The Latest

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  A look back on COVID-19’s impact on retail

  The pandemic has had lasting effects on the industry, including altering operations and resetting consumer expectations.

  Operations

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  QVC Group lays off 900 employees

  The reorganization and elimination of roles comes as the company embarks on a three-part turnaround strategy.

  Operations

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  Target cuts employee bonuses after 2024 performance

  Bonuses were based only on fiscal 2024 results, a spokesperson confirmed. But the retailer has undergone several shifts in recent months.

  Operations

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  Column

  The Weekly Closeout: GameStop pays for CEO’s security, layoffs at Mattel

  The gaming retailer paid nearly $270,000 last year for Ryan Cohen’s executive security, while the toy company laid off 120 workers at its headquarters.

  Operations

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  Etsy appoints Depop exec as CTO

  Rafe Colburn will become Etsy's chief technology officer on May 5, while Depop's chief marketing officer will become the resale platform's interim CEO.

  Operations

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  J. Jill plans ship-from-store capability

  The apparel brand will join a growing roster of retailers using their brick-and-mortar footprints to fulfill e-commerce orders.

  Operations

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  Levi’s CEO: ‘If the wallet’s tighter, then we have to work harder’

  Pickier shoppers just means higher execution is needed from the denim brand, Michelle Gass said. But a little help from Beyoncé never hurts.

  Marketing

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  Build-A-Bear Workshop pulls forward inventory to deflect tariff impact

  The stuffed animal retailer says the move enables better flexibility in a fluctuating trade environment. 

  Operations

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  Lululemon leans on newness to lure reluctant US customers

  This year the brand plans to expand its footprint by opening stores and enlarging existing locations, and will add new markets abroad.

  Operations

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  Podcast

  The Backroom: Talking wholesale with Liza Amlani

  The longtime merchant discusses the myths and rewards of a channel that is getting renewed appreciation in the industry.

  The Backroom with Retail Dive

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  Spanx founder’s ‘Sneex’ trademark request denied

  Sara Blakely’s footwear company has to prove trademarking the term isn’t “merely descriptive.”

  Operations

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  Carter’s taps Vans veteran as CEO

  Douglas Palladini joins the children’s apparel retailer months after Michael Casey stepped down from the post after 15 years.

  Executives

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  Gap Inc. CEO: ‘If you’re relevant enough it eventually drives revenue’

  One of the most-watched turnarounds in retail started with a long look back at its past, Richard Dickson said at Shoptalk Spring.

  Marketing

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  Chewy subscriptions drive sales, market share gains

  The online pet retailer finished its fiscal year with increases in sales, profits, active customers and market share.

  Financial News

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  GameStop to close ‘significant number’ of stores, invest in bitcoin

  The closures are on top of the company shuttering nearly 600 U.S. locations last year.

  Operations

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  ‘Please, no hot sauce’: Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary on today’s retail startups

  In addition to the category he never wants to see again, O’Leary also highlighted a marketing channel he thinks all brands should be contemplating.

  Marketing

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  Men’s Wearhouse adds gift list registry service

  Customers can create and manage custom gift lists featuring items from the retailer, which is part of the Tailored Brands portfolio.

  Technology

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  Consumers are buying more from generative AI’s suggestions: Adobe

  A report highlighted that using generative AI tools for shopping leads customers to more purchases in electronics and jewelry.

  Technology

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  Inside H&M’s digital relaunch and approach to multichannel experiences

  Head of Digital Jenn Volk explains how the retailer reimagined digital to increase brand storytelling around moments like its Charli XCX collaboration.

  Marketing

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  Dollar Tree sells Family Dollar for $1B

  A sale to private equity comes 10 years after Dollar Tree acquired its rival for $8.5 billion, a decade when the business has mostly dragged down results.

  Operations

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  Foot Locker names Franklin Bracken president

  Bracken, who joined the retailer 15 years ago and was tapped as chief commercial officer in 2022, will help accelerate its Lace Up growth plan.

  Operations

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  Williams-Sonoma turns to AI to curb headcount growth

  Executives said the company is pursuing ways to drive additional savings with the technology during a recent earnings call. 

  Technology

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  J.C. Penney embraces social-first marketing with VaynerMedia hire

  The department store chain will take advantage of services like a social influencer seeding offering intended to boost relevance.

  Marketing

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  Consumer expectations for future plunge to 12-year low on tariff anxiety

  Pessimism about price pressures rose, with expectations for inflation in 12 months increasing to 6.2% this month from 5.8% in February, the Conference Board said.

  Consumer Trends

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  Bloomingdale’s merchant jumps to Macy’s to lead children’s, men’s

  Daniel Leppo, whose career launched 30-plus years ago at the luxury department store, brings merchandising strength in need at Macy’s.

  Operations

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