In search of the real J. Peterman

"Seinfeld," Oprah, venture capital, bankruptcy: Catalog retailer John Peterman has endured everything the world has thrown at him. Can his company survive the digital era and the aging of its customers?

By Ben Unglesbee • April 24, 2018

In the Toys R Us void, toy makers should target grocery

As the massive toy retailer winds down, producers can fill the gaps in their profit-and-loss statements by targeting supermarkets, writes Tim Hall, CEO of research firm Simporter and former Hasbro executive.

By Tim Hall • April 5, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

A look at the 2025 holiday season

From price-conscious shoppers to ever-changing tariffs, retailers have a lot to juggle this holiday season.

By Retail Dive staff

Walmart, Target poised to absorb lost Toys R Us sales

Vendors are left with hundreds of millions in unpaid bills — and one says Toys R Us accelerated purchases even knowing the end was near. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 27, 2018

Toy maker working on bid for Toys R Us

As the ailing toy seller winds down U.S. operations, it's putting $2 billion in discounted toys on the market. In a "sad synchronicity" in timing, the chain's founder has also died.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 23, 2018

KB Toys plots a comeback as Toys R Us collapses

As the toy retailer winds down operations, a business that revives old brands is trying to bring back defunct KB Toys — with Toys R Us employees.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 21, 2018

Amazon reportedly interested in some Toys R Us stores

The e-tailer is looking to expand its physical footprint with parts from the bankrupt toy giant, according to Bloomberg. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 20, 2018

How Toys R Us' bankruptcy hopes came crashing down

The toy seller entered Chapter 11 with the goal of a leaner, better business. Instead, a terrible holiday season sent it in a different direction. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 15, 2018

Toys R Us to liquidate US business

Unable to meet the terms of a bankruptcy loan, the toy retailer is forced to liquidate domestic operations, though it might be able to salvage 200 stores.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 15, 2018

Dollar Tree's 13% sales growth not enough for Wall Street

The deep discounter increased earnings, same-store sales and its top line — to the tune of $6.36 billion — but fell short of analyst hopes on all counts.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 7, 2018

Retail defaults in 2018 could outpace last year

High debt, underinvestment, competition, changes in consumer spending and other factors that made 2017 abysmal for some retailers haven't gone away, according to S&P. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 2, 2018

J.C. Penney cuts 360 jobs as sales miss

The department store retailer is slashing jobs at its corporate and support offices as it posts another loss for the year and fourth quarter sales that disappointed Wall Street. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 2, 2018

Best Buy to close nearly 260 stand-alone mobile stores

As the electronics retailer winds down its mobile store fleet, it posted a massive sales rise at mainline stores.

By Daphne Howland • March 1, 2018

Kohl's brings Aldi to some stores as it makes 'sharp leap' in sales

The discount department store has added brands and tightened costs, making for a solid holiday performance. The only question is: Can Kohl's keep it up?

By Ben Unglesbee • March 1, 2018

Dillard's crushes expectations as sales rise 6%

The company posted a heady profit increase and respectable comparable sales, but one analyst said the retailer is still in danger of irrelevance.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 27, 2018

Toys R Us could close more stores or liquidate

The toy retailer needed a win over the holidays, but missed — big time. Now, the company is reportedly mulling hundreds more store closures and is at risk of shutting down entirely. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 22, 2018

Why the Super Bowl is a touchdown for retail

Grocery probably gained the most from the Eagles-Patriots matchup, but apparel sales and ad campaigns still scored. 

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 31, 2018

Out of the ashes: 8 brands that found life after retail death

Retail brands bought out of bankruptcy can have a second life as an e-tailer or a product label. But will the afterlife of these retailers last forever?

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 30, 2018

Apparel retail is in recovery, but 'pressures remain'

Department stores have found a few new strengths, but it's too soon to tell how the retail bottom line really did this holiday season, according to a report from Moody's.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 23, 2018

Tiffany polishes up outlook on holiday sales rise

Sales in China helped boost the iconic American jeweler, but executives admit there’s more to do.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 18, 2018

Bon-Ton bankruptcy could be 'imminent'

Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal report the struggling department store chain could file for bankruptcy in the coming weeks after having missed a $14 million interest payment last month.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 12, 2018

Signet suffers holiday sales decline

The jewelry company is suffering from the sale of its credit portfolio, especially at Kay stores where people tend to finance engagement rings.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2018

UPDATE: Sears holiday sales plummet 16%

The ailing department store retailer reported another staggering drop in its comparable store sales for the first two months of Q4 as it borrowed another $100 million from its CEO's hedge fund. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 11, 2018

Nordstrom reports healthy holiday sales

The company raked in a 2.5% net sales bump, reflecting improvements in full-line and off-price stores as well as growth in e-commerce.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 10, 2018

Target hits a bullseye with holiday sales

Stores fulfilled more than 70% of digital orders during the holiday months, showcasing the importance of omnichannel. 

By Corinne Ruff • Jan. 9, 2018

American Eagle beats estimates with strong holiday season

The company, helped by overall strength in apparel sales and by the Aerie lingerie brand, reiterated its guidance for the fourth quarter.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2018