Nordstrom out early with pandemic-ready holiday guide

The retailer found ways to offer services virtually and has expanded its Trunk Club styling box to include kids, beauty and home.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 20, 2020

Amazon brings Black Friday deals early with Holiday Dash event

The initiative aims to attract bargain-seeking customers and spread those deals out over a longer period of time. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 20, 2020

Fisher-Price opens virtual toy museum on Instagram to seize consumer nostalgia trend

Timed around the holidays, the activation celebrates the brand's nine decades in operation and features an e-gift shop selling goods from parent Mattel.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 19, 2020

What September's retail sales rebound means for the holidays

As the U.S. faces another apparent pandemic surge, a wobbly economy and a national election, uncertainty rules.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 19, 2020

Nordstrom expands online order pickup to Rack stores

The retailer will offer fulfillment services at its off-price stores and hire 22,000 holiday staffers ahead of a season expected to be more online than ever.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 19, 2020

5 retail holiday predictions for 2020

In an unpredictable year it's hard to see what's on the immediate horizon — particularly when it comes to consumer spending habits. 

By Kaarin Moore • Oct. 19, 2020

Nordstrom, Balsam Hill partner for in-store Christmas tree lots

The department store joins other retailers in announcing holiday themed events to try and entice socially distanced shoppers to visit.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 16, 2020

On Prime Day, Amazon keeps the focus on its marketplace

But the e-commerce giant, more than either its third-party sellers or its rivals, probably got the most out of what may be the kickoff of the holiday season.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 16, 2020

US consumers reportedly seek bargains as employment picture darkens

The Labor Department reported a spike in new jobless claims, as GlobalData analysts warn that pay cuts and job losses are affecting behavior.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 15, 2020

Walmart spreads Black Friday deals throughout November

The retail giant plans three separate events that begin online and end in stores and will offer curbside pickup for sales event purchases.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 14, 2020

ICSC sees 1.9% rise in holiday sales

The trade group forecasts $862 billion in sales for the 2020 holiday season. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 14, 2020

Amazon brings delivery boxes to life with AR Halloween activities

First appearing around Prime Day, scannable packages may compel shoppers to engage with festive experiences beyond purchasing products.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 13, 2020

Walmart turns again to parking lots for family-friendly experiences

This summer the retail giant offered virtual camps and drive-in movies, and is now hosting Halloween and college football events.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 13, 2020

As holiday shopping begins, half of consumers hurt economically by pandemic

A new report from PwC found that many consumers are grappling with lost income and jobs, and a majority are also concerned about COVID-19 in stores. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 12, 2020

J.C. Penney, Kohl's latest to leverage Prime Day for holiday promotions

Amazon's red-letter event always attracts rivals, but in a year when retailers need to get going on the season, it's getting extra attention.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 12, 2020

Holiday sales growth won't reach 2% this year, CBRE says

E-commerce could surge more than 40%, however, eclipsing last season's record 14% year-over-year rise, according to a report from the real estate firm.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 12, 2020

In-store holiday traffic could drop by up to a quarter from last year

However, Black Friday will remain a popular shopping day for retailers, according to a report by Sensormatic Solutions. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 12, 2020

Black Friday's too late this year. Is Prime Day just in time?

The pandemic forced Amazon to postpone its annual sale event until now, and that could be an opportunity for all retailers this season.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 12, 2020

Target teams with FAO Schwarz for exclusive toy collection

The collection includes 70 items, and the iconic toy brand will also offer 300 of the mass merchant's products at its New York flagship.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris and Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 9, 2020

Retailers brace for more pandemic trouble

An uneasy economy and relentless disease outbreak are threatening a repeat of the second quarter as the holidays approach.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 9, 2020

Sam's Club adds 2K permanent supply chain workers, launches ship-from-store for peak

The company expects approximately one-fifth of online orders to ship from Sam's Club locations.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 9, 2020

Best Buy joins the Prime Day bandwagon with early sale

The electronics retailer is the latest to announce Black Friday deals on days that happen to coincide with Amazon's big event.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 8, 2020

Pandemic stimulus delay alarms retailers as holidays loom

The president sent several confusing tweets Tuesday, hobbling renewal of a relief package that observers have credited with bolstering sales.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 7, 2020

Amazon releases holiday gift guides before Prime Day

Shoppers can also use Alexa for inspiration by using prompts like "Alexa, give me holiday gift ideas," or "Alexa, find funny gifts." 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 7, 2020

Party City tapped by Nextdoor for Halloween AR ‘treat map’

The collaboration could inspire families to celebrate the holiday in a way that follows social distancing guidelines during the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 7, 2020