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A day after RadioShack's narrow escape from liquidation in bankruptcy court, Soohyung Kim, the financier who led the contentious rescue, retreated to a back office to make a conference call with the chain's almost 2,700 workers, vendors and landlords. For many of those listening, it was their first direct real introduction to the chief architect of the retailer's unlikely reincarnation. "It's time for a new day," Mr. Kim said, his voice tense yet steady. "We're here today because we know this can work." 

As the Hispanic population shoots up and buying power increases, U.S. retailers are increasingly vying for this audience's attention. Some have shifted more of their efforts to digital in light of how Hispanics consume media, while others have adopted creative strategies and added products aimed squarely at the market. U.S. Hispanic buying power is poised to hit $1.5 trillion this year, a 50 percent increase from 2010, according to Nielsen. "Retailers and manufacturers can't afford to ignore multicultural consumers such as Hispanics," said Eva Gonzalez, executive director, diverse consumer intelligence at Nielsen. 

Just weeks after Macy's declared it's looking for a new way to grow revenues, a major North Carolina rival confirms it might be for sale. Analysts are skeptical the Cincinnati-based retailer wants to double-down on a traditional department store concept, however. Belk, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, operates 297 department stores throughout the Southeast from Maryland to Texas. Last week, Belk reported a $146.1 million profit on revenues of $4.1 billion, but disclosed it was reviewing its long-term strategic plan and hired investment banker Goldman Sachs to weigh its options.

Execs at Sears Holding Corporation may have bought the struggling retailer some time with their latest cash injection, but the long-term outlook for Sears and Kmart remains far from certain thanks to transformative initiatives under way at some of its top rivals. On Wednesday, Sears announced two transactions that together will raise about $2.6 billion in cash by mid-year. The news temporarily alleviated concerns among investors that the troubled department store retailer would lose access to high-quality inventory for the holiday season as vendors feared delayed payment.

Staples is trying to increase its appeal to women by embarking on a new initiative with the city of Boston. The retailer has pledged to work with Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh to make Boston the best city in the country for working women by signing on to "100 percent Talent: The Boston Women's Compact," an effort to end the gender-based wage gap and advance women in the workforce. "Staples values all of its female associates and understands the important role gender equality plays in fostering an inclusive workplace," said Regis Mulot, Staples’ executive vice president of human resources.

Belk Inc is exploring a sale that could value the largest family-owned and operated department store chain in the United States at as much as $4 billion, including debt, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Belk has hired investment bank Goldman Sachs Group Inc to help it evaluate strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, the people said. Major department stores, such as Macy's and Nordstrom, as well as large private equity firms are expected to be contacted by Belk to solicit their interest in a deal, the people added.

Ace Hardware has always been known for its "helpful hardware folks" motto, but now the company is taking its customer service knowledge global. The retailer has launched the Ace Center for Excellence, a new division designed to share the strategies and key principles of the brand's unparalleled commitment to customer service with businesses and organizations around the world. According to Ace, the center's goal is to help companies improve upon their customer experience based on Ace's award-winning approach through customized solutions, such as keynotes and workshops. 

A private equity firm said this week that it would buy retailer J.Jill, which specializes in casual women's fashion, shoes and accessories. TowerBrook Capital Partners, based in New York and London, will take over the fashion company from investment firm Arcapita and private equity firm Golden Gate Capital. Financial terms weren't disclosed. J.Jill, based in Quincy, Mass., has more than 250 stores nationwide.

The president of Saks Fifth Avenue, Marigay McKee, stepped down Thursday after 15 months at the department store chain's helm. She was replaced by Marc Metrick, an executive at Saks’ parent company, Hudson's Bay. Ms. McKee joined Saks in 2014 after revitalizing the luxury London retailer Harrods. She pushed to modernize Saks, which had struggled with underperforming stores after overexpanding in the last decade. McKee said she would spend $1.25 billion over two years to refurbish stores and try to attract younger customers by adding more contemporary fashions and international labels.

Wal-Mart, which has deployed its financial might to squeeze extra gallons of gas out of its trucks and shave pennies off the price of laundry detergent, did something unexpected this week: it muscled its way into a divisive social debate. In an announcement circulated and recirculated among incredulous gay-rights advocates, Wal-Mart posted a statement on its Twitter feed that asked the governor of Arkansas, its home state, to reject legislation that critics say could allow discrimination against lesbians and gay men.