Retailer Gymboree files for bankruptcy to restructure nearly $1 billion in debt

Jun 13, 2017
Children’s clothing chain Gymboree announced Sunday it’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The retailer will close about 400 of its 1,300 stores and restructure debt in a bid to stay alive. Gymboree views its troubles as part of the larger challenges facing the retail industry as customers move their business online, but some of its […]

Everlane is a millennial fever dream and it's making a killing

Jun 9, 2017
Its Instagram posts are the stereotypical depiction of the millennial lifestyle.
Everlane's San Francisco headquarter is based in the downtown Mission District.
CCHAVARRIA

Nordstrom family members weigh taking the retailer private

Jun 8, 2017
Nordstrom’s stock jumped today after the company said a group of Nordstrom family members is considering taking the company private. Like all department stores, Nordstrom has been battling a decline in shopping mall traffic and competition from online retailers. The company reported weaker-than-expected sales last month and warned of a sluggish year ahead. Among other […]

Brick and mortar stores are dying, but not at this mall

Jun 8, 2017
LA's Glendale Galleria is making shopping more convenient — and fun — for its visitors.
Many malls are still thriving because they’re staying ahead of the curve in the new retail reality. Above, a picture of the Glendale Galleria.
Rachel Murray/Getty Images for NYX Professional Makeup

There's a reason your teen is sitting on the couch this summer

Jun 2, 2017
Malls are dying and taking those the rite-of-passage jobs with them.
If mall jobs are falling by the wayside, how can teens get entry-level experience?
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

With lagging sales and consumer demand for discounts, Michael Kors to close up to 125 of its full-price stores

May 31, 2017
In yet another blow to the brick-and-mortar retail business, luxury retailer Michael Kors announced it will close up to 125 of its full-price stores. The company and its competitors have been facing slowing sales as more customers shop online and spend less on apparel.  Michael Kors CEO John Idol announced the store closures in today’s […]

You've heard of co-working; now there's co-retailing

May 30, 2017
The new type of startup allows small companies to share space — and foot traffic — in brick-and-mortar stores.
Oli Scarff/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Why do grocery stores sell gift cards to other places?

May 25, 2017
All sides get something out of the deal.
 That wall of different gift cards hanging on hooks at the end of a drugstore or grocery story aisle actually has a name: the gift card mall.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Sears’ continuing struggles have its suppliers jittery

May 25, 2017
The struggle is real for Sears Holdings — the company behind Sears and Kmart. The once-powerful brand warned investors back in March that there was “substantial doubt” about its future. This week, Sears announced it’s pushed back a deadline on a $500 million loan by six months. That’s got Sears vendors even more anxious about […]

US retail is hurting, and your mall is probably feeling it

May 16, 2017
Brick-and-mortar stores are plagued by closures and job loss post-election.
People walk through a nearly empty shopping mall in Waterbury, Connecticut. 
Spencer Platt/Getty Images