The Latest
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How J.C. Penney’s new brand positioning is subverting consumer expectations
Out-of-home ads that don’t feature labels want consumers asking “It’s from where?” as the retailer pushes to modernize while promoting value.
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Trump excludes some electronics from reciprocal tariffs
Smartphones and electronic integrated circuits now qualify for the “semiconductor” exemption, but officials say sector-specific duties are coming.
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Frank and Oak accelerates closure of US operations citing tariffs, customs uncertainty
The Canadian apparel brand is liquidating amid a restructuring process and plans to close its stores.
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Opinion
Maximizing retail profits: Make every SKU count
Retailers need to take back control of their shelves, write Michael Brown and Roy Kamar of Kearney.
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Nike is still winning the teen market
The athletics brand ranked top for apparel and footwear, while beauty spending reached its highest ever, according to Piper Sandler’s latest report.
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Consumer sentiment plummets, inflation expectations soar amid trade war
“There’s been a sharp decline in consumer sentiment, and business sentiment measures have weakened too,” New York Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams said.
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The Weekly Closeout: JD Sports now ‘bigger than Foot Locker’ and is Rite Aid mulling another bankruptcy?
JD Sports said it has more market share in North America than its rival retailer, while the drugstore is reportedly contemplating refiling.
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Lovesac taps Crocs veteran as first chief brand and marketing officer
As chief marketing officer at the footwear brand, Heidi Cooley had a digital and social-first approach to driving growth.
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Sam’s Club to add 15 stores per year in plan to double sales
The Walmart-owned club retailer also intends to remodel all of its locations as it looks to reach more customers over the next decade.
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As TikTok Shop’s fate remains in balance, social commerce gains traction
The social media app with its popular e-commerce feature is in a state of suspense after a ban was once again delayed. Here’s a look at what this means for retail and how experts feel brands should respond.
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J.C. Penney operator axes 9% of corporate roles
The downsizing at Catalyst Brands comes less than two months after 250 corporate employees, or 5% of that workforce, were laid off.
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China raises tariffs on US imports to 125%
The increase takes effect Saturday, and the country’s Ministry of Finance signaled it won’t retaliate further if Trump hikes duties again.
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Harry Potter charms Chicago: Take a look inside the new store
The Magnificent Mile location has a “Goblet of Fire” theme and features the largest Butterbeer Bar in the U.S.
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At brick-and-mortar powerhouse Walmart, e-commerce turns profitable
The retail giant isn’t immune to tariff fallout but is maintaining its outlook, in part because it sees market share opportunity, executives said Wednesday.
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Trump pauses most reciprocal tariffs, hikes China’s further
The U.S. will now charge a 125% duty on imports from China, while most other countries will be subject to a 10% rate for 90 days.
Updated April 14, 2025 -
Small businesses may take the brunt of tariffs, even when they’re based in the US
Small-scale boutiques, brands and factories don’t have the deep pockets, diverse supply chains or flexibility enjoyed by chains like Walmart.
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Target beefs up online grocery offerings with ButcherBox partnership
The tie-up with the direct-to-consumer online meat seller underscores Target’s focus on expanding its grocery offerings.
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Harry’s Inc. rebrands to Mammoth Brands
The parent to the shaving brand of the same name is looking to build out its portfolio of brands, which also includes Flamingo and Lumē.
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Deep Dive
The enduring appeal of pens and paper in a digital era
Analog forms of communication are far from dead. U.S. indie brands are capitalizing on a dedicated customer base that has had to look abroad for special stationery goods.
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EBay taps AI to make listing easier for sellers on mobile
The marketplace is continuing to build on creating a seamless listing experience with new mobile AI tools.
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Amazon pilots AI app feature that can buy items from third-party sites
Buy for Me can purchase eligible products from third-party sites without customers leaving the Amazon Shopping app.
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Beyoncé’s Cécred tells real women’s stories in first brand campaign
Cécred also rolled out this week to over 1,400 Ulta Beauty stores and online, making it the biggest exclusive hair launch in the beauty retailer’s history.
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Tariffs are the latest test of beleaguered US consumers
Before the expansive levies were announced, spending power was already weakened by high prices and rising debt, among other forces, analysts say.
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Peloton names new COO, chief commercial officer
As a result, the retailer’s chief supply chain officer is leaving the business and the company is on the hunt for a new chief of information.
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Column
The Weekly Closeout: Hudson’s Bay hunts for a buyer and tariffs hit apparel hard
The department store is soliciting offers for part or all of its business. Meanwhile, one analyst said new tariffs put “all 2025 guidance at risk.”