Dollar Tree makes distribution, tech upgrades

As part of its supply chain modernization efforts, the retailer is replacing its legacy systems with AI-powered platforms.

By Kelly Stroh • April 1, 2026

New Balance partners with Kizik’s parent company for hands-free tech

The licensing deal with HandsFree Labs will bring slip-in sneakers to New Balance customers by next year.

By Howard Ruben • March 31, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Retail Dive

From Target’s path forward under a new CEO to the retailers most vulnerable to bankruptcy, here’s a look at the stories shaping the industry.

By Retail Dive staff

Advent International acquires majority stake in Salt & Stone

Following the deal, which is expected to close next month, the body care brand’s current senior management will continue leading the company.

By Howard Ruben • March 31, 2026

Aerosoles owner agrees to buy Allbirds for $39M

Sales plummeted last year and the direct-to-consumer footwear brand, which has never turned a profit, closed all full-price U.S. stores in Q1.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2026

RH builds out global strategy with leadership appointments

David Stanchak rejoined as chief real estate and transformation officer, while Veronica Schnitzius was named chief manufacturing and sourcing officer.

By Kaarin Moore • March 31, 2026

Macy’s introduces AI-powered shopping assistant

After an initial dark launch, Ask Macy’s helps users discover brands and receive personalized product recommendations. 

By Kaarin Moore • March 31, 2026

Ulta doubled store fulfillment capabilities in 2025

The beauty retailer grew its ship-from-store program to 1,000 stores in fiscal year 2025, while its fulfillment center footprint remained flat compared to 2024.

By Dani James • March 30, 2026

Marks & Spencer turns to Nordstrom stores for its fashion debut

The U.K. retailer, iconic at home but only vaguely known elsewhere, is looking to expand worldwide.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2026

Dollar General slashes 1,500 SKUs, boosts in-stocks

Further SKU reductions are on the horizon as the retailer prioritizes leaner inventories and a simpler supply chain.

By Kelly Stroh • March 30, 2026

Retail leaders on embracing AI: ‘We have to keep trying things’

The theme of Shoptalk Spring was “Retail in the Age of AI.” Executives had strong opinions on the matter.

By Kaarin Moore , Caroline Jansen • March 30, 2026

Shoe Carnival scales back rebrand

In some areas customers didn’t react well to merchandising changes after stores were converted to the Shoe Station banner.

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Gabe’s in search of top leadership and Home Depot’s latest acquisition

After avoiding bankruptcy, the off-pricer’s CEO and a few CFOs have left. Meanwhile, the home improvement retailer bought Mingledorff’s.

By Retail Dive Staff • March 27, 2026

In the age of AI, Home Depot’s stores have ‘never been more relevant’

While the retailer has been ramping up its AI-powered offerings, it aims to provide a frictionless experience across a customer’s shopping journey, wherever that may be.

By Caroline Jansen • March 27, 2026

The Backroom: Consumer resilience in trying times

Katie Thomas of the Kearney Consumer Institute talks about nuances in the K-shaped economy that help explain why discretionary retail sales have remained strong despite shoppers’ wariness.

By Retail Dive Staff • March 26, 2026

David’s Bridal reshapes C-suite for the AI era

The retailer named a CTO, chief global transformation and operations officer, and is on the hunt for its next CFO.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 26, 2026

REI faces possible anniversary sale boycott after abandoning labor talks

The REI Union, expressing confidence that the retailer’s customers would join workers in sending a message, will finalize a decision by May 1.

By Daphne Howland • March 26, 2026

Sephora launches app in ChatGPT

The AI-enhanced experience will give customers advice and help them discover products, according to Global Chief Digital Officer Anca Marola. 

By Kaarin Moore • March 26, 2026

GameStop closed over 700 stores last year

That amounts to more than 1,300 over the past two fiscal years, though the gaming retailer said it doesn’t expect any major footprint reductions in 2026. 

By Dani James • March 26, 2026

Puma debuts AI concierge at Las Vegas store

A multilingual assistant in a large digital display will automatically detect the language a shopper speaks and answer their questions about products.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 26, 2026

How Tecovas is leveraging AI to improve the store experience

The boot brand is using the tech to help with inventory replenishment and allocation, and foster better interactions between associates and customers.

By Caroline Jansen • March 26, 2026

Nordstrom to close 2 full-line stores despite top-line strength last year

Anchors at malls in Delaware and Texas will close this spring, but the off-price Rack fleet continues to grow, with plans to add 23 locations in 2026.

By Daphne Howland • March 25, 2026

On CEO’s ‘planned hiatus’ comes as a surprise

The sneaker brand is shaking up its C-suite again, less than a year after Martin Hoffmann took over as its sole chief executive.

By Daphne Howland • March 25, 2026

How Gap Inc. is ‘leaning in’ to AI to elevate online shopping

The apparel retailer is accelerating its digital experience with two new partnerships, CTO Sven Gerjets told an audience at Shoptalk.

By Kaarin Moore • March 25, 2026

Retailers report shrink levels down from pandemic highs

Is the improvement from addressing theft, operational weaknesses or accounting gaps? It’s probably a combination, but most aren’t saying.

By Daphne Howland • March 25, 2026

Estée Lauder, Puig in merger talks

The tie-up would diversify each company’s portfolio somewhat but might look better on paper, some analysts said.

By Daphne Howland • March 24, 2026