How long will the Nike swoosh continue to dominate?

Nike is hardly in trouble, but these days its most successful spaces — athleisure and footwear — are facing stiff competition.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 21, 2015

Petco said to be in merger talks with PetSmart

Like most retailers, pet supplies companies have increasingly faced competition from online and other retailers that have boosted their pet offerings.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 21, 2015

Amid tech push, Target envisions a future 'built on innovation'

The retailer is partnering with Techstars to bring retail start-ups to its hometown of Minneapolis, and hinted at a concept store that could include robots. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 21, 2015

Report: Both retail workers—and retailers—benefit from government aid

Retailers could come under greater scrutiny for benefits enjoyed by corporations, even as their employees turn to welfare programs due to low wages.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 21, 2015

Fed keeps interest rates near zero ahead of holidays

The move — or lack of one — plus continuing low gas prices are early holiday gifts to retailers.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 18, 2015

Target testing more personal services to lift store experience

One-on-one interactions not only please the customer, but also can help retailers determine which goods and services are in demand.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 18, 2015

Once-bankrupt Filene's Basement returns online

The discount chain had expanded rapidly but faltered in the face of established competition from T.J. Maxx, Marshall’s, and Nordstrom Rack.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 18, 2015

Holiday hiring to be mostly even with last year

Retailers have hired more people throughout the year, and those workers will be offered more hours at the holidays.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 18, 2015

Amazon adds to Prime subscription perks with free WaPo access

Prime members will get six months of digital access to the Washington Post, owned by Jeff Bezos, for free. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Sept. 17, 2015

Under Armour swaggers at investors meeting

The company’s growth is outpacing its rivals. And even though it’s not close to number-one Nike, it’s proving to be a contender.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 17, 2015

Toys R Us plans to hire fewer holiday workers this year

The retailer says it will offer more hours to existing and seasonal employees to make the cut.  

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 17, 2015

IRS hits the brakes on retail REITs

The Internal Revenue Service released new guidance that could curb the current enthusiasm for real estate spin-offs.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 17, 2015

Retail sales up as consumers undaunted by market woes

The American consumer seems unconcerned about global financial markets, which bodes well for the overall economy — and the upcoming holidays.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 16, 2015

How Macy's plans to revive its American department stores

As Macy's puts forth multiple initiatives to help it keep up with changing customer habits, the question remains if these moves are coming just a little too late. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • Sept. 15, 2015

New Etsy program helps sellers find manufacturers

Etsy's new database helps match budding merchants with manufacturers vetted for reliability, ethical standards, and other features. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 15, 2015

Ousted Men's Wearhouse founder launches tux-rental start-up

George “I guarantee it” Zimmer’s new venture takes a Rent the Runway approach to tux rental, a lucrative space in menswear.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 15, 2015

Beauty start-up Ipsy attracts $100 million in venture capital

The new funding puts the sample subscription service in a league with competitor Birchbox. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Sept. 15, 2015

Jet quickly climbs marketplace ranks a month after launch

It’s still early days, but a new ChannelAdvisor report says the e-commerce newcomer is already beating competing marketplaces that are more established.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 14, 2015

Analyst: Wal-Mart facing a 'ton' of pressure on many fronts

The world’s largest retailer says it’s just keeping up with its own goal of being the “everyday low price” retailer for the consumer.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 14, 2015

Time is running out for on-call scheduling

While "just-in-time" scheduling has helped retailers efficiently and economically staff stores, the havoc it brings to workers' lives may be more bad press than it's worth. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 11, 2015

J.C. Penney tests fast fashion with Belle + Sky brand

But its new CEO says the retailer has to clean up its supply chain act if the line is to succeed.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 11, 2015

Lululemon facing inventory pileup

After its shares fell, Lululemon sought to reassure investors that it can keep its prices at the top of the athleisure market it created, despite fierce new competition.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 11, 2015

L Brands, owner of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, ending on-call scheduling

As the practice of on-call scheduling has drawn more scrutiny, lawmakers and regulators are calling for an end to the practice. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 10, 2015

Amazon's Fire Phone snuffed out

Amazon has run out of Fire Phones worldwide, and isn’t making or selling any more.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 10, 2015

Court rules Costco knowingly infringed Tiffany & Co. trademarks

Many people use “Tiffany” to describe a common type of ring setting. But Costco’s use of the word may have led people to believe its diamond rings were from the famous jeweler.

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 10, 2015