Management

In this week's Retail Right Now, Total Retail's Joe Keenan and Kristina Stidham discuss the recent moves by Kohl’s to diversify its business in response to challenges facing traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, particularly department stores. Within recent months, Kohl’s announced that it was exploring acquiring home decor retail chain At Home Group Inc., partnered with Fanatics to sell…

As “relevance” increasingly becomes the core competitive battleground for consumer brands, companies are being challenged to create products, services and experiences that meet customers’ individual needs at just the right moment. That’s changing the rules of the game, and overturning decades of conventional industry wisdom. The key change? The balance of power between brands and…

Ascena Retail Group announced yesterday that it’s winding down its dressbarn business and plans to shut all 650 or so of the women’s clothing stores in order to focus on its more profitable brands. Ascena, which also owns apparel chains Ann Taylor and Loft, noted that the “dressbarn chain has not been operating at an…

Kohl’s announced that it has signed a long-term deal with Fanatics to sell the sports retailer's licensed gear exclusively on Kohls.com, starting this fall. Fanatics had already been a wholesale partner of Kohl’s. The new deal, however, will enable Kohl's online shoppers access to hundreds of thousands of items across team apparel, jerseys and additional merchandise for men,…

Bed Bath & Beyond announced today that its CEO Steven Temares is stepping down, amid increasing pressure from activist investors pushing for changes at the company. Mary Winston, who was recently named to Bed Bath & Beyond's board, will serve as interim CEO until a replacement is found. The company said Temares is also resigning from Bed Bath…

Sears unveiled a new logo earlier this month on its social media channels, and it's generating mixed reviews from consumers. In addition to the logo, Sears debuted a new slogan as well: "making moments matter." The new slogan was featured in a video the company published on Facebook in late April. Sears said the new logo was…

Imagine it’s Friday: You’re listening to the newest hits on Spotify while wrapping up a project for the new gig you found on Upwork. You have a dreamy apartment booked via Airbnb for the weekend, and the Uber that will take you there is just around the corner. Rent the Runway has personalized your look…

Walmart announced this week that it's planning to open up dozens more in-store veterinary clinics as well as launch its first online pet pharmacy, hoping to lure more U.S. pet owners who are spending billions of dollars each year. Walmart currently operates 21 veterinary clinics in its stores across six states, but over the next…

Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) announced today that it's pursuing strategic alternatives for Lord & Taylor, including a possible sale or merger, as part of its strategy to focus on its best opportunities. “This review of strategic alternatives for Lord & Taylor is another example of how we're exploring options to position HBC for long-term success,” said Helena…

David Jaffe has retired from his role as CEO and chairman of the board of Ascena Retail Group, though he remains on the board, the company announced. Gary Muto, who until Wednesday was president and CEO of Ascena Brands, will replace Jaffe and join the board. Ascena Retail Group sells apparel and accessories for women…