Ross latest to furlough workers as stores remain closed

The off-price retailer doesn't run e-commerce, making the closures necessitated by the pandemic an even greater problem than it is for most.

By Daphne Howland • April 2, 2020

Fitch downgrades 9 retailers in a day, including Macy's, Nordstrom and J.C. Penney

Analysts with the ratings firm think sales could still be down in double digits for some retailers in 2021.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 2, 2020

Traffic grinds to a halt for apparel retailers, declines even for mass merchants

As stores close, e-commerce is not growing in tandem, and online discounts are shredding margins, Morgan Stanley analysts say. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 2, 2020

Macy's dropped from S&P 500

The retailer's departure from the agency's signature index of America's largest public firms is just the latest sign of its retrenchment.

By Daphne Howland • April 1, 2020

J.C. Penney furloughs store and corporate staff as closures extend indefinitely

The already-stressed retailer is cutting back capital spending and tapping its revolver as it weathers an unprecedented tumult. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 1, 2020

Neiman Marcus, Belk furlough workers and extend store closures

Like so many retailers, the privately held department stores are attempting to shore up their finances amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Daphne Howland • April 1, 2020

What do department stores do now?

With too many stores and not enough customers, the segment was flirting with disaster. Then came COVID-19.

By Daphne Howland • April 1, 2020

Urban Outfitters says it won't pay rent

The retailer joins several others in furloughing workers, delaying projects and shoring up capital as COVID-19 brings operations to a virtual standstill.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2020

Retail furloughs snowball as Kohl's, Gap extend store closures

With stores staying shut due to the pandemic, retailers are taking various financial measures and their lowest paid employees are adrift.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2020

Williams-Sonoma owes $1M to FTC over misleading 'Made in America' claims

The company's namesake and Pottery Barn banners falsely advertised the origin of several of their products.

By Caroline Jansen • March 31, 2020

Taubman tells retail tenants to keep paying rent. Some may be about to skip

The mall operator reminded those in its facilities that it has its own bills to pay. But retailers are doing everything they can to preserve cash.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 31, 2020

Macy's furloughs most of workforce as COVID-19 takes its toll

Less than a week after the department store took drastic measures to shore up its finances, the company says they won't be enough.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2020

S&P downgrades TJX, Bed Bath & Beyond on weak post-COVID-19 economy

In the short term, even strong players could be hurt. But with a recession likely ahead, off-price is well positioned, Credit Suisse analysts said.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2020

After GameStop's sales fell 28% last year, the pandemic has given it a boost

The retailer's comps are up 2% as consumers seek out entertainment and remote learning equipment. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 30, 2020

With zero sales from stores, a cash crunch is coming to department stores in 5 to 8 months

Cowen & Co. emphasizes liquidity, but that strength belies the reality that many stores are destined to shut for good, according to other analysis.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2020

Pier 1 granted approval to temporarily skip rent, supplier payments

A similar move was taken by Modell’s a week ago, as bankrupt retailers struggle with the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.

By Ben Unglesbee , Caroline Jansen • Updated April 3, 2020

Lululemon pushes ahead with growth plans despite coronavirus

As a strong player in a strong sector of retail, the athletics brand isn't pulling back on its goals of doubling digital and men's by 2023.

By Cara Salpini • March 27, 2020

Why isn't this store closed?

Some retailers deeming themselves "essential" might think it's profitable to stay open during a pandemic. But they may be wrecking their reputations.

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2020

Michaels, Gap, At Home, Container Store among latest downgrades on pandemic disruption

The underlying financial position of retailers across the spectrum is at risk as retailers shutter stores en masse and face shrinking demand. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 27, 2020

Build-A-Bear furloughs over 90% of employees

The retailer, with a brand based on in-store experiences for children, is unsure how many stores will reopen. 

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2020

GNC has stayed open amid confusion around 'essential' retail. Some employees feel unsafe.

At least one state disagrees that the retailer is essential, while employees worry about the lack of sanitation supplies and social distancing at stores.

By Ben Unglesbee • Updated March 27, 2020

B8ta announces corporate layoffs and store associate furloughs

The company is the latest to feel workforce fallout due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 26, 2020

Modell's seeks to extend bankruptcy suspension

Continued closures due to the coronavirus outbreak have stymied the retailer’s planned liquidation sales.

By Cara Salpini • Updated April 21, 2020

Designer Brands furloughs over 80% of employees

The footwear and accessories company is turning to e-commerce as remaining staff takes a pay cut. 

By Kaarin Moore • March 26, 2020

Walmart, Sam's Club offer rent relief to in-store tenants

The corporation is also moving to pay suppliers faster as supply chains feel the impact of COVID-19.

By Daphne Howland • March 26, 2020