The Weekly Closeout: RadioShack eyes a comeback, Wayfair and QVC kick off the holidays

The electronics company hired a managing director for RadioShack USA, while the online retailers roll out July holiday-themed sales events.

By Retail Dive Staff • July 17, 2026

Back-to-school spending forecast to reach record highs

Nearly two-thirds of consumers have already started shopping for the season, but affordability is a major concern, according to a new report. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 17, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Retail's quest to improve the customer experience

From new store concepts to AI-enabled offerings, retailers are constantly shifting their approach to better cater to shopper needs.

By Retail Dive staff

Kate Spade focused on ‘reigniting the magic’ with new chief marketer

L'Oréal veteran Allison Badea has been tapped for the role as the brand faces falling sales and a long turnaround road.

By Dani James • July 17, 2026

Gap sticks with ‘90s nostalgia, denim for Hailey Bieber capsule campaign

The launch builds on the retailer’s recent success with advertising that brings together fashion, music and culture.

By Chris Kelly • July 17, 2026

Walmart touts some of its lowest back-to-school pricing since 2019

The retailer’s value focus is similar to past years, with another food kit of $2 lunches and deals on the 14 most popular school supplies.

By Dani James • July 16, 2026

Foot Locker brings in Salomon to boost assortment

The athletics retailer is partnering with the France-based premium sneaker brand as parent company Dick’s pursues an extensive inventory refresh. 

By Lara Ewen • July 16, 2026

Bath & Body Works launches in Brazil

The retailer debuted its first store in the country in São Paulo as international growth remains a driving force for its transformation strategy. 

By Kaarin Moore • July 15, 2026

How Dollar Shave Club uses generative AI to unlock advertising creativity

Chief Brand and Innovation Officer Laura Higgins explains how the grooming brand is evolving its use of AI in marketing to reassert its brand voice.

By Chris Kelly • July 14, 2026

Caraway debuts cookware in over 500 Walmart stores

The inclusion of the DTC cookware brand is part of the big-box retailer’s larger goal of evolving and elevating its assortment. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 14, 2026

In customer service, third-party generative AI tools are beating brand chatbots

While consumers' use of third-party generative AI tools has doubled in the past year alone, company-provided chatbot usage hasn’t statistically increased since 2022, Gartner found.

By Kristen Doerer • July 13, 2026

On commercial chief exits amid leadership restructure

The activewear brand is splitting the role in two, with Rebecca Cai taking on oversight of global markets and Alice Delahunt joining to focus on the customer.

By Cara Salpini • July 10, 2026

How Aéropostale entertains Gen Alpha with a creator-led mini-series

Marisa Thalberg, chief customer and marketing officer at parent Catalyst Brands, opens up about the “Intern Diaries” and a loyalty tie-up with J.C. Penney.

By Chris Kelly • July 10, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Pink debuts Marshmallow bra and RH CEO offloads stock

The new bra franchise is the intimates brand’s softest yet. Meanwhile, Gary Friedman sold 125,000 RH shares.

By Retail Dive Staff • July 10, 2026

Meta introduces AI-powered room visualization feature

With the new Meta AI tool, users can see what real products look like in their spaces, compare options and buy items through the brands’ websites.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 9, 2026

Levi’s World Cup virality could boost Q3

Meanwhile, the denim maker posted strength in direct-to-consumer and wholesale in the second quarter.

By Daphne Howland • July 9, 2026

Hasbro debuts Play-Doh for adults

The toy company is entering adult crafting and home decor with the launch of Blooms by Play-Doh.

By Kaarin Moore • July 9, 2026

Home Depot adds 7-Eleven, Jimmy John’s as pro loyalty partners

Every quarter the retailer will refresh its pro loyalty partnership offers, which span four lifestyle and business categories.

By Bryan Wassel • July 8, 2026

Kohl’s prices thousands of back-to-school items under $25 as consumers look for deals

The season could be a critical test for the struggling department store, whose years-long turnaround has failed to gain much traction.

By Daphne Howland • July 8, 2026

FP Movement launches Asics footwear collaboration

The tie-up is one of several merchandising efforts from Free People this year and comes as the brand embarks on a brick-and-mortar expansion.

By Dani James • July 8, 2026

Walmart cuts prices on groceries and other goods

President Donald Trump said the initiative came at his request, though Walmart did not mention the Trump administration in its announcement.

By Peyton Bigora • Updated July 7, 2026

Nordstrom teases retail’s other big summer sale

The department store’s annual event differs from most because it features discounts on merchandise set to drop in the fall.

By Daphne Howland • July 7, 2026

Staples, Dollar General tout 2025 pricing for back-to-school sales

Both retailers highlighted dozens of products priced at $1 and under, with teachers getting extra discounts.

By Dani James • July 7, 2026

For luxury, the in-store experience still reigns

Aspirational clients ultimately want human interactions and unique experiences from luxury brands.

By Kristen Doerer • July 7, 2026

Your ‘omnichannel’ media strategy is ignoring half the shopper journey

Commerce media's measurement problem isn't a secret. Brands know it. Retailers know it. And Fluent has the answer.

July 6, 2026

Bath & Body Works collabs with Hilary Duff to introduce Fruit Fusion

The pop star is brand ambassador and creative partner on the new fruit-forward franchise, designed to introduce scents over time.

By Kaarin Moore • July 6, 2026