A timeline of how the pandemic hit retail

Over the past year, Retail Dive tracked store closures and openings, as well as furloughs, layoffs, hirings and bankruptcies. Here's the story of 2020 in numbers.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 11, 2021

J.C. Penney revamps activewear private brand as the category surges

The department store, fresh out of bankruptcy, is upgrading its private labels and introducing new ones, a strategy Target has pursued with great success.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 8, 2021

Amazon shuts down its Pantry service

The move to close one of its earliest grocery programs comes as the company prioritizes its stores and same-day e-commerce service.

By Jeff Wells • Jan. 8, 2021

LVMH shakes up Tiffany ranks as the ink dries on $15.8B deal

Louis Vuitton executive Anthony Ledru has replaced Alessandro Bogliolo as CEO, while Rimowa CEO Alexandre Arnault joins the American jeweler.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 8, 2021

Christopher & Banks inches closer to the brink as it defaults on multiple obligations

Financial distress deepens at the apparel seller as it misses payments on the lease of its headquarters and other financial commitments.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 8, 2021

American Express expands small business perks as it reportedly falls under federal investigation

As the credit card issuer caters to merchants migrating online, multiple agencies are scrutinizing its sales practices, The Wall Street Journal reports. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 8, 2021

Bed Bath & Beyond's net sales slide 5%

The retailer attributed the declines to the sale of non-core banners like Cost Plus World Market and continued store closures.

By Caroline Jansen • Jan. 7, 2021

Retailers swiftly condemn riot that delayed Biden election certification

Some business groups blamed the president himself for inciting the pro-Trump mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 7, 2021

Beauty tech company Perfect Corp. raises $50M

The developer of virtual beauty app YouCam Makeup will use the Series C funds to further invest in AI technology and global expansion.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 7, 2021

Macy's continues downsizing effort with 45 more store closures

The department store is more than halfway through its previously announced plan to close 125 locations within three years.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 6, 2021

As comfort clothing grows, Athleta launches into sleepwear

The Gap-owned brand pitched sleepwear as a "natural extension" that could introduce new customers to its products.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 6, 2021

Family Video to close all stores as last-ditch effort comes up short

The last major video rental chain is throwing in the towel as the pandemic and disruption to Hollywood take their toll. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 6, 2021

The new retailer-landlord relationship

The pandemic has given many stores a new lease on life.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 6, 2021

Macy's replaces chief merchant after 2 years

Nata Dvir, who leads the department store's beauty and center core merchandising, will take the job next month, reporting to CEO Jeff Gennette.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 5, 2021

Crisis Management: How a bad Q1 and a small assortment turned into a good year for Mack Weldon

The DTC brand's bottoms business is up "well over 100%" year over year as the company capitalizes on comfort clothing trends.

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 5, 2021

New J.C. Penney holds on to key officers as Soltau departs

CFO Bill Wafford is among the executives staying on at the retailer as it searches for a chief executive under new owners. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 4, 2021

It's a done deal

Several retail mergers, acquisitions and partnerships closed at year's end and into the new year. 

By Daphne Howland • Updated Jan. 5, 2021

Jill Soltau leaves J.C. Penney

Soltau arrived two years ago as CEO, but the retailer filed for bankruptcy this year, exiting last month with two mall landlords as its new owners.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 30, 2020

DOJ sues Walmart, alleges it helped drive the opioid crisis

The retailer responded with a scathing statement accusing the Justice Department of ethics violations, factual inaccuracies and cherry-picking. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 23, 2020

Trump reverses course, signs $900B pandemic relief into law without changes

The House is expected to vote to increase payments to consumers to $2,000 from $600, but the Senate is unlikely to consider it before a new Congress is sworn in.

By Daphne Howland • Updated Dec. 28, 2020

Pet Supplies Plus to acquire some Pet Valu stores

After announcing it would wind down its U.S. operations earlier this year, 40 former Pet Valu locations will reopen under a new name as early as January.

By Caroline Jansen • Dec. 23, 2020

Crisis Management: How executives are handling a turbulent time in retail

From the moment the pandemic started, retailers have been in a relative state of chaos. Here's what some companies did about it.

By Cara Salpini • Dec. 23, 2020

Nordstrom brings supply chain talent into the C-suite

The retailer's digital sales increased to 54% in 2020, highlighting the importance of supply chain and omnichannel in serving customers.

By A.B. Brown • Dec. 22, 2020

Bass Pro parent to acquire Sportsman's Warehouse

The deal would create an outdoors sports giant in an era when sales in the sector are booming, with the pandemic driving consumers outside. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 22, 2020

Bath & Body Works turns to Ascena, Ross for exec hires

The company is switching up the team as it prepares to spin off the personal care brand, possibly in a matter of weeks.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2020