is generally loathe to consider tax legislation—but now moves on to the Senate.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 9, 2014

New York to give Amazon $5M for 500 jobs

The tax-credit program is designed for companies that can boost employment in the area.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 8, 2014

RadioShack will end 401(K) matching program

The retailer is on the brink and is being stymied once again by two of its lenders.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 8, 2014

Five Below names COO as incoming CEO

The discount retailer is expanding, opening 12 new stores just this year.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 8, 2014

Delia's to file for bankruptcy

The teen clothing retailer hinted in September that it may not have enough cash to survive the year. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Dec. 5, 2014

Third quarter losses build for Sears

But the once-great American retailer hasn't thrown in the towel yet.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 5, 2014

Barnes & Noble buys Nook stake from Microsoft

The bookseller aims to split its retail and digital businesses to give each a better chance to thrive.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 5, 2014

Dollar Tree could close up to 500 stores in merger

The number of closings, which would be required by the FTC if it acquired rival Family Dollar, is about in line with Dollar Tree’s expectations, sources said.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 5, 2014

Gap losing global CMO

Gap, which got a kick start from marketing chief Seth Farbman, is now going to have to soldier on without him.

By Karen Talley • Dec. 4, 2014