Retail leaders on embracing AI: ‘We have to keep trying things’

The theme of Shoptalk Spring was “Retail in the Age of AI.” Executives had strong opinions on the matter.

By Kaarin Moore , Caroline Jansen • March 30, 2026

Shoe Carnival scales back rebrand

In some areas customers didn’t react well to merchandising changes after stores were converted to the Shoe Station banner.

By Daphne Howland • March 27, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

The direct-to-consumer landscape in retail

More mature brands are pursuing exit strategies and expanding their reach, while traditional retailers are increasingly shifting to a DTC model.

By Retail Dive staff

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

In the age of AI, Home Depot’s stores have ‘never been more relevant’

While the retailer has been ramping up its AI-powered offerings, it aims to provide a frictionless experience across a customer’s shopping journey, wherever that may be.

By Caroline Jansen • March 27, 2026

The Backroom: Consumer resilience in trying times

Katie Thomas of the Kearney Consumer Institute talks about nuances in the K-shaped economy that help explain why discretionary retail sales have remained strong despite shoppers’ wariness.

By Retail Dive Staff • March 26, 2026

David’s Bridal reshapes C-suite for the AI era

The retailer named a CTO, chief global transformation and operations officer, and is on the hunt for its next CFO.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • March 26, 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

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

GameStop closed over 700 stores last year

That amounts to more than 1,300 over the past two fiscal years, though the gaming retailer said it doesn’t expect any major footprint reductions in 2026. 

By Dani James • 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

Nordstrom to close 2 full-line stores despite top-line strength last year

Anchors at malls in Delaware and Texas will close this spring, but the off-price Rack fleet continues to grow, with plans to add 23 locations in 2026.

By Daphne Howland • March 25, 2026

On CEO’s ‘planned hiatus’ comes as a surprise

The sneaker brand is shaking up its C-suite again, less than a year after Martin Hoffmann took over as its sole chief executive.

By Daphne Howland • 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

Retailers report shrink levels down from pandemic highs

Is the improvement from addressing theft, operational weaknesses or accounting gaps? It’s probably a combination, but most aren’t saying.

By Daphne Howland • March 25, 2026

Estée Lauder, Puig in merger talks

The tie-up would diversify each company’s portfolio somewhat but might look better on paper, some analysts said.

By Daphne Howland • March 24, 2026

Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos to step down, again

This time, Ahold Delhaize USA executive JJ Fleeman will succeed him as CEO, with Vasos exiting the position in 2027.

By Dani James • 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 Children’s Place refines supply chain leadership roles

The retailer expanded Kristin Clifford’s role to senior vice president, head of sourcing and product operations, as part of a larger executive shuffle.

By Kelly Stroh • March 23, 2026

Torrid has more to prove as Q4 sales tumble 14%

As part of its turnaround the women’s plus retailer closed more than 150 stores and brought lower price points to nearly a third of its assortment.

By Daphne Howland • March 20, 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

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

Top Ikea operator eyes 800 job cuts

Ingka Group CEO Juvencio Maeztu said the company has “grown too complex in a retail environment that requires speed and agility.”

By Caroline Jansen • 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