What to watch in retail in 2026

From the trajectory of the department store segment to the rise of generative AI, here’s what Retail Dive is keeping an eye on this year.

Eddie Bauer files for bankruptcy, begins winding down all stores in the US and Canada

Going-out-of-business sales have begun and, unless the brick-and-mortar operations find a buyer, all 175 locations will close by April 30, per court filings.

Ulta Beauty taps women athletes for marketing push

The retailer teamed up with six athletes for its Ulta Beauty Roster as a way to show the “transformative power of both sport and beauty.” 

The Backroom: Saks Global and the bankruptcy that everyone saw coming

The team chats about their recent visits to Saks Fifth Avenue’s Manhattan flagship and brings in Debtwire analysts to discuss the retailer’s Chapter 11 process.

Saks Global brings back Neiman Marcus exec to oversee marketing, e-commerce

Cheryl Han, who joined Saks Global’s leadership early last year but left months later, has taken the dual role of chief marketing and digital officer.

Lowe’s adds kids workshops to its loyalty program

The home improvement retailer is building out its MyLowe’s Rewards program with “great member-only moments,” Senior Vice President of Digital Commerce Joe Cano said.

The Weekly Closeout: Valentine’s Day spending to top $29B, Merit to raise prices

Consumers are budgeting roughly $200 on gifts for the holiday, per NRF, while the beauty brand is increasing prices on select products.

Walmart to add automation, robotics to Louisiana distribution center

The retailer’s $330 million investment, slated to start this year, is part of a larger effort to upgrade all 42 of its regional distribution facilities.

Border patrol, Canadian ire dampening traffic at Simon malls

CEO David Simon on Monday said he expects tariffs to continue to weigh on retailers this year, but shrugged off the impact of bankruptcies.

Who controls Saks Global’s IP?

Authentic Brands Group now owns 77% of the entity that controls a perpetual master license to Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

Amazon’s Q4 retail sales grow amid broadening assortment

The e-commerce giant will continue to carry luxury offerings, though everyday essentials were one out of every three units sold in fiscal 2025.

Under Armour CEO: ‘Most disruptive’ phase of turnaround is over

Revenue in Q3 was down 5% to $1.3 billion, but executives believe declines in North America have hit the bottom of their trajectory.

Retail’s risky AI commerce bet

As retailers race to meet consumers on external AI platforms, they risk losing data and direct interaction with shoppers. Experts say disruption has only just begun.

The Home Depot debuts Material List Builder AI

The technology helps its Pro customers quickly generate project material lists from voice prompts, emails, texts or existing documents. 

Walmart debuts latest Supercenter in Jacksonville, Florida

The mass retailer's new location features a fresh sushi bar and follows the opening of another Supercenter in the state about a month ago.

Nike under investigation for alleged discrimination against White workers

The activewear giant called the EEOC’s recent attempt to enforce an administrative subpoena a “surprising and unusual escalation.”

Designer Brands confirms layoffs

The parent company of DSW said the action was taken to simplify its organizational structure and reduce complexity. 

Canada Goose picks longtime executive to lead North America

Patrick Bourke has been at the brand for a decade and replaces Ana Mihaljevic as president of that business, where sales grew 20% at the holidays.

Coty partners with OpenAI

The company is weaving AI throughout its business as the technology serves as “an efficiency enhancer” for creativity and strategic thinking.

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. to acquire Tokens.com

The home retailer is building a tokenized investment platform, supporting its larger goal of being involved in home financing.

Private equity firm acquires Buddy’s Home Furnishings

The rent-to-own furniture company is gaining partners who “value our franchise network,” according to CEO Michael Bennett. 

Target, Walmart usher in new CEOs

Michael Fiddelke reiterated his top priorities after taking on the position at Target. Meanwhile, Walmart's John Furner paid tribute to his predecessor.

Supergoop taps Peloton vet as chief marketing officer

The appointment of Lauren Weinberg to the top marketing post comes on the heels of Melis del Rey becoming CEO at the end of 2025.

Amazon’s luxury storefront will carry on with or without Saks

Less than a year ago Saks Fifth Avenue began curating a high-end assortment for the e-commerce giant, but the two are now at odds.

Peloton lays off 11% of workforce

The move is part of the company’s previously announced restructuring plan that aims to generate $100 million in cost savings by the end of fiscal 2026.

Updated Feb. 4, 2026