Restoration Hardware promises growth after rough holiday quarter

Same-store sales fell 18% in the fourth quarter compared to a 9% increase last year, but the home furnishings retailer managed to beat Wall Street expectations.

By Daphne Howland • March 29, 2017

Rent-A-Center squirrels away 'poison pill'

The company's board of directors unanimously adopted a stockholder rights plan making it more expensive for any major shareholder to increase its stake, a move to discourage potential takeover bids.

By Daphne Howland • March 29, 2017

Wal-Mart promotes three tech executives amid ongoing Jet integration

The promotions follow other changes in the highest ranks of the retailer's technology operations, with several executives departing in recent months.

By Dan O'Shea • March 28, 2017

At Home's physical store focus helps push it to profitability

The home decor retailer also unveiled its first television advertising campaign, which will help introduce its brand to more consumers as its store count increases.

By Daphne Howland • March 28, 2017

Coach takeover of Kate Spade reportedly imminent

The move could be a boon to both companies, but rival accessories retailer Michael Kors may yet swoop in with its own offer.

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2017

Moody's downgrades J. Crew over proposed debt exchanges

The apparel retailer has struggled mightily in its turnaround, continually failing to recapture its previous place as a stalwart for the fashionable preppy set.

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2017

Finish Line poised to close more stores after disappointing Q4

CEO Sam Sato said the company shuttered 24 underperforming stores in fiscal 2017, and that it plans to close another 15 to 20 locations this year.

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2017

From deep discount to deluxe: Wal-Mart opens a new and improved store format

Polished granite floors, expanded local and organic offerings and a made-to-order pizza oven are just a few of the high-end amenities found in the new store prototype. 

By Keith Loria • March 24, 2017

Macy's new CEO pledges radical merchandise, pricing changes

Jeff Gennette promises a more nimble retailer with more inspiring merchandise — an effort designed to compete with off-pricers like T.J. Maxx that have stolen market share from department stores. 

By Daphne Howland • March 24, 2017

GameStop to shutter at least 150 stores this year

Digital downloads are hurting the retailer, though not as much as deep discounts on hardware and games at rivals, CEO Paul Raines told analysts.

By Daphne Howland • March 24, 2017

Five Below accelerates store expansion plans

The discount retailer is disregarding the conventional wisdom that growth is on the web — and so far it's paying off handsomely.

By Daphne Howland • March 24, 2017

Bankrupt Gander Mountain to liquidate 32 stores nationwide

The bankruptcy court approved liquidation sales while the retailer pursues a going-concern sale of its remaining assets.

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2017

Vendors pull back from Sears as bankruptcy fears mount

CFO Jason Hollar pushed back on media reports highlighting financial risks in the company’s annual report, but some vendors are taking no chances, scaling back deliveries and demanding better payment terms.

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2017

Bebe seeking to dump stores, move to e-commerce pure play

The struggling women’s apparel retailer announced that it’s exploring strategic alternatives and has retained B. Riley & Co. as its financial advisor.

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2017

Payless reportedly preparing for imminent bankruptcy

Up to 500 stores are slated to close, a number in line with plans announced last fall as part of a new strategy emphasizing big box stores over mall stores.

By Daphne Howland • March 23, 2017

Nike loses footing on revenue miss

The athletic apparel and footwear company delivered a solid quarter, but its results nevertheless rattled investors, sending shares down nearly 6%.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2017

How a border adjustment tax would wreak havoc on retailers

The proposed tax on imports could swallow $13 billion from six major U.S. retailers' annual earnings alone. Retailers and their trade groups are fighting back to stop it from becoming reality.

By Corinne Ruff • March 22, 2017

Sears Holdings acknowledges end may be near

The once-iconic retailer expressed "substantial doubt" in its ability to continue operating, according to its annual report filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2017

Ex-Gordmans CEO, Stage Stores to bid on bankrupt Gordmans

Both are interested in running the company as a retailer rather than picking off its assets, which could be favored at a bankruptcy court auction.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2017

J. Crew ekes out profit amid sales slide

Its lower-priced, denim-oriented Madewell brand is faring better, but the bulk of its business is in the apparel retailer’s struggling flagship operation.

By Daphne Howland • March 22, 2017

Target's 'reimagined' store reinforces confidence in grocery business

The company’s redesign includes more grab-and-go foods, an enhanced produce section and pickup options for online orders. 

By Jeff Wells • March 22, 2017

ModCloth CEO: 'Our strategy doesn't change' after Wal-Mart deal

“[The acquisition means] we have more inventory purchases, more marketing spend and can open more physical locations... We have a bigger canvas we can paint on,” ModCloth CEO Matt Kaness said at Shoptalk 2017.

By Jason Ankeny • March 22, 2017

Francesca's prepares for growth despite flat same-store sales

The apparel and accessories retailer is defying mall traffic woes with nimble approaches in stores and online.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2017

Target CEO Brian Cornell: 'Our stores are driving digital growth'

During his keynote at Shoptalk 2017, Cornell said physical and digital activity are working in tandem to drive the next phase of the retailer’s evolution.

By Jason Ankeny • March 21, 2017

Amazon enables Alexa to place Prime Now orders

It’s another friction reduction for Amazon’s Prime members, at least for those in certain areas of the U.S.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2017