Getting ready for future-proof retail finance

As its growth outpaced its technology, here’s how one retailer prioritized digital acceleration to transform its finance function — for seamless agility, flexibility and rapid ROI.

April 12, 2021

Nordstrom lightens financial burden taken on amid pandemic with $675M bond sale

The retailer compromised treasured assets and took on new leverage as COVID-19 created financial turmoil. The new capital helps turn back the clock. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 9, 2021

Moody's sees sustainability as opportunity for fashion, despite costs

Diminishing resources and mounting pressure from consumers and regulators are forcing apparel brands to adopt more eco-friendly practices.

By Daphne Howland • April 9, 2021

Retail defaults to decline — but will still be high: Moody's

Bankruptcies hit record highs in 2020. The pace already slowed, but uncertainty remains, and weaker retailers are still vulnerable. 

By Ben Unglesbee • April 8, 2021

Tailored Brands left bankruptcy and quickly unravelled. What's next?

The menswear retailer is searching for its footing after running into liquidity problems and legal fights immediately after exiting Ch. 11.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 8, 2021

Bluemercury introduces Klarna installment payments in stores

Consumers are interested in buying cosmetics in stores again and plan to do so as vaccine distribution continues, according to a Klarna study. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 8, 2021

Serta appoints new leadership, including chief commercial officer and COO

Shelley Huff, the current CEO of the company's Tuft & Needle business, will take on the additional chief operating officer role.

By Caroline Jansen • April 7, 2021

Target to spend over $2B with Black-owned companies by 2025

The retailer intends to add products from over 500 Black-owned businesses in several categories and launch resources to help vendors scale their operations.

By Maria Monteros • April 7, 2021

Mall vacancy rate hits another record high

The mall vacancy rate hit 11.4% in the first quarter, a 90-point jump from last quarter and a 0.4% hike over last year, according to Moody's Analytics.

By Daphne Howland • April 7, 2021

J. Crew elevates Madewell execs to tackle marketing, digital

Three of four appointments to the company's senior management team are Madewell execs gaining more responsibility.

By Maria Monteros • April 7, 2021

Gap designs fulfillment system to prioritize 'most valuable' customers

Delivery speeds will be tiered as gold, silver and bronze, which the CEO said would help manage costs.

By A.B. Brown • April 7, 2021

The Collected Group exits bankruptcy

The owner Joie, Equipment and Current/Elliott is looking to grow its digital and wholesale business after stumbling in the pandemic.

By Ben Unglesbee • Updated June 7, 2021

Brookfield mall REIT to be sold for $6.5B

The landlord earlier this year said going private would provide more flexibility managing its portfolio, as malls decline further during the pandemic.

By Daphne Howland • April 5, 2021

The omnichannel age is here — and it’s expensive

Store pickup of online orders grew by triple digits amid the pandemic. Retailers are now scrambling to become more efficient sellers across channels.

By Ben Unglesbee • April 5, 2021

With $155M in fresh capital, Harry's looks to add more brands

A year after its deal with Schick owner Edgewell was called off, the company behind Harry's, Flamingo, Cat Person and Headquarters is expanding.

By Caroline Jansen • April 1, 2021

Walgreens to launch digital bank accounts this year

The accounts will be available to customers online and at 9,000 Walgreens locations in the second half of 2021.

By Anna Hrushka • April 1, 2021

Malls tout proposed changes to REIT rules as good for retailers

But legislation that would alter longstanding tax policy and make it easier for landlords to buy their tenants is more likely an attempt to save the mall.

By Daphne Howland • Updated April 1, 2021

Chewy reports first quarterly profit as sales rise 51%

Buoyed by increased pet adoptions last year and heightened e-commerce demand, the online pet retailer continues to reap the benefits.

By Caroline Jansen • March 31, 2021

Lululemon more than doubles e-commerce in 2020

That benchmark was initially expected in 2023, and the company also remains on track to double men's and quadruple international by then.

By Cara Salpini • March 31, 2021

Months out of bankruptcy, Neiman Marcus refinances $1.1B in debt

The luxury retailer kicked out maturities and reduced interest expenses as it tries to find its footing in a changed sector. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 31, 2021

Citing privacy concerns, some online marketplaces move against seller transparency

EBay, Etsy, Mercari, OfferUp and Poshmark have banded together against a Senate bill aimed at curtailing sales of fake and stolen goods.

By Daphne Howland • March 30, 2021

Bed Bath & Beyond brings in Walmart, Wayfair vets to support digital operations

Jill Pavlovich and Jake Griffith will help grow the company's $3 billion online business as it works toward becoming an "omni-always" retailer.

By Caroline Jansen • March 30, 2021

GameStop hires Amazon vet as chief growth officer

The retailer is filling out its upper ranks with e-commerce specialists as it tries to transition to a more digital era of gaming. 

By Ben Unglesbee • March 30, 2021

Drew Barrymore launches cookware brand at Walmart

The actress teamed up with Made by Gather to produce over 150 products in the Beautiful Kitchenware collection. 

By Maria Monteros • March 29, 2021

Wells Fargo sees permanent consumer behavior shifts from the pandemic

While the recent e-commerce surge is settling down, the channel gained new shoppers, according to a report from the analysts last week.

By Daphne Howland • March 29, 2021