Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
-
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 -
Who will pay to decarbonize the supply chain?
Some brands are helping their suppliers reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Others are dumping new requirements on vendors without shouldering any of the costs.
Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 17, 2023 -
What Gap Inc. needs from its new CEO
Longtime Mattel executive Richard Dickson is taking the reins of an apparel conglomerate — whose brands all need some help.
Daphne Howland • Aug. 16, 2023 -
Back to school 2023: Can marketing transcend the turbulence?
Top marketers from American Eagle and Amazon weigh in on strategy as the season’s spending forecast paints a gloomy picture.
Jessica Deyo • Aug. 9, 2023 -
Why some UPS shippers haven’t diverted volume even as a potential strike looms
As many businesses firm up contingency plans, others are maintaining their current delivery activity with UPS, according to parcel shipping experts.
Max Garland • Updated July 25, 2023 -
Yeezy was only part of Adidas’ problems. The retailer has been falling further behind Nike for years.
Since 2013, Adidas’ net sales have grown by less than $5 billion as it struggles to keep pace with the broader market. Could a new CEO and a clean slate reverse those trends?
Cara Salpini • July 24, 2023 -
Are retailers afraid of being ‘woke’?
Brand values, diversity efforts and customer loyalty are put to the test as extremists come for corporate America.
Daphne Howland • June 20, 2023 -
Deliveries keep getting faster. Will it last?
Shippers adjusted to pandemic-related disruptions to reach customers faster. But shifting shopper preferences and cost-cutting efforts may slow things down.
Max Garland • June 14, 2023 -
How legacy beauty brands are aging down to reach Gen Z
Ever-changing trends and flashy brands like E.l.f. Cosmetics are challenging giants like Estée Lauder and L'Oréal to draw from a new playbook.
Jessica Deyo • June 7, 2023