Moody’s upgrades retail and apparel outlook as tariffs ease

The firm now expects “solid household finances” to lead to more stability in the sector, although rising energy costs and geopolitical risks are still a factor.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 14, 2026

Hasbro opens studio focused on Dungeons & Dragons

The new Wizards of the Coast Studios in Montréal will focus on developing content for the D&D franchise. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 13, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

How the purpose of stores is evolving

Stores have always evolved in order to compete as times, technology and tastes change. And, most of all, to please customers.

By Retail Dive staff

Reporter’s notebook: Inside Scheels’ sporting goods wonderland

Come for the sporting goods, stay for the animatronic Abe Lincoln. And whatever you do, don’t expect your average retail experience.

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 13, 2026

Ross opens 51 new stores

The off-price retailer completed its fiscal year 2026 store growth plan of opening 115 new locations, including its first in Massachusetts.

By Dani James • Oct. 12, 2026

Spirit Halloween to transform dozens of locations to Spirit Christmas

The spooky retailer will expand its Christmas concept, now in its third year, to 44 locations this season.

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 12, 2026

Target denies cooperating with ICE. Here’s why that may not matter.

Whether they own or lease store property, retailers probably need formal policies about whether law enforcement agencies can establish operational staging areas in their parking lots.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 12, 2026

Tractor Supply opens Idaho distribution center with automation, dedicated AI team

The retailer's site in Nampa will distribute inventory to 123 stores and includes a group that aims to "apply practical artificial intelligence to operational needs."

By Max Garland • Oct. 12, 2026

The next era of retail tech — with AI at the core

Retail is changing fast. Discover how AI and mobility are redefining the store of tomorrow.

By Ian Slack • Oct. 12, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: E.l.f. Brands pushes into fragrance and is Athleta’s C-suite shakeup an opportunity?

The beauty brand has launched its first fragrance and body care collection, while the Gap Inc. brand is searching for a new CEO after Maggie Gauger went to Lululemon.

By Retail Dive Staff • Oct. 9, 2026

Bloomingdale’s merchant jumps to Bluemercury

Stacie Borteck Dattner will report to Bluemercury CEO Alexandre Choueiri, the former Kering Beauté executive who arrived in August.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 9, 2026

Arc’teryx opens concept store devoted to climbing

The new Los Angeles-area location includes a climbing wall, a lounge and an outdoor patio, and was created in partnership with local climbing club partners.

By Lara Ewen • Oct. 8, 2026

Amazon retail division hit by job cuts

The e-commerce giant is changing the structure of its stores business, impacting hundreds of employees.

By Dani James • Oct. 8, 2026

Lululemon has ‘a great deal to prove’ with new exec lineup

With two new C-suite leaders announced, and a search underway for others, change is afoot at Lululemon. Here’s what analysts think of Heidi O’Neill’s first move as CEO.

By Cara Salpini • Oct. 8, 2026

AI is ‘reshaping’ Walmart and Sparky is leading the charge

Advancements in AI are helping Walmart save money, which it is, in turn, reinvesting in customer experience improvements, according to U.S. CEO David Guggina.  

By Nicole Silberstein • Oct. 8, 2026

Lululemon’s Heidi O’Neill overhauls C-suite in first move as CEO

The athletics company has tapped a product chief and a chief operating officer, and is on the hunt to fill three other C-suite roles.

By Cara Salpini • Updated Oct. 7, 2026

Bed Bath & Beyond parent company calls off another deal

Neighborhood Intelligence has axed plans to acquire real estate platform Fathom Holdings a month after it canceled its deal to buy F9 Brands.

By Caroline Jansen • Oct. 7, 2026

Anta Sports officially becomes largest Puma shareholder

The Chinese sports giant finalized its acquisition of a roughly 29% stake in the athletics brand for about $1.7 billion.

By Dani James • Oct. 7, 2026

Walmart defends pricing practices, again

The retailer says it won't renew a key patent that could leverage scan-and-go tech to personalize prices. It's one of several that has drawn the attention of activists.

By Dani James • Oct. 6, 2026

Another Mattel investor pushes for potential sale

Ariel Investments wants the toy company to explore strategic alternatives, which could also include a divestiture of assets or a merger.

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 6, 2026

Where do associates fit in an AI world?

Customers are arriving at stores more educated than ever, but associates still need to support or build on what those shoppers learned from AI, experts say.

By Bryan Wassel • Oct. 6, 2026

Neighborhood Intelligence CFO resigns

Brian LaRose became CFO of the organization, formerly known as Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., when the company acquired The Container Store earlier this year.

By Caroline Jansen • Oct. 6, 2026

Target reprises another partnership in merchandise overhaul

The retailer is bringing back “Simply Shabby Chic” home goods, a few months after announcing the return of fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 6, 2026

What the Super El Niño means for retail

The phenomenon, which shakes up normal weather patterns, will be the most intense on record, with varying impacts on consumers and brands.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 6, 2026

Walmart to build Ohio fulfillment center for oversized goods

The $300 million investment near Cincinnati will specialize in handling larger, non-sortable items, including televisions and furniture.

By Kelly Stroh • Oct. 5, 2026

How GLP-1 users are forcing retailers to rethink everything

Wide adoption of the medication has changed consumer behavior — from how shoppers think about sizing, to how they shop online. Can retail keep up? 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 5, 2026