Uncertainty lingers, even as consumer confidence rebounds

There are signs of economic recovery and the end of the pandemic, especially in the U.S. But the outlook is uneven and rife with unknowns.

By Daphne Howland • June 2, 2021

Is the never-ending Sears saga finally reaching its closing chapters?

Most of what is left of the one-time empire is a footprint smaller than many regional retailers, and a whole lot of legal bills.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 1, 2021

Digital brand company Perch raises $775M to expand globally

The company scales Amazon third-party sellers and other direct-to-consumer brands, and the funds will help fuel its expansion.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 28, 2021

Turmoil at Sequential Brands amid late financials, strategic review

Since the fall, the company has lost a CEO and an executive chairman, and has tried to sell off assets while struggling to pay its debts.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 28, 2021

Athleta steals the spotlight in Q1 as Gap retrenches

The apparel conglomerate's namesake brand, which lost sales due to hundreds of store closures, has a lot of irons in the fire.

By Daphne Howland • May 28, 2021

Ulta posts record quarterly results as CEO Mary Dillon prepares to step down

The executive's last quarter at the helm saw sales and comps surge 65% from 2020. Both metrics also increased over 2019 figures.

By Cara Salpini • May 28, 2021

Gap, Walmart team up to unveil new home essentials brand

As the home improvement sector continues to see growth, the two retailers inked a multiyear partnership to launch over 400 products, dubbed Gap Home.

By Maria Monteros • May 27, 2021

Dick's sales surge 119% as it invests in stores, private labels

Even compared to 2019, sales at the retailer were up 52% as it prepares for the launch of the Public Lands concept later this year.

By Cara Salpini • May 27, 2021

Best Buy comes roaring out of the pandemic era with 37% sales growth

Stimulus and home renovations drove "extraordinarily high" demand at the retailer, which is preparing for permanent changes in shopping habits. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 27, 2021

Off-pricers bounce back in Q1

Supply is still a problem, but these retailers are back in the game. All they really needed was stores to reopen.

By Daphne Howland • May 27, 2021

Judge dismisses DC attorney general's antitrust suit against Amazon

The district's top lawyer said the court "got this wrong" and is reviewing further legal options.

By Ben Unglesbee • Updated March 21, 2022

Downsizing hurts Nordstrom in Q1

Last year's move to shutter 16 full-line stores hampered sales over 2019. Meanwhile, some analysts question a key aspect of its new digital strategy.

By Daphne Howland • May 26, 2021

Authentic Brands eyeing possible IPO: Bloomberg

A possible deal to go public could fetch a $10 billion value for the company as it buys up retail brands out of bankruptcy and distress.

By Ben Unglesbee • May 25, 2021

Tuesday Morning returning to Nasdaq after delisting

The off-price retailer is back on a major market after its Chapter 11 and restructuring, and is projecting optimism about the future. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 24, 2021

Visa, Mastercard face biggest challenges in a decade

Regulatory, legislative and court confrontations over the card network companies' fees are ratcheting up pressure again for reform of the behemoths' practices.

By Lynne Marek • May 21, 2021

Can banks win in the booming buy now, pay later space?

While buy now, pay later represents a niche of the payments ecosystem, banks should take note of what its growth says about the next generation of consumers.

By Anna Hrushka • May 21, 2021

Vans pulls up VF Corp as apparel replenishment begins

The hit sneaker brand is in comeback mode, but Europe's pandemic troubles and questions around inventory remain bumps in the road.

By Daphne Howland • May 21, 2021

Seeking a post-bankruptcy rebound, Tuesday Morning adds former Burlington execs to C-suite

The off-price retailer brought in Fred Hand as CEO and Marc Katz as interm CFO as it tries to stabalize and grow in the sector. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 21, 2021

Foot Locker to convert, wind down most Footaction stores

A third of the stores will be converted to other company banners, while "the majority" of the remaining fleet will be shut down as leases expire.

By Cara Salpini • May 21, 2021

Petco posts 'record' Q1, raises full-year outlook

The retailer has been able to ride the wave of increased categorical demand this past year as consumers turned to their pets for comfort.

By Caroline Jansen • May 20, 2021

L Brands says the government's pandemic relief drove $125M in sales and stoked profits

With Bath & Body Works sales nearly doubled and Victoria's Secret on the mend, the company named new CFOs for when they separate in August.

By Daphne Howland • May 20, 2021

Kohl's posts 70% sales growth as it rides consumer momentum in Q1

The retailer raised its forecast for the year — which would still leave it short of pre-pandemic levels — while touting new brand partnerships. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 20, 2021

Home Depot outpaces Lowe's in Q1

Even with restrictions easing, the retailers reported double-digit sales gains as consumers continue to take on home improvement projects.

By Caroline Jansen • May 19, 2021

Target's comp sales up 23% as its private brands hit record growth

The retailer's fulfillment services and portfolio of private labels across multiple categories have kept shoppers hooked post-2020.

By Maria Monteros • May 19, 2021

Knix raises $40M as it looks to expand retail fleet, grow brand

The intimates brand says it is on pace to generate $100 million in sales and is "highly profitable."

By Ben Unglesbee • May 19, 2021