The Weekly Closeout: Gabe’s in search of top leadership and Home Depot’s latest acquisition

After avoiding bankruptcy, the off-pricer’s CEO and a few CFOs have left. Meanwhile, the home improvement retailer bought Mingledorff’s.

By Retail Dive Staff • March 27, 2026

REI faces possible anniversary sale boycott after abandoning labor talks

The REI Union, expressing confidence that the retailer’s customers would join workers in sending a message, will finalize a decision by May 1.

By Daphne Howland • March 26, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Retail Dive

From Target’s path forward under a new CEO to the retailers most vulnerable to bankruptcy, here’s a look at the stories shaping the industry.

By Retail Dive staff

Sephora launches app in ChatGPT

The AI-enhanced experience will give customers advice and help them discover products, according to Global Chief Digital Officer Anca Marola. 

By Kaarin Moore • March 26, 2026

Puma debuts AI concierge at Las Vegas store

A multilingual assistant in a large digital display will automatically detect the language a shopper speaks and answer their questions about products.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 26, 2026

How Tecovas is leveraging AI to improve the store experience

The boot brand is using the tech to help with inventory replenishment and allocation, and foster better interactions between associates and customers.

By Caroline Jansen • March 26, 2026

How Lowe’s creator network is winning over the next generation of shoppers

The home improvement retailer has partnered with content creators like MrBeast to connect with Gen Alpha long before they purchase their first home.

By Caroline Jansen • March 25, 2026

GLP-1 users are changing apparel trends

Some categories, like intimates, are already seeing shifts as shoppers buy clothes for new body sizes and routines, according to a Circana report.

By Howard Ruben • March 25, 2026

How Gap Inc. is ‘leaning in’ to AI to elevate online shopping

The apparel retailer is accelerating its digital experience with two new partnerships, CTO Sven Gerjets told an audience at Shoptalk.

By Kaarin Moore • March 25, 2026

The Home Depot beefs up digital shopping experience for pros

As it pursues home improvement professionals, the retailer is enhancing the online experience with tools for better project management.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 24, 2026

Brooks shuffles C-suite as it eyes expansion

The running brand is restructuring to focus global leaders on long-term priorities like market and category expansion.

By Howard Ruben • March 23, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Zara partners with John Galliano and Peloton goes to the gym

The fast-fashion retailer announced a two-year partnership with the designer, while the DTC brand launched its Peloton Commercial Series. 

By Retail Dive Staff • March 20, 2026

Lowe’s launches subscription service for in-home maintenance

For $99 annually, HomeCare+ subscribers can have two in-home visits a year, spanning services like electric dryer vent cleaning and electric water heater flush.

By Howard Ruben • March 20, 2026

Meta bets on NYC with flagship

Meta is making its Fifth Avenue retail pop-up location permanent by signing a 10-year lease on the space.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 19, 2026

Michaels cuts prices on 3K more items as consumers waver

The arts and crafts retailer is keen on picking up market share left open by the demise of Party City and Joann.

By Daphne Howland • March 19, 2026

Build-A-Bear launches at Walmart

The toy company will offer a number of products for a limited time in 1,500 Walmart stores and on the big-box retailer’s website. 

By Howard Ruben • March 19, 2026

Half of consumers prefer brands that don’t use generative AI, Gartner finds

Consumers who are ambivalent or distrust the technology may walk away if they feel forced to use AI, one analyst said.

By Bryan Wassel • March 18, 2026

Why J.C. Penney’s spring campaign bowed with a Paris, Texas, fashion show

Marisa Thalberg, chief customer and marketing officer at operating parent Catalyst Brands, digs into the “Exactly What You Are (and Aren’t) Looking For” effort.

By Chris Kelly • March 18, 2026

Vuori debuts women’s denim collection

At launch, the offering includes a pair of jeans and a denim jacket. It comes shortly after rival Fabletics expanded into denim.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 17, 2026

David’s Bridal launches wholesale business

A selection of 50 gowns from designer brands is part of the retailer’s initial offering, along with private-label and white-label services.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 17, 2026

Target consolidates spring savings event into 3 days

Competitors expanded the length of seasonal sales over the past year, but the retailer’s March event marks a reduction from 2025’s Target Circle Week sale.

By Dani James • March 17, 2026

Lands’ End names first chief marketer in nearly a decade

The appointment of Sarah Sylvester, who most recently led marketing for Victoria’s Secret, represents a renewed focus by the retailer on brand building.

By Jessica Hammers • March 17, 2026

Urban Outfitters taps Vans as latest On Rotation partner

The collaboration celebrates the skateboarding brand’s 60th “Off the Wall” anniversary and features sneakers, apparel and accessories.

By Howard Ruben • March 16, 2026

Ulta to launch on TikTok Shop with curated assortment

The beauty retailer's Q4 net sales grew nearly 12%, though industry analysts questioned the retailer's "softer" fiscal 2026 comp guidance.

By Dani James • March 13, 2026

The Weekly Closeout: Amazon notches a win against Perplexity, Reebok reenters soccer

The e-commerce giant got a temporary order blocking access for Perplexity’s AI shopping agents, while the athletics brand signed two professional soccer players.

By Retail Dive Staff • March 13, 2026

How Lowe’s tailors its AI-backed Mylow to different customers

The home improvement retailer gets about a million questions a month between Mylow and Mylow Companion, with customer inquiries ranging in terms of expertise and needs.

By Dani James • March 12, 2026