The Weekly Closeout: Hilma Running, Inkbox shut down

The running shoe company is shuttering due to an inventory issue, while Bic is closing the semi-permanent tattoo brand nearly four years after its acquisition. 

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 16, 2026

Macy’s closes remaining units at Connecticut distribution center

The facility will cease all operations after the retailer completes layoffs, which are set to begin March 14. 

By Kelly Stroh • Jan. 16, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Digital innovation and technology trends in retail

Generative AI and TikTok Shop have replaced the metaverse and NFTs as the hot topics of the day — here’s a look at how brands are using them.

By Retail Dive staff

Bark receives take-private offer

The online pet retailer has faced falling sales and non-compliance warnings from the New York Stock Exchange in recent years.

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 15, 2026

Walmart: This year, AI tinkering ‘becomes transformation’

A year from now, customers will look back and realize just how much has changed about the shopping experience, Walmart’s Daniel Danker predicts.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 15, 2026

What 10 retail executives have to say about AI

Executives from Dick’s Sporting Goods to Macy’s offered insights as the industry grapples with integrating the new tech into their operations.

By Dani James , Caroline Jansen • Jan. 15, 2026

3 DTC brands on why good old-fashioned retail still works

Executives from Beyond Yoga, Mejuri and Coterie discussed the undeniable value of brick and mortar in an increasingly digital world.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 15, 2026

‘You have to be willing to challenge everything’: VF Corp leaders discuss turnaround progress

Executives from Vans, The North Face and Timberland laid out their plans for evolution while maintaining each brand’s heritage.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 14, 2026

Retailers carefully balance human intelligence with AI adoption

Executives at NRF’s Big Show were quick to say AI can collaborate with — not replace — humans, though it is changing the types of work companies need from employees. 

By Dani James • Jan. 14, 2026

Returns season is here. What are the best practices for a good experience?

A focus on transparency and automation, with live support for stressful situations, can help craft a great returns experience, experts say.

By Bryan Wassel • Jan. 14, 2026

Amazon takes on Walmart with new store concept

The approximately 225,000-square-foot store the retailer is planning near Chicago will sell groceries alongside general merchandise.

By Catherine Douglas Moran , Dani James • Jan. 14, 2026

Ernesta expands brick-and-mortar footprint

The DTC custom rug brand recently opened a showroom in Michigan and plans to add stores in Texas and New York over the next several months.

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 13, 2026

Ulta teases future AI use cases

Executives from the beauty retailer hinted at building agents and utilizing AI to improve personalization for loyalty members.

By Dani James • Jan. 13, 2026

Five Below CEO Winnie Park reflects on one year at the helm

The Forever 21 veteran redefined the retailer’s target customer, simplified its pricing structure and is eyeing more changes to product assortment.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 13, 2026

Macy’s to close Oklahoma fulfillment center

The Tulsa facility is slated to shutter this spring, according to a company spokesperson.

By Kelly Stroh • Jan. 13, 2026

Canada Goose shakes up leadership team

The luxury company’s moves include bringing on a Burberry vet and naming a new president of Asia Pacific. 

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 13, 2026

Walmart, Wing to scale drone delivery operations to 270 stores

The two companies aim to provide service to customers near 150 locations in the next year before growing further.

By Max Garland • Jan. 12, 2026

UPS’ Happy Returns pilots AI tool to halt decoy returns fraud

The company's Return Vision software compares returned products with images from the retailer, a capability being used by Everlane and others.

By Max Garland • Jan. 12, 2026

Value City, American Signature Furniture to shutter remaining stores

The retailer, which is closing its last 89 locations, filed for bankruptcy in November as sales plummeted and losses widened amid a soft housing sector.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2026

In the age of AI, REI is turning to its human employees to win

The retailer’s “green vest” associates serve as a key differentiator — both in stores and online — in an increasingly AI-driven world, according to CEO Mary Beth Laughton.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 12, 2026

Vince monitoring Saks Global ‘on a minute-by-minute basis’

CEO Brendan Hoffman said the luxury department store conglomerate accounts for about 7% of its business.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 12, 2026

A look back at Bed Bath & Beyond’s pivotal year

As the retailer’s deal to acquire the former Kirkland’s nears closing, here’s a review of the events that brought us to this point.

By Caroline Jansen , Dani James • Jan. 12, 2026

L.L. Bean names company veteran next CEO

Greg Elder has been with the outdoor retailer for almost 20 years, most recently as chief retail officer overseeing stores, wholesale and other operations.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2026

Macy’s targets another 14 stores for closure

The department store’s downsizing plan is key to its turnaround and will ultimately entail shuttering about 150 locations.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2026

Kendra Scott taps Athleta vet as CEO

Chris Blakeslee, who previously served as chief executive at the Gap-owned activewear brand, also held positions at Alo Yoga and Bella+Canvas.

By Howard Ruben • Jan. 9, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Nike sells Rtfkt, Hanky Panky gets acquired

The athletics giant shut down the virtual sneaker company about a year ago, while the intimate apparel brand found a new home. 

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 9, 2026