Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
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‘Everybody benefits’: Why the beauty industry needs to get serious about accessible packaging
Rare Beauty and Target have taken steps to develop guidance around universally accessible design. But the industry isn’t prioritizing it yet.
Caroline Jansen • Oct. 14, 2024 -
No, not all companies are abandoning diversity, equity and inclusion. Here’s why.
Amid a high-profile backlash, many businesses are scrutinizing their policies. But the vast majority end up sticking with DEI, in part because it’s key to growth.
Daphne Howland • Sept. 23, 2024 -
How couponing communities are still thriving
Though it's been over a decade since TLC aired Extreme Couponing, shoppers are still deal-hunting — the methods have just changed.
Xanayra Marin-Lopez • Sept. 18, 2024 -
Temu and Shein packages are flooding delivery networks. Will the surge persist?
Parcel carriers are counting on the e-commerce companies to adapt to any potential de minimis changes, as many have come to rely on the added volume.
Max Garland • Sept. 4, 2024 -
Kevin Plank can’t let go of Under Armour. Is that hampering a turnaround?
Three CEOs have come and gone in the four years since Plank stepped down. Now, the sportswear brand’s founder is back with another plan to revive the brand amid flagging sales and relevance.
Cara Salpini • Aug. 19, 2024 -
As retail media networks widen their scope, is a reckoning inbound?
Expanding into offsite media like open-web programmatic could alleviate supply pressures but opens a whole new can of worms for the category.
Peter Adams • July 31, 2024 -
And just like that, Google won’t be deprecating cookies. What now?
The tech giant backed off plans to implement a huge shift in digital marketing that faced pushback from adland and regulators around the world.
Chris Kelly • July 23, 2024 -
Tractor Supply may have thought it solved a big problem. Now it has a few more.
The retailer retreated from its diversity and climate goals after an “anti-woke” protest on social media — and ignited a backlash.
Daphne Howland • July 11, 2024 -
Macy’s and J.C. Penney have two very different real estate strategies
One has a downsizing plan that includes profitable stores. The other plans to keep — and possibly open — even low-volume stores. What’s going on?
Daphne Howland • May 16, 2024 -
Golf fashion moves into the mainstream
A new line from Tiger Woods, LVMH's latest collaboration with Tyler, the Creator and indie brands are helping to bring the sport from performance wear to streetwear.
Howard Ruben • April 16, 2024 -
Why more tech in stores shouldn’t mean fewer workers
Stores can automate more tasks than ever, including pricing, inventory management and checkout. But for theft prevention, customer service and brand engagement, they need humans.
Daphne Howland • April 10, 2024 -
What is ‘organized retail crime,’ exactly?
It depends, and it doesn't help that many retailers don’t have a good handle on lost inventory, experts say.
Daphne Howland • April 3, 2024 -
Why the latest TikTok ban attempt is different — and what it means for marketers
A ban could benefit Meta, weakening competition and options for advertisers, while a potential suitor will need to be well-versed in data management.
Jessica Deyo • March 26, 2024 -
7 reasons why everyone’s confused about shrink and theft
There’s even less data about retail crime now that the National Retail Federation has retracted a key claim about its impact. What’s going on?
Daphne Howland • Jan. 24, 2024 -
Can retail sell hygge?
The Scandinavian concept of cozy gatherings and togetherness fits in well with the holidays. Until the excessive purchasing begins.
Cara Salpini • Dec. 24, 2023 -
Retailers have a crime problem. It’s in the numbers.
The issue is complex and often clouded by imprecise data. Sometimes from the industry itself.
Daphne Howland • Nov. 29, 2023 -
Rocking the boat shoe: Sperry’s search for a lifeline
Wolverine is looking to unload its 88-year-old lifestyle footwear brand, but finding the right buyer is a hard sell.
Lara Ewen • Nov. 20, 2023 -
The rise of the Stanley tumbler: How a 110-year-old brand achieved viral success
The brand had long been marketed to workmen and outdoorsmen. But with the help of a group of influencers, the company unlocked the power of women selling to women.
Caroline Jansen • Nov. 14, 2023 -
By the numbers: How retailers stack up on inventory
Going into Q3, many major players cleaned up their inventories after last year’s surge in stock levels, with benefits to margins. Not everyone fared equally, however.
Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 19, 2023 -
Toy retail rides pop culture wave to new heights
Leaders at Amazon and Mattel say movies and nostalgia help drive strong consumer interest for iconic brands ahead of the holiday shopping season.
Nate Delesline III • Oct. 16, 2023 -
How Gap lost its khaki soul
Can the brand that once defined and even elevated American style get its vibe back?
Daphne Howland • Oct. 16, 2023 -
Is Amazon just another retailer? The Federal Trade Commission doesn’t think so.
The e-commerce giant and others skeptical of the commission’s antitrust claims say the FTC has an uphill court battle, in part because Amazon’s behavior is just old-fashioned retail.
Daphne Howland • Oct. 3, 2023 -
11 retailers at risk of bankruptcy in 2023
From Joann and Rite Aid to Petco and The Container Store, here’s who’s most at risk in the next 12 months.
Cara Salpini • Oct. 2, 2023 -
Can Express survive a new era of apparel?
As profits decline and momentum slows, the retailer is working to regain profitability and expand its brand in a tough macroeconomic environment.
Nate Delesline III • Sept. 25, 2023 -
Why EBITDA has such a strong hold on retail
Is it the “Wild West” of measures or a fair predictor of long-term success? Either way, retailers won’t quit talking about EBITDA.
Dani James • Sept. 25, 2023