Joe Keenan

Joe Keenan

Joe Keenan is the executive editor of Total Retail. Joe has more than 10 years experience covering the retail industry, and enjoys profiling innovative companies and people in the space.

Inside Primark's US Store Expansion Strategy

In episode 473 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kevin Tulip, president of Primark U.S., the international value retail chain. Listen in as Tulip provides insight into his 22-year career journey with Primark (1:05), the brand's history and mission (3:05), and its continued expansion into the U.S. market (4:55). He discusses the European…

Best Buy CEO Corie Barry Shares Leadership Lessons

Corie Barry has worked at Best Buy for 25 years, the last five-plus as its CEO. As you can imagine, she has witnessed a lot of change during that time, both within the organization as well as the larger retail industry. During the National Retail Federation's (NRF) Big Show in New York City last week,…

Craft Retailer Joann Files for Bankruptcy for Second Time in a Year

Craft retailer Joann Inc filed for Chapter 11 protection in Delaware on Wednesday, saying that inventory shortages had forced it to back into bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year. Joann said it intends to seek a buyer for its business, which has the "potential" to survive under the right ownership. If…

CEO Calvin McDonald Outlines lululemon's Growth Strategy

During a keynote session on Tuesday at the National Retail Federation's Big Show in New York City, lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald addressed the retailer's future plans and goals, among other topics. McDonald was interviewed by CNBC anchor and reporter Sara Eisen. Here are some of the highlights from McDonald's answers. Global Ambitions Core to lululemon's…

Ulta Beauty Names New CEO

Ulta Beauty CEO Dave Kimbell is retiring and will be replaced by the retailer’s Chief Operating Officer Kecia Steelman, the company announced Monday. The beauty retailer said in a news release that the leadership changes take effect on Monday. Steelman will also replace Kimbell on the company’s board of directors. Along with announcing the executive…

How True Religion's Influencer and Brand Partnerships Made for Holiday Magic

In episode 472 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Kristen D'Arcy, chief marketing officer of True Religion, a global lifestyle, apparel and accessories brand that focuses on producing high-quality denim and sportswear for men, women and kids. Listen in as D'Arcy provides insight into her career journey in retail that lead her to…

The Container Store Files for Bankruptcy

The Container Store — once the premier hub for all things storage and organization — filed for bankruptcy amid mounting debt. The 46-year-old retail chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late Sunday in a Texas district court. It comes just days after Big Lots and Party City announced they will be closing down for good…

Party City Closing Stores, Going Out of Business

Party City is closing down all of its stores, ending nearly 40 years in business, CNN has learned. CEO Barry Litwin told corporate employees Friday in a meeting viewed by CNN that Party City is “winding down” operations immediately and that today will be their last day of employment. Staff were told they will not…

Nordstrom to Go Private in $6.25B Deal With Founding Family, Mexican Retailer

Nordstrom announced on Monday that it will become a private company after it agreed to a buyout deal valued at roughly $6.25 billion from Nordstrom’s founding family and Mexican department store El Puerto de Liverpool. The company’s board of directors unanimously approved of the transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of…

Amazon Union Workers Threaten Strike Ahead of the Holidays

Amazon.com is facing a potential strike threat just as the holiday rush draws closer to its peak. Taking the wages and working conditions into their own hands, Amazon union workers are preparing to go on strike, after voting overwhelmingly to authorize the resistance. The Amazon workers’ strike is expected to take place at two New…

John Fluevog Shoes' CMO on Selling Unique Soles to Unique Souls

In episode 471 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Stephen Bailey, chief marketing officer of John Fluevog Shoes, an independent design and retail footwear company based in Vancouver. Listen in as Bailey provides an overview of the unique footwear brand (0:45), fulfilling online orders from its stores (2:25), and his 20-year career history…

Albertsons Sues Kroger After Judge Rules Against Grocery Merger

Albertsons on Wednesday formally terminated its proposed $25 billion merger with Kroger and filed a lawsuit against its supermarket competitor, saying Kroger violated its contract and didn’t follow through on commitments to help get the deal approved. It comes a day after a judge blocked the planned merger. In a news release, Albertsons said Kroger broke…

Another Activist Takes Aim at Macy’s, Seeks Spending Cuts and Real Estate Restructuring

Activist investor Barington Capital revealed Monday it has a position in Macy's and wants the company to cut spending, explore selling its luxury brands, and take a hard look at its real estate portfolio. It marks the fourth activist push at the struggling department store in the last decade. The activist has partnered with private equity firm Thor…

NRF: Thanksgiving Weekend Shoppers Decline YoY

About 197 million Americans shopped over the five days from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday this year, data from the National Retail Federation (NRF) showed on Tuesday. The number of shoppers exceeded the retail trade association's forecast of 183.4 million, but was still lower than the 200 million shoppers in 2023. During the long weekend, consumers…

A Review of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales Data

According to insights from Mastercard SpendingPulse™, U.S. retail sales excluding automotive were up 3.4 percent on Black Friday (Nov. 29) compared to Black Friday 2023. Mastercard SpendingPulse measures in-store and online retail sales, representing all payment types, and is not adjusted for inflation. Other Black Friday data included the following: Online retail sales increased 14.6…