Retailers hail tentative agreement between UPS and Teamsters

While industry groups expressed relief at the breakthrough, uncertainty remains unless and until the new contract is ratified by union members.

By Daphne Howland • July 26, 2023

As student debt relief ends, millions of consumers will have $300 less each month to spend at the holidays: report

Peloton, HomeGoods and Old Navy, along with most apparel and department stores, will be among the hardest hit, according to Earnest Analytics.

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside the 2024 holiday season

Retailers are navigating the effects of inflation as retail’s most important quarter looms.

By Retail Dive staff

Uncertainty around UPS is ‘kryptonite’ to supply chains, RILA warns

The Retail Industry Leaders Association on Wednesday urged the carrier and the Teamsters, whose contract expires July 31, to get a deal done quickly.

By Daphne Howland • July 19, 2023

Back-to-school spending to tumble 10%: Deloitte

Inflation showed signs of easing markedly in June, but it will take consumers time to adjust, and discounts are in focus, according to the researchers.

By Daphne Howland • July 12, 2023

Retailers brace for hit to discretionary spending, holiday sales as Supreme Court nixes student loan forgiveness

Apparel, home goods and electronics will likely be impacted the most as households pull back further in order to pay down debt.

By Daphne Howland • June 30, 2023

Changes to student loan policies set to hit retail around the holidays

Apparel retailers have the most to lose from the end of the pandemic-era payment pause, especially if the Supreme Court strikes down debt forgiveness.

By Daphne Howland • June 26, 2023

Duluth Trading to lean on new fulfillment center during peak season

The workwear retailer expects more than half of its direct orders will be handled by the Georgia facility in Q4.

By Max Garland • June 16, 2023

Amazon plans further improvements to Prime membership as Q4 sales slip

As the e-commerce giant focuses on further tightening its operations, it will continue to add to the many perks members enjoy, executives said.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 3, 2023

Hasbro slashes global workforce amid challenging consumer environment

The move is part of a reorganization that includes the COO’s departure and a shift away from consumer products.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 27, 2023

Off-price Rack drags down Nordstrom’s holiday performance

But the retailer's seasonal results reflect margin consistency, and its focus on inventory management could pay off, some analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 20, 2023

Inflation moderated in December, giving retailers some hope

The holidays led many consumers to buy more discretionary items, but they’re likely going to remain careful about their spending this year.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2023

Five Below to convert hundreds of stores to higher-priced concept

The discounter sees roughly twice the spend from customers who purchase Five Beyond products and has received positive feedback on the format. 

By Cara Salpini • Jan. 10, 2023

Macy’s lowers holiday sales prediction

The department store managed to maintain its guidance within its previous range, but its warning suggests that it lost market share, analysts say.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 9, 2023

5 trends that shaped the holidays in 2022

From deep discounts to metaverse activations, here are some of the biggest influences on the season.

By Retail Dive Staff • Jan. 9, 2023

US shoppers took on over $1,500 in holiday debt: report

Consumers relied on buy now, pay later, credit cards and store cards to finance their 2022 holiday spending, according to LendingTree.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 6, 2023

Winter weather stymied on-time deliveries in days before Christmas

Project44 data shows how challenging conditions on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24 soured what was overall a smooth peak season for last mile delivery performance.

By Max Garland • Jan. 6, 2023

Shoppers spent record-breaking $211.7B online during 2022 holiday season: report

Discounts also hit record highs, which were “strong enough to sustain discretionary spending through the entire season,” according to Adobe. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 6, 2023

Wells Fargo downgrades Target amid signs the worst isn’t yet over

The analysts, saying the mass merchant’s troubles may go deeper than many observers appreciate, have downgraded its stock.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 4, 2023

Total holiday spend grew nearly 7% in 2022: report

Though retailers saw an uptick in sales online and in stores this year, inflation has undercut growth, according to GlobalData. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Jan. 4, 2023

The Backroom: Ushering in the new year with Doug Stephens

What retailers should know about the realities of the metaverse and more futuristic observations from the retail prophet.

By Retail Dive Staff • Dec. 29, 2022

Patagonia to close stores, give employees paid week off for the holidays

The company says the decision is important for the quality of life it provides its employees.

By Nate Delesline III • Dec. 22, 2022

Holiday returns rise 57% from 2021: report

Consumers have become critical of their discretionary spending and may be returning to repurchase at steeper holiday discounts, Salesforce said.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 22, 2022

Fragrance sales spike for the holidays: NPD

The category outperformed overall discretionary general merchandise spending during key weeks, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 19, 2022

How Ulta is approaching its new store layout and the holidays

Chief Merchandising Officer Monica Arnaudo spoke with Retail Dive about store navigation, pricing options, and bringing mass and prestige together.

By Dani James • Dec. 19, 2022

How small businesses are navigating the holiday season

With the impact of the pandemic ongoing and inflation adding pressure, neighborhood stores are facing similar challenges as their big-box counterparts.

By Kaarin Moore • Dec. 19, 2022