Burlington falls behind off-price rivals in Q2 as lower-income households feel inflation’s pinch

The retailer's struggle in the period is also a bad sign for apparel sales in general, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 30, 2022

Back-to-school consumers are holding out for discounts

Shoppers have had different priorities this summer and remain focused on saving money as inflation squeezes their budgets.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 29, 2022

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

Alex and Ani has $17.5M loan as it seeks growth after bankruptcy

The jewelry retailer known for its charm bracelets filed for Chapter 11 in 2021 after years of fast growth and disruptions both external and internal.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 29, 2022

Is Dillard’s setting the pace for mid-tier department stores?

As rivals struggle to redefine the legacy model, the Southern chain has stuck with its founding family — and retail fundamentals.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 29, 2022

REI employees vote to unionize at Berkeley store

The location is the second of the outdoor retailer’s to form a union, joining a growing wave in retail. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 26, 2022

Gap Inc. yanks forecast as Old Navy and Athleta stumble in Q2

The apparel retailer is without a permanent CEO as it scrambles to address merchandising misses amid rising costs and lower consumer spending.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 26, 2022

Ulta dodges inflation woes as sales grow more than 16%

CEO Dave Kimbell said the retailer has seen no evidence of its shoppers trading down despite higher costs.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 26, 2022

Victoria’s Secret Q2 sales tumble as shoppers curtail store visits

After a year on its own, the lingerie retailer is regaining market share but may have trouble meeting even lowered estimates for the year.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 25, 2022

Dollar General adds 436 stores, Dollar Tree cuts prices as discounters vie for shoppers

The sector has an opportunity to win over new customers as inflation squeezes household budgets. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 25, 2022

Nordstrom beats expectations in Q2 but lowers outlook

The retailer is scrambling to work through inventory at both of its banners, and its higher-income customers may not show up in coming months.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 24, 2022

As others battle inflation, Dick’s says its shopper is ‘holding up very well’

The sporting goods retailer sounded a positive note on several issues challenging the rest of the industry, including inventory and labor.

By Cara Salpini • Aug. 24, 2022

Bed Bath & Beyond snags a much-needed loan: WSJ

The retailer needs all the cash it can get to pay suppliers, deal with looming maturities and try to right a struggling business.

Aug. 24, 2022

Mid-year checkup: What retail execs are saying about inflation, inventory and more

In Q2, retailers touted “aggressive” actions to mitigate hurdles and prepare for the holidays. Will that be enough?

By Kaarin Moore • Aug. 24, 2022

Macy’s keeps a firm grip on inventory in Q2

The department store lowered its outlook for the year, however, and continues to lose market share, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 23, 2022

Bed Bath & Beyond downgraded at S&P

Analysts slapped a CCC grade on the company, citing “very poor sales performance, deteriorating liquidity, and looming maturities.”

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 23, 2022

Hasbro could restructure or sell off entertainment assets: Bloomberg

The toy giant bought the eOne studio for around $4 billion in 2019 under a previous CEO and then ran into the media disruptions of the pandemic.  

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 22, 2022

Adidas CEO Kasper Rorsted stepping down next year

The sports apparel and footwear brand lowered its outlook for the year and is now searching for a new chief executive.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 22, 2022

Bed Bath & Beyond is at risk of filing for bankruptcy. How did it get here?

The retailer has lost sales and market share all while experiencing mounting losses. And without a leader at the helm, it faces an inflection point.

By Caroline Jansen • Aug. 19, 2022

Former Ulta chief Mary Dillon’s arrival as Foot Locker CEO a ‘narrative changer’

Dillon, credited with the beauty retailer's transformation, replaces Richard Johnson as president and chief executive in less than two weeks.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 19, 2022

Bed Bath & Beyond taps Kirkland & Ellis for debt help: Bloomberg

The retailer is addressing its balance sheet as it manages flagging sales and a seemingly endless turnaround. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 19, 2022

Kohl’s will bring Sephora to all stores in hopes of adding $2B in sales by 2025

A similar partnership with the beauty retailer didn’t do much for rival J.C. Penney, but Kohl’s sees potential in the tie-up as sales and profits plummet.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 18, 2022

Bath & Body Works cuts 130 positions, COO exits

The retailer is positioning itself for long-term growth, and is expected to save around $30 million in the second half of the year. 

By Kaarin Moore • Aug. 18, 2022

Ryan Cohen to exit activist stake in Bed Bath & Beyond

The Chewy founder and GameStop chair bought into the retailer this year, blasting its strategy. Its struggles have only continued since then. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 18, 2022

Rising prices have made shoppers choosey, budget-minded and less loyal — but they’re still spending

With some relief at the pump for consumers in July, retail sales held steady against inflation. But the rest of the year could be tough as the holidays approach.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 18, 2022

Home Depot pushes ahead of Lowe’s as it leans on pro customers

A shorter spring impacted sales from DIY customers, but that disproportionately affected Lowe’s, which receives 75% of sales from that cohort.

By Caroline Jansen • Aug. 17, 2022