Toy maker working on bid for Toys R Us

As the ailing toy seller winds down U.S. operations, it's putting $2 billion in discounted toys on the market. In a "sad synchronicity" in timing, the chain's founder has also died.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 23, 2018

Lands' End plots physical expansion as sales jump 11%

The retailer is plotting up to 60 new stores in the coming years after posting its best quarterly performance in three years.

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2018

Walmart expands CarSaver pilot to 250 stores

The program, launched as a pilot last year, resembles similar online car buying setups at Costco and Sam's Club.

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2018

Pottery Barn Kids bringing wholesale business to the UK

The banner this autumn is launching concessions at the largest department store in the region, building on a partnership with UK department store John Lewis that Williams Sonoma Inc. began in 2015.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2018

Sears exchanges debt, freeing up millions

Analysts with Fitch still see massive cash burn ahead this year for the ailing department store chain.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 22, 2018

Five Below plots further expansion as sales soar

The discount retailer is dialing back expectations for this year considering its strong 2017.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2018

Claire's private equity owners come under fire in bankruptcy

An investment fund holding some of the teen retailer's debt said in court papers that Apollo Global Management has "exercised unfettered control over" Claire's that should be scrutinized. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 22, 2018

Why is Lowe's struggling to turn shoppers into customers?

Traffic is booming, but conversions are falling. Does that mean the home improvement retailer's tech isn't all it's cracked up to be? 

By Corinne Ruff • March 22, 2018

Sephora launches 30-day exclusives to drive traffic

The new products, part of the "First at Sephora" program, will bypass even the brand's own sites and stores, selling exclusively at Sephora for 30 days after each debut.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2018

Nordstrom to kick off men's store with Stadium Goods partnership

The new store, slated to open April 12 in New York City, will feature a sneaker-filled Stadium Goods concept space.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2018

Walmart's Marc Lore: We're staying the course

In spite of a decline from 2017's e-commerce sales gains, it's business as usual for Walmart and Jet, with more acquisitions planned to win with millennials.

By Laura Heller • March 21, 2018

Nordstrom family's go-private effort is kaput

The founding family wasn't able to top an offer, which the department store's board earlier this month rejected as "inadequate." 

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

Amazon, AARP reportedly working on tech for seniors

The two companies have been in talks about how to improve technology for older Americans since 2015, according to CNBC.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

The Children's Place ties up with China's biggest kids apparel retailer

The move follows a strong fourth quarter — with sales growing more than 9% — and shows the children's apparel retailer still has plenty of room for further gains.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

KB Toys plots a comeback as Toys R Us collapses

As the toy retailer winds down operations, a business that revives old brands is trying to bring back defunct KB Toys — with Toys R Us employees.

By Ben Unglesbee • March 21, 2018

Walmart opening FedEx Office locations in 500 stores

The companies piloted the effort in 47 Walmart stores in six states, and will expand in the next 24 months.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

Why retailers are prioritizing private label

Whether it's to protect market share from Amazon or meet demands for uniqueness, more companies are building out proprietary lines, but it doesn't come without challenges. 

By Corinne Ruff • March 21, 2018

Glossier's customer obsession is about stirring up conversation

During a keynote at Shoptalk, CEO Emily Weiss highlighted social sharing as one of the company's biggest drivers of growth. 

By Corinne Ruff • March 21, 2018

Why Lowe’s is doubling down on AR for mobile

The company partnered with Google Tuesday to launch an augmented reality-enabled feature showcasing the spring collection on its mobile app.

By Corinne Ruff • March 20, 2018

Joann eyes maker movement with new business program

The 75-year-old company hasn't done much beyond its usual sales to cater to the environment ushered in by Etsy a decade ago, but that's changing with JOANN+.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 2018

Amazon reportedly interested in some Toys R Us stores

The e-tailer is looking to expand its physical footprint with parts from the bankrupt toy giant, according to Bloomberg. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 20, 2018

Report: High turnover rate among top women in retail hurting the industry

The candidate pool for executive-level manager and C-suite positions at retailers and consumer brands is 83% white and 67% male, according to a new report from The Network of Executive Women.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 2018

Retailers speak out against China trade sanctions

An open letter to President Donald Trump from 25 major retailers said the proposed tariffs would "punish American working families" and increase the cost of household basics.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 2018

Walmart adding assembly services to 2,000 stores

The retail giant is partnering with odd-job network Handy to bring TV mounting and furniture assembly services, a move that comes as Walmart revamps its furniture offerings.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 2018

How Amazon Go went from press release to a real live store

Machine learning, computer vision and people are the secret sauce making Amazon Go go, executives said during a keynote at Shoptalk Sunday. 

By Laura Heller • March 19, 2018