Michaels ups balloons, party supplies as Party City, Joann disappear

With the pandemic-era crafting boom over, the chain is working to take advantage of market share opportunities.

Ikea expands small-format fleet with Dallas store

The 63,000-square-foot store, set to open later this year, will feature 3,200 products and marks the home goods retailer’s 11th store in Texas.

Trade war set to impact electronics, other discretionary products hardest

Small and medium-sized brands are poised to bear the negative brunt of increased tariffs on imports to the U.S., according to a new PitchBook report.

Lowe’s to acquire Artisan Design Group for $1.3B

The deal expands the retailer’s pro offerings and is expected to increase its total addressable market by around $50 billion. 

Moody’s downgrades retail’s outlook on ‘bleak’ prospects amid trade war

Apparel and footwear are especially vulnerable and off-price less so, though the impact of tariffs is industrywide, Moody’s Ratings analysts said Monday.

As TikTok Shop’s fate remains in balance, social commerce gains traction

The social media app with its popular e-commerce feature is in a state of suspense after a ban was once again delayed. Here’s a look at what this means for retail and how experts feel brands should respond.

Forever 21 creditors probe IP sale to Authentic Brands Group

The brand management firm quietly took full ownership of the retailer's trademarks and intellectual property licenses some time in the last five years.

As beauty continues to grow, TikTok Shop and Amazon will gain share

That comes at the expense of drugstores, department stores, mass merchandisers and even specialty beauty retailers, per TD Cowen.

Madison Reed lands in Sally Beauty

The direct-to-consumer hair color company continues to build out its roster of wholesale partners, which also include Walmart and Ulta Beauty.

Updated April 17, 2025

Trump excludes some electronics from reciprocal tariffs

Smartphones and electronic integrated circuits now qualify for the “semiconductor” exemption, but officials say sector-specific duties are coming.

Frank and Oak accelerates closure of US operations citing tariffs, customs uncertainty

The Canadian apparel brand is liquidating amid a restructuring process and plans to close its stores.

Nike is still winning the teen market

The athletics brand ranked top for apparel and footwear, while beauty spending reached its highest ever, according to Piper Sandler's latest report.

Harry Potter charms Chicago: Take a look inside the new store

The Magnificent Mile location has a “Goblet of Fire” theme and features the largest Butterbeer Bar in the U.S.

Consumer sentiment plummets, inflation expectations soar amid trade war

“There’s been a sharp decline in consumer sentiment, and business sentiment measures have weakened too,” New York Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams said.

Lovesac taps Crocs veteran as first chief brand and marketing officer

As chief marketing officer at the footwear brand, Heidi Cooley had a digital and social-first approach to driving growth.

China raises tariffs on US imports to 125%

The increase takes effect Saturday, and the country's Ministry of Finance signaled it won’t retaliate further if Trump hikes duties again.

At brick-and-mortar powerhouse Walmart, e-commerce turns profitable

The retail giant isn’t immune to tariff fallout but is maintaining its outlook, in part because it sees market share opportunity, executives said Wednesday.

J.C. Penney operator axes 9% of corporate roles

The downsizing at Catalyst Brands comes less than two months after 250 corporate employees, or 5% of that workforce, were laid off.

Sam’s Club to add 15 stores per year in plan to double sales

The Walmart-owned club retailer also intends to remodel all of its locations as it looks to reach more customers over the next decade.

Small businesses may take the brunt of tariffs, even when they’re based in the US

Small-scale boutiques, brands and factories don’t have the deep pockets, diverse supply chains or flexibility enjoyed by chains like Walmart.

Trump pauses most reciprocal tariffs, hikes China’s further

The U.S. will now charge a 125% duty on imports from China, while most other countries will be subject to a 10% rate for 90 days.

Updated April 14, 2025

Target beefs up online grocery offerings with ButcherBox partnership

The tie-up with the direct-to-consumer online meat seller underscores Target’s focus on expanding its grocery offerings.

The enduring appeal of pens and paper in a digital era

Analog forms of communication are far from dead. U.S. indie brands are capitalizing on a dedicated customer base that has had to look abroad for special stationery goods. 

Harry’s Inc. rebrands to Mammoth Brands

The parent to the shaving brand of the same name is looking to build out its portfolio of brands, which also includes Flamingo and Lumē.

EBay taps AI to make listing easier for sellers on mobile

The marketplace is continuing to build on creating a seamless listing experience with new mobile AI tools.