December sales dip as consumers end the year more cautious

Many consumers are pocketing their fuel savings rather than plowing it into spending, due in part to stagnate wages. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 19, 2016

Lululemon hires former Target digital exec

Alan Wizemann helped develop Target's popular Cartwheel app. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 18, 2016

Retail Therapy: El Chapo's fabulous shirt choice and a finger-losing Wal-Mart brawl

Every week, we bring you some of the most interesting retail reads from around the Web. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Jan. 15, 2016

Wal-Mart to close 269 stores, shut down 'Walmart Express'

The retail giant plans to turn its focus to boosting Supercenters, fine-tuning Neighborhood Markets, growing its e-commerce operations, and expanding in-store pickup. 

By Davide Savenije • Jan. 15, 2016

China, e-commerce bolster Burberry's sales growth

Economic uncertainties have hit most luxury brands hard. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 15, 2016

American Apparel board rejects takeover bid from Charney-allied investors

Meanwhile, the bankruptcy judge overseeing the retailer’s restructuring says Charney and witnesses favorable to his return can testify at a hearing scheduled for Jan. 20.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 15, 2016

Lowe's to hire 15% more seasonal workers this year

The retailer has also hired a new chief human resources officer.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 15, 2016

Kohl's to replace J.C. Penney as Academy Awards sponsor after 14 years

The move will support the relaunch of the chain's private-label Sonoma brand. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 15, 2016

Tiffany emphasizes trademarks in new marketing campaign

The luxury jeweler recently sued Costco over the use of its name, which has become a common descriptor.

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 14, 2016

Best Buy holiday sales miss, shares fall 11%

Weak demand for smartphones drove the retailer to lower its sales outlook.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2016

Pitney Bowes buys cloud software firm to boost shipping logistics for e-commerce

The acquisition of Enroute Systems Corp. will help clients find shipping options and track packages.

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 14, 2016

Why Hudson's Bay bought Gilt Groupe

The flash-sales concept has more or less collapsed, but the purchase solves one of the model's biggest problems.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2016

Can the American department store be saved? 10 retail experts weigh in

After much instability in the space, one thing is clear — change is needed. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Jan. 13, 2016

Under Armour falls after analyst cites failure to appeal to women

The note comes as a surprise considering statements that the retailer would be boosting its offerings for women.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2016

Retail holiday hiring fell again as e-commerce grows

This holiday saw e-commerce sales rise 20%, by some measures.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2016

Closing stores may not be the saving grace retailers think it is

Many retailers are closing stores in an effort to boost profitability, but the move can have a short-term hit to profits without any guarantee of long-term improvement to performance.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2016

Amazon may be fined for hazardous warehouse conditions

How fair is that “disruption” in delivery or retail if it depends on either brutal working conditions, poor pay, or both?

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2016

4 forces retailers will have to confront in 2016

The winners will be the retailers who take the steps necessary to stay in control.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2016

Hedge fund urges Macy's to unleash real estate value

In a Monday letter, major activist investor Starboard Value praised Macy’s for its capitulation to the idea of selling off some of its property assets.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2016

Amid turnaround, Kohl's mulls going private

The retailer remains profitable but continues to struggle, and its board is seeking to head off activist investors.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2016

Charney allied investor group offers $300M for American Apparel

The new bid tops the range the retailer itself sets in bankruptcy court documents. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2016

Walgreens to sell Chicago-area clinics to Advocate

The move could help ease antitrust concerns over its proposed acquisition of Rite Aid, and is in contrast to CVS Health’s all-out bid to provide patient care.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2016

What China's troubles mean for retailers

The burgeoning middle class in China has been a boon to retailers. But things are changing, and retailers need to be on their toes.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016

American Eagle falls after disappointing holiday report

The retailer’s investors may need to be more patient and realistic.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016

Wal-Mart faces lawsuit over sale of bullets used in murders

The gun industry is largely protected from liability lawsuits, but circumstances in some cases could hold retailers accountable.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016