Amazon to use Plug Power fuel cells to boost fulfillment network efficiencies

The e-commerce goliath plans to power industrial equipment at 11 fulfillment centers with Plug Power’s GenKey technology, corresponding to faster charging times, reduced costs and energy efficiencies.

By Dan O'Shea • April 5, 2017

Target touts Victoria Beckham pre-launch events for REDcard holders

The retailer is rewarding its loyalty card and mobile app users while differentiating its home decor and apparel merchandise at a time of intense competition.

By Daphne Howland • April 5, 2017

Payless files for bankruptcy, to close 400 stores

The shoe retailer has entered into an agreement with its lenders that it says will allow it to make a speedy exit from the Chapter 11 process.

By Daphne Howland • April 5, 2017

Walgreens stumbles on sales, still optimistic on Rite Aid deal

While currency translations hit Walgreens Boots Alliance's international sales hard in Q2, U.S. pharmacy sales rose 3.7% year over year, accounting for 66.5% of the division's sales in the quarter.    

By Daphne Howland • April 5, 2017

Pier 1 taps former Kmart chief as CEO

Alasdair James had served as president and chief member officer of Kmart since 2014, but left in March, becoming the third high-profile Sears Holdings executive to depart within the last three months.

By Daphne Howland • April 5, 2017

Report: Staples exploring sale as Amazon threat escalates

Still reeling from its failed $6.3 billion merger with rival Office Depot, the office supplies retailer said last month it will shutter 70 stores in 2017.

By Daphne Howland • April 5, 2017

Petco acquires PetCoach, adding digital pet health resource to offerings

PetCoach co-founder and CEO Brock Weatherup will join Petco to drive growth through innovation and enterprise-wide, consumer-focused tech initiatives.

By Dan O'Shea • April 4, 2017

Fanatics buys Majestic months after winning deal to replace it as MLB partner

Fanatics and Under Armour last year teamed up to win a 10-year contract from Major League Baseball to make player uniforms and manufacture and sell licensed fan apparel.

By Dan O'Shea • April 4, 2017

Report: Q1 on track for worst retail earnings since late 2014

Retail earnings this quarter are on track to fall 6.8% year over year, the worst decline since a 7.1% drop in the fourth quarter of 2013, according to a report from Retail Metrics.

By Daphne Howland • April 4, 2017

Ralph Lauren shuttering New York Polo store, more closures to come

The fashion brand seems intent on rationalizing its store footprint after a global expansion that some analysts say left the company with too many brick-and-mortar locations. 

By Daphne Howland • April 4, 2017

Dollar General scooping up 323 former Family Dollar stores

As many as 100 corporate positions and 2,700 store jobs are at risk, and some Dollar Express stores will be liquidated.

By Daphne Howland • April 4, 2017

Nike signs Rory McIlroy to 10-year deal as Masters looms

McIlroy, the No. 2-ranked pro golfer in the world, has won 12 tournaments, including two major championships, since first signing with Nike in 2013.

By Dan O'Shea • April 3, 2017

Style guru Jenna Lyons leaving J. Crew

The fashionista put daylight between the brand's classic preppy aesthetic and rivals like Lands’ End and L.L. Bean, but sales have faltered over time.

By Daphne Howland • April 3, 2017

Uniqlo chief: We'll close stores if US imposes border adjustment tax

Many retailers are deeply concerned about the tax, which could devastate domestic merchants as well as their overseas counterparts.

By Daphne Howland • April 3, 2017

Walgreens reportedly preparing ultimatum on Rite Aid merger

The company may trigger a “certified compliance” declaration, sources told the New York Post, which would force the Federal Trade Commission to take action on the merger within the next few months.

By Daphne Howland • April 3, 2017

HHGregg to begin liquidation if no buyer emerges by week's end

Liquidation sales of the electronic retailer's merchandise, furnishings, trade fixtures and equipment will take place if no acceptable bids are received by Friday, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

By Daphne Howland • April 3, 2017

Sephora opens NYC Beauty TIP Workshop concept stores, debuts Tap and Try

Teach, Inspire, Play locations have digital signage, brighter lighting, a larger cash wrap and additional mobile POS stations, among other features.

By Dan O'Shea • April 2, 2017

Bankrupt Gander Mountain discloses stalking horse bid

The Minnesota-based outdoor gear retailer, which filed for bankruptcy March 10, is in the process of liquidating 32 stores nationwide. 

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2017

Gordmans gets reprieve from Texas-based Stage Stores

The regional department store chain will keep about half of Gordmans' stores open, and it plans to keep its name.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2017

Reports: Amazon, Wal-Mart escalate CPG pricing war

Amazon is bringing together major consumer goods companies to brainstorm packaging and supply chain reforms and to convince them to sell directly to consumers via Amazon Marketplace.

By Daphne Howland • March 31, 2017

H&M signals impending discounting, launch of new brand

After disrupting the apparel market with low-priced yet on-trend apparel, H&M is running into problems with changing consumer behavior.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2017

Report: Georgia bank could help salvage Cabela's-Bass Pro merger

Synovus Financial is in discussions to facilitate Capitol One’s proposed takeover of Cabela’s credit card business, helping the bank card products issuer sidestep a protracted regulatory review process and accelerating the deal's completion.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2017

Lululemon tumbles on bland spring merchandising miss

The retailer is facing stiffer competition and a saturated athleisure market, but its physical stores and global expansion will likely see it through, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2017

US Supreme Court tosses NY law prohibiting retailer credit card fees

The ruling "affirms the right of retailers to communicate honestly with their customers about the true cost of credit cards,” said Deborah White, senior executive vice president and general counsel of the Retail Industry Leaders Association.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2017

Landlords, cities plying retailers with cash incentives

Monetary incentives earmarked for improvements and moving expenses are becoming especially common in key New York shopping areas like Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue.

By Daphne Howland • March 29, 2017