US consumer confidence rallies in May

Good news for retailers that have struggled to connect with middle-class customers: the gains are finally showing up among lower-income and younger households.

By Daphne Howland • May 16, 2016

J.C. Penney shares plummet on unexpected sales drop

Same-store sales fell 0.4% in the retailer's first quarter, compared to an expected gain of 3.2%.

By Daphne Howland • May 13, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

How artificial intelligence is shaping retail

More retailers are leaning on AI as a tool, tapping into the tech to improve customer service and support supply chain functions.

By Retail Dive staff

Analyst: One-third of malls will shutter in upcoming years

One in three malls and, for some retailers, a half of existing stores will have to close as consumers move online.

By Daphne Howland • May 13, 2016

Do or die: How retailers can innovate in an age of disruption

Pretty much everyone agrees the traditional retail model needs to change—how to do so is another matter. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • May 12, 2016

RetailNext: Sales at physical stores fell 3.6% in April

In-store shopping trends reflect changing shopper preferences for more differentiated merchandise, RetailNext said.

By Daphne Howland • May 10, 2016

How Birchbox uses Facebook Live videos to engage consumers

The online beauty retail brand believes live streaming can bring "people into the world of your brand."

By Natalia Angulo • May 9, 2016

L Brands shares plunge on weak Victoria's Secret sales

Shares fell 12% late Thursday afternoon to $70.85, a 52-week low and L Brands' worst tumble in six years.

By Daphne Howland • May 6, 2016

Forecast: Retail spending by Hispanics to outpace millennials by 2020

Growth in income and population across all age groups will drive Hispanic consumer spending increases in the years ahead, forecasters said.

By Daphne Howland • May 3, 2016

Survey: Target brand perception slides over transgender inclusivity

Before its April 19 restroom announcement some 42% of people told YouGov BrandIndex they’d consider shopping at Target, but that number fell to 38% last week.

By Daphne Howland • May 2, 2016

GNC planning to sell off more than 1,000 stores

First-quarter sales took a big hit after the supplements retailer heavily discounted products that were about to expire.

By Daphne Howland • April 29, 2016

Apple reports first revenue decline in 13 years

The technology company also reported the first sales drop for its signature iPhone devices, a strong sign that the growth of the smartphone market may be slowing down. 

By Davide Savenije • April 27, 2016

Simon Property Group CEO: Mall business as solid as it's ever been

David Simon dismissed e-commerce threats as his company reported healthy quarterly results and burnished its outlook.

By Daphne Howland • April 27, 2016

Wal-Mart ditching Wild Oats organic foods brand

The line of packaged foods was introduced just two years ago, but sales reportedly didn’t meet expectations.

By Daphne Howland • April 26, 2016

Retail Therapy: A different kind of high fashion

Retailers and nuns alike got into the 4/20 spirit this week, while athleisure made the dictionary. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 22, 2016

Will low-price wedding dresses disrupt the bridal gown industry?

An influx of lower-price wedding dresses have flooded the market—but does that mean that traditional wedding dress retailers are in trouble?

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 21, 2016

Macy's topples Kohl's in Harris Poll brand equity study

Macy's win, which comes as it's grappling with underperforming stores and other woes, speaks to its brand's enduring strength.

By Daphne Howland • April 21, 2016

Target: Transgender people can use bathrooms, fitting rooms of their choice

Retailers tend to shy away from controversial topics, but Target has made several moves to blur gender lines.

By Daphne Howland • April 20, 2016

How retailers can design a pop-up that pays off

Developing a successful pop-up store requires a huge amount of planning. But the rewards can be even more enormous.

By Daphne Howland • April 19, 2016

Athleta joins Lululemon with new tween athleisure line

The brand has emerged as a bright spot for parent Gap Inc. 

By Daphne Howland • April 19, 2016

US consumer confidence falls amid economic growth concerns

Consumer confidence fell for the fourth straight month according to the University of Michigan preliminary consumer sentiment index for April. 

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2016

Target's Marimekko collection fails to replicate Lilly Pulitzer frenzy

The newest collection with Helsinki-based design house Marimekko saw tepid response, according to news reports. But that didn't surprise or disappoint Target.

By Daphne Howland • April 18, 2016

Retail Therapy: The strange selling power of celebrities

How do you sell $80 furry sandals? With Rihanna, of course! 

By Kelsey Lindsey • April 15, 2016

Survey: Americans favor bargains over 'Made in the USA' goods

The vast majority of consumers say they’d like to buy American, but that it costs too much.

By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2016

The riddle of the post-purchase customer experience—and how to solve it

Retailers spend billions acquiring new customers, but repeat customers are even more vital to the bottom line. Experts explain how to transform shoppers into fiercely loyal brand advocates.

By Jason Ankeny • April 14, 2016

Report: Amazon Prime used by 70% of upper-income households

And half of all households in the U.S., regardless of income, are Prime members. 

By Daphne Howland • April 14, 2016