What retail could look like when stores reopen

Retailers have closed their doors to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. But things might not revert back once they open again, according to experts.

By Caroline Jansen • April 15, 2020

Neiman Marcus downgraded as COVID-19 closures sharpen need for restructuring

A massive debtload has created even more pressure on the luxury department store chain as it closes its doors amid the pandemic. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 15, 2020

True Religion seeks shelter from pandemic (and rent) in Ch. 11

The denim seller filed for the second time since 2017 after temporarily closing all its stores and seeing most of its revenue wiped out. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 14, 2020

COVID-19 wreaks havoc on inventories

Just when retailers had pared down thanks to a busy holiday season, merchandise is piling up again.

By Daphne Howland • April 14, 2020

Reuters: J.C. Penney considers possible bankruptcy

The retailer has enough cash to survive for now, but the combination of COVID-19 closures and debt have scrambled its turnaround efforts.

By Ben Unglesbee • Updated April 15, 2020

Macy's 'exploring numerous options' to shore up finances

Without sales from its hundreds of stores, the retailer is scrambling to pull various financial levers as e-commerce fails to make up the difference.

By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2020

New Walmart e-commerce exec leaves to take the helm at eBay

Jamie Iannone took the position at the retail giant only last month, after revamping the digital business at its Sam's Club warehouse unit.

By Daphne Howland • April 13, 2020

Department stores are most at risk of default, S&P says

The sector leads consumer industries with a 42.1% probability of defaulting on their debt, which spiked in late March as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 13, 2020

COVID-19 will both complicate and accelerate retail bankruptcies

Some retail Chapter 11s are on pause, with store liquidations effectively impossible. But a "wave" of bankruptcies is coming, experts say. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 13, 2020

Authorities order grocery workers and customers to cover their faces

Los Angeles, New Jersey and Miami are requiring those working and shopping inside stores to wear masks or cloth coverings, per CDC guidelines.

By Sam Silverstein • April 13, 2020

Nordstrom: Prolonged store closures could lead to financial distress

The department store may not be as bad off as some rivals, but it has its own vulnerabilities to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Daphne Howland • April 9, 2020

Ulta furloughs store and salon associates as store closures extend

The beauty retailer said it has "every intention of bringing its workforce back when it is safe to do so," and CEO Mary Dillon will forgo her salary indefinitely.

By Cara Salpini • April 9, 2020

Retail sales could remain down by double digits through 2021, Fitch says

Analysts expect many retailers to weather the pandemic crisis, but "notable exceptions" include J.C. Penney, J. Crew, Lands' End, Ascena and Party City.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 9, 2020

Away sales plummet 90% as COVID-19 curtails travel

The luggage startup's co-founders say the pandemic has forced furloughs and layoffs and gutted what had been healthy profit margins.

By Daphne Howland • April 8, 2020

TJX furloughs most of its 286K workforce

Off-price has managed to escape many of retail's biggest challenges, but not the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak.

By Daphne Howland • April 8, 2020

Imports reach 5-year low as COVID-19 hits demand and supply

Inbound containers fell more than 21% in March, per NRF estimates, as the pandemic disrupted manufacturing in China and closed stores in the U.S.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 8, 2020

Macy's CFO to leave in May

Paula Price, who arrived in the post in 2018, was set to oversee the department store's latest turnaround attempt, unveiled in February.

By Daphne Howland • April 7, 2020

COVID-19 forces layoffs at Le Tote, Lord & Taylor

The apparel rental company, which bought the department store last summer for $100 million, is operating online only until stores can reopen.

By Daphne Howland • April 7, 2020

Bed Bath & Beyond, 1-800-Flowers reach agreement over PersonalizationMall.com

The deal, which 1-800-Flowers allegedly tried to back away from, spurring the home goods retailer to file a lawsuit, is expected to close by Aug. 3.

By Daphne Howland , Caroline Jansen • Updated July 22, 2020

Amazon confirms indefinite Prime Day postponement

Usually held in mid-July, the event will happen later this year, with dates varying by location, the company said.

By Daphne Howland • Updated July 23, 2020

EBay pledges $100M to help small businesses move online

During a pandemic that has made e-commerce more important than ever, the online marketplace is launching tools to help small businesses transition.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 6, 2020

To pay or not to pay: Retailers are making tough decisions on rent and other bills

The opening salvos have been fired in a "showdown" between tenants and landlords as retailers try to preserve cash amid mass closures.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 6, 2020

Walmart limits store traffic to 5 customers per 1K square feet

The retail giant joined Target in adding queue​s at its stores in an effort to enforce social distancing as COVID-19 surges in the U.S.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 6, 2020

PVH may 'pack and hold' inventory until next spring

The company, which owns Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, hopes to regain the ability to sell at full price rather than dump goods to off-pricers.

By Daphne Howland • April 3, 2020

Target to limit traffic where necessary to ensure social distancing

The measures come as Vermont placed limits on what big-box retailers can sell in their stores.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 3, 2020