Stripe, now worth $5B, partners with Visa

The digital payments startup is teaming with Visa to develop web “buy buttons” that could compete with PayPal.

By Daphne Howland • July 29, 2015

Alibaba investing $1B in web services to challenge Amazon

This could really hit Amazon, which has leaned on the performance of its own web services unit to fund innovation on its retail side.

By Daphne Howland • July 29, 2015

Can American Apparel continue to keep its commitment to 'Made in the USA'?

If the retailer abandons its longtime commitment to U.S.-made apparel, it becomes just another apparel retailer getting its goods from overseas sources.

By Daphne Howland • July 28, 2015

EBay shutters same-day delivery and mobile apps

The moves are hardly surprising, as the company must figure out how to renew its strength as a marketplace.

By Daphne Howland • July 28, 2015

Nordstrom to boost its partnership with J. Crew's Madewell

Bringing in Madewell has been one of several successful moves Nordstrom has made to diversify its offerings.

By Daphne Howland • July 28, 2015

Retailers join White House on climate change pledge

As part of the pledge, each retailer has detailed some of the steps it’s taking to combat climate change and fight greenhouse gas emissions.

By Daphne Howland • July 28, 2015

Amazon's Prime Day could kick up July retail sales

Many have ridiculed Amazon’s Black-Friday-in-July event, but it could be a major uplift for this month's retail sales report.

By Daphne Howland • July 28, 2015

How retailers are selling the power of IoT

A dive into Sears' Connected Solutions hub and Target’s Open House reveals that a lot of connected devices have functions and price points that can appeal to the practical homeowner. 

By Daphne Howland • July 27, 2015

Amazon testing drive-through grocery store: report

At first many were surprised by Amazon’s push into grocery with Amazon Fresh, but it's a category that can help it challenge Wal-Mart and other retailers.

By Daphne Howland • July 27, 2015

Best Buy to be first non-Apple retailer to sell Apple Watch

Sales from the sought-after wearable could really help Best Buy ahead of the holidays.

By Daphne Howland • July 27, 2015

Neiman Marcus and consignment retailer The RealReal team up

While the resale market will be but a niche area for Neiman Marcus, this is the kind of creativity that a department store retailer needs these days.

By Daphne Howland • July 24, 2015

Amazon's market value tops Wal-Mart's as it reports surprise profit

There may be less scoffing at Amazon for last week's Prime Day this Friday morning.

By Daphne Howland • July 24, 2015

Antitrust watchdog calls for closer look at Staples-Office Depot merger

The American Antitrust Institute says that competitive concerns still remain regarding the merger.

By Daphne Howland • July 24, 2015

Wal-Mart takes full ownership of its Chinese e-commerce venture

Wal-Mart will buy the remaining shares of Yihaodian, a nimble e-commerce site that can help it reach the growing Chinese middle class. 

By Daphne Howland • July 23, 2015

Forever 21 creates fabric mosaics from Instagram photos

Retailer teams with Brooklyn's Breakfast for massive thread screen. 

By Ian P. Murphy • July 23, 2015

Wal-Mart ending 24-hour shopping at some stores

In a move that could be duplicated at more locations, the retailer will close some of its 24-hour stores around midnight.

By Daphne Howland • July 23, 2015

TJX, Kohl's face lawsuits claiming deceptive pricing

Will these lawsuits prompt retailers to start selling on value rather than inflated “compare to” pricing?

By Daphne Howland • July 23, 2015

Apple's iPhone sales way up, yet not up enough for investors

Apple also didn’t break out its Watch sales, but said they beat its own expectations.

By Daphne Howland • July 22, 2015

Nordstrom's Trunk Club service expanding to include women

The personal stylist service is now taking signups from women, and there’s already a waitlist ahead of an autumn launch.

By Daphne Howland • July 22, 2015

Dick's to take on Lululemon with new specialty women's stores

The “Chelsea Collective” stores will have athleisure-wear and sports gear for women, as well as accessories and beauty products.

By Daphne Howland • July 22, 2015

NRF cuts 2015 retail sales forecast due to harsh first half

The damage done by various events in the first half of the year will be mitigated in the second half, but not by much, according to the National Retail Federation.

By Daphne Howland • July 22, 2015

Amazon rival Jet launches today amid buzz—and questions

Jet has focused on dynamic pricing, promising the lowest prices on the web. Trouble is already brewing though, with reports that the newcomer is losing money on most sales.

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2015

Cowen: Amazon on track to become No. 1 US apparel retailer

Cowen and Company thinks that Amazon will leave even Macy’s in the dust within the next couple of years.

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2015

Kate Spade latest to move into yoga wear

Kate Spade seems to be revving back up after shuttering some lines and stores, with plans for athleisure, home goods, and more.

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2015

PayPal outshines eBay first day after split

PayPal loomed large in its new capacity as a stand-alone company, while eBay is said to be in need of a turnaround. But both companies must up their game.

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2015