Could this be the last generation of Toys R Us kids?

The toy retailer's huge debt load finally caught up with it as the retail world rapidly changed. Now, in and beyond bankruptcy, the company must chart a way forward.

By Ben Unglesbee • Sept. 20, 2017

Macy's hiring fewer holiday workers this year

The ongoing correction to the department store's massive store footprint is hitting hiring plans, the same way it's hit sales.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 20, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

The state of holiday shopping and the consumer

Consumers are signaling they want value when it comes to quality, convenience and experiences. 

By Retail Dive staff

Kohl's to accept free Amazon returns

It's a daring move that may signal a new partnership ethos among e-commerce and legacy retailers.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 19, 2017

Toys R Us files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

After news broke that a bankruptcy filing was possible, many of the toy retailer's suppliers demanded cash on delivery — precipitating a financial crisis that quickly drove it to court as the holidays ramp up.  

By Ben Unglesbee • Sept. 19, 2017

Brighten your holiday strategies with mobile

The holiday season brings an abundance of advertising noise to consumers and anguish for retailers. Incorporating a mobile strategy can give you a competitive edge.

By Shane M. Swisher, Listrak • Sept. 19, 2017

3 holiday marketing hacks

What a study of back-to-school subject lines can teach retailers about their marketing strategy for the holiday season.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 15, 2017

Retailers double down on holiday help

Emerging price wars may hit margins this season, but they'll also bring more shoppers into stores and online, according to a recent holiday hiring forecast.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 15, 2017

Irma could hit holiday inventories

Planalytics says some $2.75 billion in sales could be lost to Irma, in addition to costs incurred by damage.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 14, 2017

Target increases holiday hiring by 40%

The retailer will hire 100,000 seasonal employees — a big step up from the 70,000 holiday workers hired in stores last year.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 13, 2017

Target launches 'innovation sprint,' adds HGTV stars to store brand stable

A 14-week partnership has five Target employees working out of Digital Ventures’ centers in New York and Los Angeles and conducting immersive customer behavior research in six U.S. cities.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 13, 2017

Postmates cuts delivery fees pre-holiday season

The delivery provider is edging up its challenge to Amazon Prime with new upgrades, as it tries to lure in more Unlimited subscribers.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 12, 2017

Amazon offers sellers lucrative holidays — if they prepare

Fulfillment by Amazon shipments rose 50% during the holidays last year, but Marketplace vendors looking for a lift need to plan ahead.  

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 12, 2017

Pitney Bowes boosts delivery offerings with Newgistics acquisition

After at least three logistics-related acquisitions in as many years, the technology company's shipping sector ambitions have become increasingly clear.

By Dan O'Shea • Sept. 11, 2017

Report: Online holiday shoppers have high delivery expectations

Consumers are steadily moving online to shop more often, and their expectations for swift and free delivery are only solidifying, according to new research from Walker Sands.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 11, 2017

Boom or bust? Holiday predictions are a mixed bag

Online sales are expected to win again, but brick-and-mortar retailers are still struggling to find their niche.

By Lara Ewen • Sept. 8, 2017

NRF lowers retail sales forecast

The analysis follows weaker-than-expected sales, income and spending numbers from the government, but the holidays could buoy retailers.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 8, 2017

Toys R Us reportedly hires debt adviser ahead of holidays

Amid tough competition in the segment, the toy retailer has hired a law firm to advise on its debt options, which could include bankruptcy.

By Ben Unglesbee • Sept. 7, 2017

The Home Depot picks Google for voice shopping

The home improvement chain joins the voice-assistant fray this fall through a partnership with Google Express.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 7, 2017

Walmart opens 1,000th grocery pickup spot

The first location debuted in Denver in 2013 and the latest opened in Seattle on Thursday, as the world's largest retailer prepares for a holiday battle with Amazon with a new "hot toys" list. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 7, 2017

88% of holiday shoppers want ads from their favorite brands

Holiday shoppers aren't against targeted advertising — they just want it from brands that they care about, according to a new study.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 6, 2017

What retailers can learn from REI's marketing success

Two years after the launch of its celebrated Opt Outside campaign, the outdoor retailer is engaging customers with a new brand message.

By Corinne Ruff • Sept. 6, 2017

3 trends from back-to-school marketing offer holiday preview

ASMR, social influencers and Hollywood-like content emerge as key tactics that could steer strategy for the holidays as well.

By Kayla Matthews • Sept. 6, 2017

Retail employment slides, but could pick up for holidays

August job losses in the sector don’t reflect a big shift to e-commerce, according to the National Retail Federation and outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 5, 2017

A retailer's guide to the holiday season

After a deep look at the NRF’s 2017 Retail Holiday Planning Playbook, here are the top four wants on consumers' wish lists this holiday season.

By Cara Salpini • Sept. 1, 2017

Amazon primed to win holiday season

Roughly 75% of holiday shoppers (and a whopping 90% of Amazon Prime members) expect to buy gifts from the e-commerce giant this season, according to a recent report.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 29, 2017