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Modern Retail

Modern Retail

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Digital publication examining the reinvention of retail with a focus on direct-to-consumer brands and e-commerce innovation shaping the retail industry

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Once Upon a Farm Raises $198M in IPO, Valued at $724M
Deals•Feb 23, 2026

Once Upon a Farm Raises $198M in IPO, Valued at $724M

Organic kids’ food brand Once Upon a Farm went public on the NYSE under ticker OFRM, raising $198 million at a $724 million valuation. The IPO, announced earlier this month, signals growing investor interest in better‑for‑you CPG brands for children.

Modern Retail
Amazon Surpasses Walmart in Annual Revenue for the First Time
News•Feb 19, 2026

Amazon Surpasses Walmart in Annual Revenue for the First Time

Amazon reported $716.9 billion in 2025 revenue, overtaking Walmart's $713.2 billion for the first time. The shift ends Walmart's 13‑year streak as Fortune's top‑revenue company and highlights Amazon's transformation into a tech‑services powerhouse. Growth is now driven by Amazon Web Services, advertising...

By Modern Retail
TikTok Shop Halts Plan to End Independent Shipping for U.S. Sellers After Backlash
News•Feb 18, 2026

TikTok Shop Halts Plan to End Independent Shipping for U.S. Sellers After Backlash

TikTok Shop has scrapped its planned deadline to end seller‑fulfilled shipping for U.S. merchants, keeping the existing independent‑shipping model in place for now. The reversal follows a wave of backlash from brands that warned the shift would raise fulfillment costs,...

By Modern Retail
Macy’s Is Drawing on Events Like the Thanksgiving Day Parade to Grow Its Creator Program
News•Feb 18, 2026

Macy’s Is Drawing on Events Like the Thanksgiving Day Parade to Grow Its Creator Program

Macy’s is scaling its Style Crew influencer program in 2026, aiming to grow from roughly 600 members to 1,000 by adding more in‑person events tied to marquee assets like the Thanksgiving Day Parade. The creator storefronts have generated a 478%...

By Modern Retail
Brands Briefing: The Brands that Are Ripe for Acquisition in 2026
News•Feb 17, 2026

Brands Briefing: The Brands that Are Ripe for Acquisition in 2026

M&A activity is reviving in 2026 after a subdued 2025. Last year saw marquee deals such as e.l.f. Beauty’s $1 billion purchase of Rhode and PepsiCo’s $2 billion acquisition of Poppi. Tariff pressures that kept many potential buyers on the sidelines are...

By Modern Retail
Dutch Bros Plans More Locations in 2026 After Growing Revenue by Nearly 30% in 2025
News•Feb 13, 2026

Dutch Bros Plans More Locations in 2026 After Growing Revenue by Nearly 30% in 2025

Dutch Bros reported a record $1.64 billion revenue in 2025, a 27.9% year‑over‑year increase, and announced plans to open roughly 181 new stores in 2026. The chain aims to reach 2,029 locations by 2029, testing walk‑up formats and scaling a food...

By Modern Retail
Dutch Bros Acquires 20 Clutch Coffee Bar Stores to Fuel 2026 Expansion
Deals•Feb 13, 2026

Dutch Bros Acquires 20 Clutch Coffee Bar Stores to Fuel 2026 Expansion

Dutch Bros announced it has acquired 20 stores from regional chain Clutch Coffee Bar, converting them to Dutch Bros locations as part of its aggressive 2026 expansion plan. The deal, disclosed during its Q4 earnings call, supports the company's goal...

Modern Retail
Exclusive: Chubbies Launches Women’s Swimwear Brand Cheekies
News•Feb 11, 2026

Exclusive: Chubbies Launches Women’s Swimwear Brand Cheekies

Chubbies, the men’s‑shorts brand, has introduced Cheekies, a dedicated women’s swimwear line, debuting online and slated for select Dick’s Sporting Goods and Chubbies stores. The collection, a result of a two‑year research effort by an all‑women design team, offers adjustable...

By Modern Retail
Thrive Market’s Amina Pasha Believes Brands that Focus on Trust Will Win in an AI-First World
News•Feb 11, 2026

Thrive Market’s Amina Pasha Believes Brands that Focus on Trust Will Win in an AI-First World

Amina Pasha, CMO of Thrive Market, argues that trust will be the decisive advantage for brands in an AI‑first landscape. The online grocery retailer, with over 1.7 million paying members, is leveraging AI to personalize discovery while reinforcing its mission of...

By Modern Retail
Brands Lean Into Grand Gestures This Valentine’s Day
News•Feb 10, 2026

Brands Lean Into Grand Gestures This Valentine’s Day

Brands are turning to grand‑gesture promotions to cut through the clutter of Valentine’s Day advertising. Venus et Fleur revived its 10‑foot floral pop‑up trucks in major cities, offering a $5,000 influencer prize. Brilliant Earth introduced hyper‑personalized showroom date‑night experiences in...

By Modern Retail
Blind Boxes Are Here to Stay, and Brands Are Leaning Into the Mystery Product Format
News•Feb 9, 2026

Blind Boxes Are Here to Stay, and Brands Are Leaning Into the Mystery Product Format

Blind boxes are cementing their place in retail, with beauty brands leading the surge. Gisou, Emi Jay, Ipsy and major retailers like Walmart have launched limited‑edition mystery boxes that sell out within days. Ipsy’s monthly mystery bags posted a 30%...

By Modern Retail
Modern Retail Podcast: Inside the Super Bowl Activation Boom
News•Feb 7, 2026

Modern Retail Podcast: Inside the Super Bowl Activation Boom

The Modern Retail Podcast explores how brands are sidestepping the $8 million Super Bowl TV price tag by deploying pop‑ups, concerts, and other in‑real‑life experiences around Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. These activations aim to capture the attention of millions of...

By Modern Retail
The Health and Wellness Trends Modern Retail and Glossy Staffers Are Watching in 2026
News•Feb 5, 2026

The Health and Wellness Trends Modern Retail and Glossy Staffers Are Watching in 2026

Modern Retail and Glossy highlighted a surge in health‑focused consumer behavior for 2026, driven by wearable tech like the Oura ring and the rise of biohacking. Shoppers are increasingly demanding data‑backed efficacy for functional ingredients such as adaptogens, pre‑biotics, and...

By Modern Retail
The Modern Retail Marketing Summit Heads to Huntington Beach This April
News•Feb 4, 2026

The Modern Retail Marketing Summit Heads to Huntington Beach This April

The Modern Retail Marketing Summit will convene top brand and retailer marketers in Huntington Beach from April 20‑22, spotlighting how companies are navigating rapid shifts in SEO, influencer, and AI-driven channels. Speakers include ThredUp’s SVP Kristen Brophy, Thrive Market’s CMO Amina Pasha, PacSun’s CMO...

By Modern Retail
Fitigues Is Back After Its Founders Reclaim the ‘90s Casual Brand
News•Feb 4, 2026

Fitigues Is Back After Its Founders Reclaim the ‘90s Casual Brand

Fitigues, the iconic 1990s casualwear label, has returned after founders Steve and Andi Rosenstein reclaimed its intellectual property from Sycamore Partners. The duo opened a new flagship store in Scottsdale’s luxury shopping center and added a location at Newport Beach’s...

By Modern Retail
Goodwill Plans 100 New Stores for 2026 After Hitting Record Revenue in 2025
News•Feb 4, 2026

Goodwill Plans 100 New Stores for 2026 After Hitting Record Revenue in 2025

Goodwill Industries posted a record $7 billion in revenue for 2025, its strongest performance in 125 years, and processed roughly 300 million store transactions. Its online platform, ShopGoodwill.com, achieved $450 million in gross merchandise value, underscoring digital growth. To capitalize on rising thrift...

By Modern Retail
Brands Briefing: Why Anthropologie Is Embracing Print Catalogs for Both Acquisition and Retention
News•Feb 3, 2026

Brands Briefing: Why Anthropologie Is Embracing Print Catalogs for Both Acquisition and Retention

Anthropologie is expanding its print catalog program, increasing annual issues from five to seven in 2026. The retailer will boost total circulation to 2.5 million copies, up from 2 million. A test‑and‑learn methodology drives the change, allowing the brand to send catalogs...

By Modern Retail
How Tree Hut Used AI to Turn Customer Feedback Into Product Insights and Quadruple Social Engagement
News•Feb 3, 2026

How Tree Hut Used AI to Turn Customer Feedback Into Product Insights and Quadruple Social Engagement

Tree Hut integrated an AI tool into its social channels to automatically process community comments and direct messages, creating a searchable database of consumer requests. The system quantified demand for the Cinnamon Dolce scent, revealing thousands of mentions that justified expanding the...

By Modern Retail
What C-Suite Additions and New Board Members at Walmart, Target Signal About Their Priorities
News•Feb 2, 2026

What C-Suite Additions and New Board Members at Walmart, Target Signal About Their Priorities

Walmart announced a sweeping C‑suite overhaul, moving growth, e‑commerce, and merchandising leaders into roles that centralize its global platforms and accelerate AI‑driven capabilities. New CEO John Furner highlighted the need for shared technology infrastructure to stay ahead of Amazon’s AI...

By Modern Retail
What Hemp Brands Want From Federal Regulations
News•Feb 2, 2026

What Hemp Brands Want From Federal Regulations

Congressman Morgan Griffith introduced the Hemp Enforcement, Modernization and Protection (HEMP) Act, proposing federal caps on THC levels for hemp‑derived edibles, beverages, topicals and inhalables. The bill would limit oral products to 10 mg per serving and 5 mg of delta‑9 THC...

By Modern Retail
Modern Retail Podcast: How ICE Activity Became an Issue Retailers Big and Small Can No Longer Ignore
News•Jan 31, 2026

Modern Retail Podcast: How ICE Activity Became an Issue Retailers Big and Small Can No Longer Ignore

The Modern Retail Podcast examines how increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in cities such as Minneapolis is reshaping the retail landscape. Executives are grappling with heightened security concerns while shoppers stage protests that threaten foot traffic. Brands are...

By Modern Retail
Walmart’s and Target’s Outgoing CEOs Leave Contrasting Legacies
News•Jan 30, 2026

Walmart’s and Target’s Outgoing CEOs Leave Contrasting Legacies

After more than a decade, Walmart and Target will each install new CEOs next week, ending the tenures of Doug McMillon and Brian Cornell. McMillon left Walmart with expanded three‑hour delivery coverage, a thriving Walmart+ membership, and a reengineered advertising...

By Modern Retail
Popflex’s Cassey Ho Is Taking Dupes of Her Viral Skort and Turning Them Into DIY Fashion Kits
News•Jan 29, 2026

Popflex’s Cassey Ho Is Taking Dupes of Her Viral Skort and Turning Them Into DIY Fashion Kits

Popflex founder Cassey Ho launched the Upcycle Project, offering DIY dress kits made from duplicated Pirouette Skort fabrics. The kits, designed by independent up‑cyclers Kiana Bonollo and Tracy Garcia, let customers deconstruct and redesign the material, with profits benefiting the...

By Modern Retail
Follett Is Making a Bigger Push Into Private-Label Merch at Its College Bookstores
News•Jan 29, 2026

Follett Is Making a Bigger Push Into Private-Label Merch at Its College Bookstores

Follett Higher Education, which runs roughly 1,000 college bookstores, is accelerating its private‑label strategy. The company launched the Cameron J performance‑apparel line, now in 190 locations and already generating millions in sales, while its earlier Campus United brand has posted...

By Modern Retail
Rhone Debuts Resale Site Built on Customer Returns
News•Jan 28, 2026

Rhone Debuts Resale Site Built on Customer Returns

Rhone has launched ReRhone, a branded resale channel that sells customer returns through a partnership with Archive. The program debuts with roughly 400 items ranging from $19 to $274 and leverages the 5,000 returns the brand processes each month. By...

By Modern Retail
Brands Briefing: AI Personalization Tools Become Sales Drivers
News•Jan 27, 2026

Brands Briefing: AI Personalization Tools Become Sales Drivers

Leatherology introduced "Yours, Truly," an AI‑driven design tool that lets shoppers create or upload artwork for debossed leather products on its direct‑to‑consumer site. Launched in October ahead of Cyber Week, the feature helped the brand exceed its holiday sales goal...

By Modern Retail
Bouqs Launches $5M Crowdfunding Raise to Support Future Store Openings
News•Jan 27, 2026

Bouqs Launches $5M Crowdfunding Raise to Support Future Store Openings

Floral delivery platform Bouqs has opened a crowdfunding round on DealMaker seeking up to $5 million to finance its brick‑and‑mortar rollout. The company, which posted $90.3 million in sales last year and remains EBITDA‑positive, aims to open 70 stores in the next...

By Modern Retail
What’s In Your Cart?: E.l.f. Beauty’s Chief Brand Officer Laurie Lam on Her Obsession with Black Sesame, Hotel Experiences and...
News•Jan 27, 2026

What’s In Your Cart?: E.l.f. Beauty’s Chief Brand Officer Laurie Lam on Her Obsession with Black Sesame, Hotel Experiences and...

Laurie Lam, chief brand officer of e.l.f. Beauty, shared her personal shopping habits, emphasizing a preference for minority‑owned and female‑founded brands. She highlighted recent impulse buys such as a black‑sesame crunchy butter from Rooted Fare and sustainable travel experiences at...

By Modern Retail
Bouqs Launches $5M Crowdfunding Raise to Fund Brick‑and‑mortar Expansion
Deals•Jan 27, 2026

Bouqs Launches $5M Crowdfunding Raise to Fund Brick‑and‑mortar Expansion

Bouqs, the floral delivery company, announced a crowdfunding raise of up to $5 million on the DealMaker platform to finance its planned brick‑and‑mortar expansion, aiming for 70 stores in the next few years. The offering, live since mid‑January, requires a minimum...

Modern Retail
Retail’s Busiest Streets Are Booming with New Investment, Flagships
News•Jan 26, 2026

Retail’s Busiest Streets Are Booming with New Investment, Flagships

Transaction volume in North America’s high‑traffic urban retail corridors jumped 82% from 2024 to 2025, signaling renewed investor confidence. Major retailers such as Uniqlo, H&M and luxury houses are opening flagship stores, with New York, Los Angeles and Miami accounting for 60%...

By Modern Retail
Modern Retail Podcast: The High Cost of Free Returns
News•Jan 24, 2026

Modern Retail Podcast: The High Cost of Free Returns

The Modern Retail podcast examines the escalating cost of free returns, noting that 72% of brands now impose return fees. Hosts Melissa Daniels, Samantha Gold of Motette, and Arin Schultz of Naturepedic discuss how retailers can redesign policies to protect...

By Modern Retail
Fabletics Is Turning Its Stores Into Membership Growth Hubs
News•Jan 23, 2026

Fabletics Is Turning Its Stores Into Membership Growth Hubs

Fabletics is repurposing its 120‑store footprint as a primary engine for VIP membership acquisition, with roughly half of in‑store shoppers signing up. The VIP program now accounts for more than 95% of the brand’s revenue, supporting a $1 billion revenue milestone...

By Modern Retail
Sam’s Club Aims to Make Free Samples More Measurable Using Kiosks, Tablets
News•Jan 22, 2026

Sam’s Club Aims to Make Free Samples More Measurable Using Kiosks, Tablets

Sam’s Club is integrating Freeosk’s free‑sample kiosks into its Member Access Program, rebranding the machines and managing sales opportunities in‑house. The retailer treats the kiosks as a retail‑media asset, linking sampling data to its broader advertising ecosystem. New interactive tablets...

By Modern Retail
What It Takes for Startups to Pull Off a Costco Launch
News•Jan 22, 2026

What It Takes for Startups to Pull Off a Costco Launch

After a regional test in Southern California, beverage brand Hiyo raced to launch in 400 Costco stores across 47 states within six weeks. The company produced an exclusive 18‑can variety pack, prepared over 1,000 pallets, and secured a national shelf...

By Modern Retail
Behind Pacsun’s Strategy for Keeping a Pulse on the Changing Tastes of Gen Z
News•Jan 21, 2026

Behind Pacsun’s Strategy for Keeping a Pulse on the Changing Tastes of Gen Z

Pacsun has launched a Youth Advisory Council and published its first Youth Report, gathering insights from 6,000 Gen‑Z and Gen‑Alpha respondents. The data fueled the creation of the PS Community Hub, a shoppable app that lets users curate purchases and...

By Modern Retail
What Amazon’s Proposed Big-Box Store Could Mean for Walmart
News•Jan 21, 2026

What Amazon’s Proposed Big-Box Store Could Mean for Walmart

Amazon has filed plans for a 225,000‑square‑foot big‑box store in Orland Park, a Chicago suburb, that will combine groceries, general merchandise and dining, directly rivaling the average Walmart Supercenter. The concept marks Amazon’s first attempt at a full‑scale supercenter format, a...

By Modern Retail
Brands Briefing: Founders Hope for a ‘Dependable and Stable’ 2026 After the Chaos of 2025
News•Jan 20, 2026

Brands Briefing: Founders Hope for a ‘Dependable and Stable’ 2026 After the Chaos of 2025

The retail sector spent 2025 scrambling to absorb a wave of unpredictable tariff hikes that forced many brands to delay product launches, tighten inventory, and curtail hiring. Frequent duty changes eroded profit margins and triggered cost‑cutting measures, including layoffs. As...

By Modern Retail
Albertsons Is Putting Digital Screens for Ads in More than a Third of Its Stores
News•Jan 20, 2026

Albertsons Is Putting Digital Screens for Ads in More than a Third of Its Stores

Albertsons Media Collective is rolling out an in‑store digital screen network to 800 of its more than 2,200 locations in 2026 after a successful pilot in 80 stores. The expansion follows the onboarding of over 50 advertising partners and a...

By Modern Retail
Goodwill’s E-Commerce Business Hits Record Sales as Online Thrifting Surges
News•Jan 20, 2026

Goodwill’s E-Commerce Business Hits Record Sales as Online Thrifting Surges

Goodwill’s online marketplace ShopGoodwill.com recorded a record $450 million gross merchandise value in 2025, a 22 % increase over 2024 and the highest in its 26‑year history. The platform now exceeds $3 billion in cumulative sales, though it still represents less than 10 %...

By Modern Retail
Avocados From Mexico Turns to AI to Advertise Around the Super Bowl Instead of a TV Buy
News•Jan 19, 2026

Avocados From Mexico Turns to AI to Advertise Around the Super Bowl Instead of a TV Buy

Avocados From Mexico is forgoing a traditional $8 million Super Bowl TV spot in favor of an AI‑driven Prediction Pit that delivers real‑time football forecasts and custom guacamole recipes. The experience features a realistic Rob Riggle avatar powered by a predictive AI...

By Modern Retail
Walmart’s Fashion Push Is Resonating with More Six-Figure Households
News•Jan 19, 2026

Walmart’s Fashion Push Is Resonating with More Six-Figure Households

Walmart is rapidly expanding its fashion portfolio, adding ten private apparel brands since 2020 and debuting the teen‑focused Mills line in 750 stores and online. The retailer has also partnered with resale platform Rebag to offer pre‑owned luxury accessories, while...

By Modern Retail

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