Deep Dive: Page 5
Industry insights from our journalists
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This DC neighborhood used to be synonymous with high-end shopping. Now it’s mostly abandoned.
Friendship Heights was once known for luxury retail in the Washington, D.C. area, but retail options have dwindled.
Julia Himmel • Nov. 22, 2021 -
Grocers chase the promise of e-commerce personalization
Customization tools like shoppable recipes and product recommendations are helping consumers cut through the clutter of center store. But retailers are only scratching the surface of what’s possible.
Sam Silverstein • Nov. 18, 2021 -
There may be more ‘teeth’ coming to board diversity efforts. What does that mean for retail?
Nasdaq’s diversity disclosure rule could be just the beginning as investors increasingly expect retailers to diversify their boards.
Cara Salpini • Nov. 18, 2021 -
Stock buybacks are back, baby
The largest retailers are spending fortunes repurchasing their own shares. Taxpayers are footing part of the bill while workers and investment may be suffering.
Ben Unglesbee • Nov. 15, 2021 -
These traditional brands are shifting to a DTC model. Here’s how.
Athletics retailers are in some ways leading this shift, but brands across the industry are doubling down on the model to grow margins.
Cara Salpini • Nov. 11, 2021 -
Is the fun ever coming back to holiday shopping?
The joy of the season wasn’t as prevalent last year. With the continued threat of the pandemic and rise of e-commerce, it hasn’t fully returned this year either.
Cara Salpini • Nov. 8, 2021 -
Why are department stores a target for e-commerce spinoffs?
Those who’ve declared the Saks online-offline split a success now want the same for Macy’s and Kohl’s. Here’s why they’re vulnerable.
Daphne Howland • Nov. 1, 2021 -
‘A gold rush’: Inside the rise of SPACs
Going public through blank check companies reached a fever pitch this year. Following stricter scrutiny from the SEC, the method’s future remains uncertain.
Caroline Jansen • Oct. 25, 2021 -
‘The market’s on fire’: What’s behind the flood of DTC IPOs?
While acquisitions remain the most popular exit option for online brands, public listings are on the rise.
Caroline Jansen • Oct. 25, 2021 -
Why acquisitions lead DTC exits
These deals provide brands with resources needed to grow their business: a robust supply chain, new customers and a wider distribution network. But they’re not without risk.
Caroline Jansen • Oct. 25, 2021 -
The anatomy of a DTC exit
As direct-to-consumer brands grow their businesses, an exit is a logical next step. For some brands, that strategy is born before their products even hit the market.
Caroline Jansen • Oct. 25, 2021 -
Is Best Buy undermining its storybook turnaround?
Layoffs and flexing in stores have taken a toll, current and former employees told Retail Dive. As one said, “You can’t have good customer service when you barely have any customer service reps.”
Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 15, 2021 -
Retailers are betting on wage hikes, perks to woo workers ahead of the holidays. Will it work?
Employers are offering incentives like sign-on bonuses, tuition assistance and higher pay to staff up, but challenges remain.
Maria Monteros • Oct. 11, 2021 -
How high is the ceiling for personalized beauty brands?
Function of Beauty, Proven and more have pinned their models to customizing products. But can you scale a business that’s unique to each customer?
Cara Salpini • Sept. 22, 2021 -
Is Stitch Fix disrupting retail? Or is it the other way around?
Recent changes at the apparel styling site suggest that e-commerce can’t always escape the realities of commerce.
Daphne Howland • Sept. 13, 2021 -
How REI is building an outdoor ecosystem around its customers
At REI, you can buy hiking gear, schedule a one-on-one appointment about how to use it and sign up for a 6-day trip to Yellowstone. Here’s why that works.
Cara Salpini • Sept. 1, 2021 -
‘You can pay or you can wait’: How retailers are navigating a shipping crisis
Consumer demand came raging back this year. The supply chain wasn’t ready for it, and now retailers, brands and consumers are paying the price.
Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 2, 2021 -
Reebok was meant to be a ‘Nike killer.’ How the brand lost its No. 1 spot
In the ’80s, Reebok was the top sports brand for a time. Now it’s dwarfed by Nike and Adidas. We take a look at the history of the brand, through the lens of the people who were there.
Cara Salpini • July 26, 2021 -
Dick’s is testing 5 store concepts. Here’s why.
Store revamps are also in progress, and the sporting goods specialist is expanding its private label reach as it looks to maintain a winning position.
Cara Salpini • July 19, 2021 -
The new toy store experience
Toys R Us went bankrupt years ago and hasn’t really been replaced. Here’s how others are designing experiences for a digitally enabled generation.
Cara Salpini • July 15, 2021 -
Is it ‘Day Two’ at Amazon yet?
Most analysts expect little change from Jeff Bezos’ departure as CEO. But he’s leaving unfinished business for longtime lieutenant Andy Jassy.
Daphne Howland • July 7, 2021 -
The rise of DTC holding companies
Why the founders of Pattern Brands, Very Great and Win Brands Group are betting on the power of building multiple brands under one umbrella.
Caroline Jansen • June 30, 2021 -
Customers love them. Investors love them. But which online players can survive in the long run?
As they seek scale, some of the fastest-growing e-commerce firms have a license from investors to burn cash. A business can’t lose money forever, though. (Right?)
Ben Unglesbee • June 16, 2021 -
The business of normalizing taboo topics
From periods and acne to sex toys and toilet plungers, DTC brands are out to disrupt every eyebrow-raising industry under the sun.
Maria Monteros • June 8, 2021 -
‘Something is changing at Ulta’: The legacy Mary Dillon leaves behind as CEO
She grew the beauty retailer from a regional player to a national powerhouse. Her departure marks the end of that high-growth phase.
Cara Salpini • June 7, 2021