The Latest
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Billions of pretax healthcare funds go to waste each year. Retailers want to cash in.
Some Americans lack an understanding of what products might be eligible FSA or HSA purchases, leaving money on the table for beauty retailers and period-care brands.
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Estée Lauder revamps IT leadership with transformation in mind
The global cosmetics company recruited Brian Franz from investment firm State Street to be its first chief technology, data and analytics officer.
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Funko hires supply chain SVP
Cliff Engle will oversee the company’s global distribution and logistics operations as it implements tariff mitigation strategies.
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The Container Store lays off 2% of workforce, pauses capital projects
The retailer, which exited bankruptcy in the new year, is working on a turnaround with less debt and a more streamlined operation.
Updated April 22, 2025 -
Tractor Supply debuts animal, pet pharmacy service
Tractor Supply Rx leverages the retailer’s acquisition of online pet pharmacy business Allivet as the company looks to scale its services in stores.
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Saks Global to close fulfillment center, cut 450 jobs
The luxury department store joins Kohl’s in being particularly vulnerable to tariffs’ impact on consumer spending, according to Moody’s Ratings analysts.
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Capezio sold after more than a century of family ownership
Argand Partners said it plans to “modernize” the dancewear brand through licensing agreements and product innovation.
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Target launches fresh florals brand Good Little Garden
The retailer is diversifying its private-label offerings as part of a larger merchandising shift, all amid consumer backlash to changes in its DEI efforts.
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Walmart tests Beauty Bars at 40 stores in tandem with spring sale event
The pilot program will allow customers to talk to beauty experts and test samples as the big-box retailer expands its presence in the category.
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Column
The Weekly Closeout: Small businesses sue over tariffs, Under Armour adds PE exec to board
A group of small businesses banded together to challenge the Trump administration’s authority to levy tariffs, while the athletics retailer added a board director from Sycamore Partners.
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Men’s Wearhouse expands ‘Made in USA’ program
The “American Bespoke” collection was designed in partnership with Joseph Abboud and produced in the company’s Massachusetts factory.
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Barnes & Noble plans to open over 60 stores in 2025
The bookseller opened 57 new locations last year after a decade of stagnant physical growth.
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Deep Dive
The complicated calculation of ending de minimis
While closing the duty loophole for low-value goods from China and Hong Kong may offer some benefits, the U.S. fashion industry could face challenges.
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Walmart to invest $6B in Mexico operations
The effort includes store openings under the Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenters and Walmart Express banners.
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Trade war puts US on ‘precipice’ of recession: Moody’s chief economist
The U.S. economy will likely begin to shrink “unless policy takes a very sharp turn here pretty quickly,” Moody’s Chief Economist Mark Zandi said.
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Retail sales jump 3.6% in March as consumers anticipate tariffs
Last month’s growth may be ephemeral given economic uncertainty, analysts warned.
Updated April 16, 2025 -
The Vitamin Shoppe to be sold to private equity for nearly $195M
Kingswood Capital Management and Performance Investment Partners have agreed to acquire the vitamin and supplements retailer from Franchise Group.
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Etsy to customers: Buy local, avoid tariffs
The global marketplace has advice for consumers and sellers alike, but warns that U.S. trade policy is sure to change again in coming days and weeks.
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How retailers are connecting with younger shoppers
From Sephora embracing its status as a Gen Alpha “playground” to Coach’s Gen Z-focused store concept, retailers are leaning in.
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Retrieved from Walmart.
Walmart will use geospatial tech to power delivery
The data-science capability redefines the retailer’s delivery maps to expand the channel’s reach and accessibility.
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Target CEO, Rev. Al Sharpton to meet following DEI changes
The civil rights activist said he is mulling a boycott of the mass merchant, which scaled back its diversity programs in January.
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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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L’Oréal taps Google’s generative AI tools for content creation
While the company uses the technology to speed its creative process, L'Oréal said it would not create images of people for marketing campaigns.
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Ulta brings on Revolution Beauty CEO as chief merchandising and digital officer
Lauren Brindley, who will join in June as current chief merchant Monica Arnaudo retires, will also oversee the retailer’s upcoming marketplace.
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What troubles shoppers when searching online
Creating clear product landing pages that turn customer concerns into searchable content are key to help shoppers find what they’re looking for.