Alibaba, Marriott teaming up to court travelers

The travel industry is an important growth opportunity in light of the estimated 700 million trips that China's travelers are expected to take over the next five years, the companies said.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 8, 2017

Appear Here, Square host competition for pop-up store space

Entrepreneurs have the chance to fast-track their ideas from concept to storefront, with three winners receiving a two-week stint on a major shopping street.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 7, 2017

Sprouts CEO says Amazon partnership could expand to 50% of stores

The retailer, which reported strong earnings last week, said it plans to increase the number of stores delivering through Amazon Prime Now from 10 to 20 by the end of 2017.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 7, 2017

Adidas muscles in on Nike, Under Armour with 66% e-commerce sales jump

The German athletic wear company has pivoted to street styles to drive much of its success, but still lags on mobile.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 7, 2017

Moody's: Retail is still 'fundamentally healthy'

Despite store closures, layoffs and bankruptcies stealing headlines, the retail industry isn't doomed — it's just being forced to change at a rapid clip.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 7, 2017

Otterbox opening first retail store

As other retailers shrink their brick-and-mortar footprint, the electronics accessories brand is opening a store in its Colorado hometown that features its expanding line of products. 

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 7, 2017

Gap to shutter operations in Australia

OrotonGroup, which runs the franchise Down Under, is closing its six Gap locations while trying to execute a turnaround.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 7, 2017

L.L. Bean tops Amazon in customer service

Amazon was no. 2, followed by Lands’ End, Fingerhut and Kohl’s, according to a report by Prosper Insights & Analytics.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 7, 2017

Walmart prepared to fight back against Aldi and Lidl

The two German supermarkets are killing Walmart's Asda business in the U.K. — and now the pressure is on for Walmart's U.S. stores as well.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 4, 2017

Retail job cuts defy national trends

July retail job cuts are 46.7% higher this year than in the year-ago period. 

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 3, 2017

Amazon Jobs Day: Why more than 20k showed up to apply

Amazon confronts the supply chain talent shortage by hiring for character qualities instead of skillsets, and manages to ding Walmart in the process. 

By Ryan Golden , Kate Patrick Macri • Aug. 3, 2017

Line Friends opens flagship store in Times Square

The brand’s characters, which hail from a popular Japanese messaging app, demonstrate the rise of digital-first retailers.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 3, 2017

Study: 73% of retail execs see bonuses slashed

As retailers turn to discounting and coupons to drive traffic, their leaders are seeing bonuses and compensation discounted to match the poor earnings.    

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 3, 2017

Target accelerator grad Branch Messenger raises $6.8M

Getting early mentoring from Target and Techstars really paid off for work scheduling app creator Branch Messenger.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 3, 2017

Costco founder dies at 74

Jeff Brotman, along with co-founder and former CEO Jim Sinegal, long touted the superior pay, benefits and working conditions that Costco has become known for.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 2, 2017

Blue Apron, Wayfair and Ascena top list of 'hot 100' retailers

The fast-growing retailers led the pack with differentiated merchandise and compelling shopping experiences, but even they are under severe pressure.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 2, 2017

Forrester: US retail sales expand to $3.56T

While e-commerce is rising and topping 10% of all sales, stores remain important. Retailers should stop neglecting them, Forrester researchers say.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 2, 2017

West Elm to open new hotel in Portland, Maine

The furniture retailer's boutique hotels offer customers a unique way to purchase furniture — after actually using it.

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 2, 2017

Tuft & Needle taps Amazon tech for new Seattle store

Many online sellers struggle with how much they should let Amazon take control of their sales and inventory, but Tuft & Needle is counting on the e-commerce giant for brick-and-mortar in-store tech and fulfillment.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 1, 2017

Under Armour shedding 2% of its workforce

The sports apparel retailer announced a restructuring plan after a second quarter that saw North American sales stalling and a $12 million net loss. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 1, 2017

Retail sales per square foot in decline

E-commerce isn't the only culprit — there are also too many stores. But shuttered storefronts contribute to lagging online sales. 

By Daphne Howland • Aug. 1, 2017

Shopicks’ mobile shopping platform rebrands as Thinkover

The move aims to broaden the utility of the company's app across sectors as it aims to be a resource for shoppers mulling product purchases.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 1, 2017

Lowe's builds up in-home assistance for DIY contest winners

The retailer's Upskill Project aims to boost customer confidence about tackling home improvements tasks — and make loyal customers at the same time.

By Dan O'Shea • Aug. 1, 2017

Activist investor urges Dillard's to sell off its real estate

Snow Park Capital has bought up 2% of the department store retailer's Class A stock and wants the company to cash in on its owned store properties. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 1, 2017

Walmart makes changes to its food leadership team

The retailer is shuffling employees within the produce, bakery and deli departments to better equip it for growth in the months and years ahead, according to a company memo obtained by Reuters.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 1, 2017