The Weekly Closeout: Activist comes for Ethan Allen’s board, Rhode delivers for Elf

The investor wants his nominees to replace all of the furniture retailer’s directors, while Rhode helped E.l.f. Beauty achieve nearly 40% growth.

By Retail Dive Staff • Aug. 7, 2026

Claire’s revamps iconic piercing experience

The retailer is rolling out updated training, store displays, earrings and more as part of broader upgrades to its store service.

By Dani James • Aug. 6, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Retail Dive

From Saks’ post-bankruptcy path to the impact of GLP-1s, here’s a look at the stories shaping the industry.

By Retail Dive staff

Under Armour hits play on K-pop partnership

The company named BoyNextDoor as global brand ambassadors as it works on an Asia-Pacific rollout of its Bouncy Tee line.

By Lara Ewen • Aug. 5, 2026

Barbie is ready to be a ‘fashion icon’

While Mattel is entering a new chapter with the doll, it swung to a net loss in Q2.

By Kaarin Moore • Aug. 5, 2026

As the holidays near, two-thirds of shoppers are using AI

Consumers are looking to AI this holiday season to sift through products and search for bargains, according to Attentive.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 4, 2026

Express nods to its Y2K heyday in campaign that unites fashion, music

Chief Marketing Officer Joe Berean discusses a fall effort featuring pop star Tinashe and NFL player Tee Higgins that iterates on the retailer’s “Dress to Express” platform.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 4, 2026

Amazon customers are embracing Alexa for Shopping

The number of active users for the tech nearly doubled in the second quarter, with interactions up five times year over year, CEO Andy Jassy said.

By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 3, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Macy’s disappearing billboard and Reformation’s IPO

The department store’s iconic sign in Herald Square was taken down. Meanwhile, the apparel retailer went public on the low end of its price range.

By Retail Dive Staff • July 31, 2026

Kohl’s debuts AI shopping assistant

What started as a Mother’s Day Gift Finder has evolved into a digital shopping assistant that aids with product discovery. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 30, 2026

Adidas apparel outshines footwear during World Cup quarter

The brand — which also announced a CFO transition — saw apparel net sales jump 34% in the second quarter.

By Dani James • July 30, 2026

The Backroom: How long can the consumer hang on?

Discretionary retail sales have been surprisingly strong so far this year. The team discusses the reasons why and what that might mean for the rest of 2026.

By Retail Dive Staff • July 30, 2026

Why Nike is trying to reignite its sportswear business with a hoodie

Studio Fleece, the retailer’s latest line, aims to recreate a series of wardrobe staples for women, Nike’s Jill Gonzalez told Retail Dive.

By Cara Salpini • July 30, 2026

Back-to-school shoppers will prioritize essentials over apparel

Clothing buys will be spread out over the school year, while sporting goods are increasingly considered essential, according to two reports.

By Lara Ewen • July 29, 2026

Sephora names 12 beauty brands to accelerator cohort

Now in its 10th year, Sephora Accelerate aims to support the next generation of cosmetic, skin care, hair care and fragrance brands.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 28, 2026

Inside Canada Goose’s journey to reconnect with nature

Brand platform “Natural Intelligence” spotlights tornado chasers and outdoor adventures to reconnect the brand and its audience to the natural world.

By Danielle McLean • July 28, 2026

Dollar General opens call for small business vendors

The discount retailer is inviting eligible businesses to explore potential partnership opportunities and access training and funding resources.

By Dani James • July 28, 2026

Rare Beauty draws inspiration from Greek mythology for global campaign

The Selena Gomez-founded cosmetics brand’s new effort around its second fragrance spans social, out-of-home, retail and paid digital.

By Chris Kelly • July 28, 2026

David’s Bridal debuts outlet shop-in-shop concept

An existing store in McAllen, Texas, is the first to launch the hybrid experience, which features full-price merchandise alongside discounted apparel. 

By Kaarin Moore • July 27, 2026

Gap reboots 1990s fragrances this week

Originals Dream, Grass, Heaven and Om, plus new entrant Harmony, will be available as of Thursday. Fans are excited — and nervous.

By Daphne Howland • July 27, 2026

Gap Inc. opens creator program to employees

Corporate, distribution and store staff can now apply to be influencers for the retailer’s brand portfolio, almost a year after the program’s launch.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 27, 2026

Pacsun, Ulta Beauty debut curated beauty collaboration

The retailers developed two beauty essentials kits and a limited-edition hoodie meant to encourage self-expression.

By Dani James • July 27, 2026

Audience-proof your campaigns: Defensible strategy for marketers

Make your BFCM bets defensible: simulate audience reactions before launch.

By Chris Hutchins • July 27, 2026

Under Armour gets heated with François Arnaud

The “Heated Rivalry” star is the brand's latest ambassador and teases its HeatGear franchise in a new campaign.

By Cara Salpini • July 24, 2026

Adidas to open concept store in Mall of America

The Minnesota-based location will offer localized merchandise, including a shop dedicated to Timberwolves NBA player Anthony Edwards.

By Lara Ewen • July 24, 2026

Hanes embraces risqué marketing in creative shakeup for basics brand

Getting caught with one’s pants down becomes cool in a series of bold new ads from the over 125-year-old company.

By Peter Adams • July 24, 2026