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Retail TouchPoints

Retail TouchPoints

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Online publishing network covering the latest retail news and insights – topics include customer experience, digital commerce, omnichannel marketing, and retail technology best practices

Recent Posts

Altar’d State Places $7M Stalking‑horse Bid for Francesca’s IP
Deals•Feb 12, 2026

Altar’d State Places $7M Stalking‑horse Bid for Francesca’s IP

Specialty retailer Altar’d State has submitted a $7 million stalking‑horse bid to acquire the intellectual property of Francesca’s, following the brand’s recent bankruptcy filing. The bid includes a $210,000 break‑up fee and up to $150,000 in cost reimbursements, with the deadline for additional bids set for March 5, 2026.

Retail TouchPoints
PetSmart Celebrates the Unconditional Love of Pet Parents on Valentine’s Day
News•Feb 10, 2026

PetSmart Celebrates the Unconditional Love of Pet Parents on Valentine’s Day

PetSmart is hosting free in‑store Valentine’s Day parties on February 14, inviting pet parents and their dogs, cats, and small animals to celebrate from noon to 2 p.m. The events feature a special Valentine’s collection, giveaways, custom cards, and photo opportunities staffed...

By Retail TouchPoints
Bots Are Taking Over the Web. Why that May Not Be a Bad Thing for Retail Marketers
News•Feb 10, 2026

Bots Are Taking Over the Web. Why that May Not Be a Bad Thing for Retail Marketers

WP Engine’s 2025 Website Traffic Trends Report shows bots now generate roughly one‑third of all web requests, with AI‑driven agents consuming up to 70% of the most expensive dynamic resources. Retail marketers must therefore optimize for two audiences: human shoppers...

By Retail TouchPoints
Kroger Names Ex-Walmart Exec as New CEO
News•Feb 9, 2026

Kroger Names Ex-Walmart Exec as New CEO

Kroger announced Greg Foran as its new chief executive, succeeding interim leader Ron Sargent, who will stay on as board chairman. Foran, a former Walmart U.S. head and most recently Air New Zealand CEO, brings over four decades of global...

By Retail TouchPoints
Smart Stores Aren’t Enough: 2026 Will Be Defined by Smarter Operations
News•Feb 9, 2026

Smart Stores Aren’t Enough: 2026 Will Be Defined by Smarter Operations

Retail executives predict 2026 will be defined by operational intelligence rather than eye‑catching store tech. A Tech Mahindra‑Coresight study shows 92% of retailers are investing in solutions that tighten data, inventory and decision‑making. The report warns that AI‑driven experiences crumble...

By Retail TouchPoints
Lowe’s Makes Loyalty Program More Family-Friendly by Adding Kids Component
News•Feb 6, 2026

Lowe’s Makes Loyalty Program More Family-Friendly by Adding Kids Component

Lowe’s has unveiled the MyLowe’s Rewards Kids Club, extending its long‑standing Kids Workshops into a digital loyalty experience. The new platform lets families track children’s progress with digital badges and register multiple kids through a single MyLowe’s Rewards account. Free...

By Retail TouchPoints
Adidas Opens Soccer-Themed Store Near N.J. Stadium Set to Host FIFA Finals
News•Feb 6, 2026

Adidas Opens Soccer-Themed Store Near N.J. Stadium Set to Host FIFA Finals

Adidas unveiled a 9,000‑square‑foot soccer‑themed flagship at New Jersey’s American Dream mall, timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted partly at nearby MetLife Stadium. The store showcases national‑team apparel, a Lionel Messi mural, and a 50‑year archive of Adidas...

By Retail TouchPoints
Getting Proactive About Regulatory Compliance in Hardlines Retail
News•Feb 6, 2026

Getting Proactive About Regulatory Compliance in Hardlines Retail

In the first half of 2025 U.S. Customs detained 6,636 shipments under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, a 44% jump from 2024, highlighting mounting risk for hard‑lines retailers that source lithium batteries, steel and copper. Starting July 2026, all imported...

By Retail TouchPoints
Toys ‘R’ Us Canada, Entering Bankruptcy, Will Shrink Store Footprint
News•Feb 5, 2026

Toys ‘R’ Us Canada, Entering Bankruptcy, Will Shrink Store Footprint

Toys ‘R’ Us Canada has entered Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) protection, signalling a formal restructuring of its operations. The retailer, owned by Putman Investments, continues to operate its 38 stores while evaluating strategic alternatives and plans to shrink...

By Retail TouchPoints
What’s the ROI of Emerging In-Store Design Trends? A Look at What They Are and How They Create Value
News•Feb 5, 2026

What’s the ROI of Emerging In-Store Design Trends? A Look at What They Are and How They Create Value

Retailers are redefining in‑store spaces, moving from seasonal inventory displays to experience‑driven environments that blend pop‑culture moments, digital balance, and personal relevance. Emerging trends include curating brand‑centric “shop‑within‑a‑shop” zones, nature‑inspired biomorphic designs, and modular display systems that can be reconfigured...

By Retail TouchPoints
Staples Canada Boosts Productivity, Cuts Training Time with Fulfillment Center Robotics
News•Feb 5, 2026

Staples Canada Boosts Productivity, Cuts Training Time with Fulfillment Center Robotics

Staples Canada, a three‑decade leader in next‑day delivery, has modernized its fulfillment network by adding Locus Robotics to two warehouses and plans three more deployments this year. The robots, integrated with a Manhattan Active WMS, have nearly doubled productivity, boosted...

By Retail TouchPoints
Abercrombie, Ebay, Aldi Opt for IRL Activations to Capture Super Bowl Fervor
News•Feb 5, 2026

Abercrombie, Ebay, Aldi Opt for IRL Activations to Capture Super Bowl Fervor

Brands are sidestepping the $7 million Super Bowl TV spot by rolling out real‑world activations across the Bay Area. eBay is converting its End Zone pop‑up into a live‑shopping studio, while Abercrombie & Fitch debuts an NFL‑licensed capsule and Pro Bowl...

By Retail TouchPoints
Bob’s Discount Furniture Goes Public with $2.22 Billion Market Cap
Deals•Feb 5, 2026

Bob’s Discount Furniture Goes Public with $2.22 Billion Market Cap

Bob’s Discount Furniture began trading on the NYSE on Feb. 5, 2026, selling 19.45 million shares at $17 each. The IPO values the retailer at roughly $2.22 billion, within the expected $17‑$19 price range. The public listing marks the company’s transition from a private...

Retail TouchPoints
Albertsons Creates End-to-End Digital Party Planning Hub
News•Feb 4, 2026

Albertsons Creates End-to-End Digital Party Planning Hub

Albertsons has introduced Celebrations, a digital hub that consolidates party supplies, custom cakes, décor, and beverage options into one online destination. The platform leverages the Albertsons AI shopping assistant to deliver personalized recommendations and curated party inspiration. Exclusive items from...

By Retail TouchPoints
Ulta Spotlights 6 Female Athletes with New Beauty Roster, Strengthens Support for Women’s Sports
News•Feb 4, 2026

Ulta Spotlights 6 Female Athletes with New Beauty Roster, Strengthens Support for Women’s Sports

Ulta Beauty has introduced its inaugural Ulta Beauty Roster, partnering with six high‑profile female athletes across emerging and established sports. The roster is supported by a Roster for Change grant program aimed at reducing the dropout rate of girls in...

By Retail TouchPoints
PayMore Continues Rapid Expansion with Plans for 96 New Stores in 2026
News•Feb 4, 2026

PayMore Continues Rapid Expansion with Plans for 96 New Stores in 2026

PayMore announced plans to open 96 new stores in 2026, expanding its footprint across the United States and Canada at an average rate of eight locations per month. The chain more than doubled its store count in 2025, rising from...

By Retail TouchPoints
Rent-to-Own Franchisor Buddy’s Home Furnishings Purchased by Private Equity Firm
News•Feb 4, 2026

Rent-to-Own Franchisor Buddy’s Home Furnishings Purchased by Private Equity Firm

Skyline Investors has acquired Buddy’s Home Furnishings, a rent‑to‑own franchisor operating over 220 locations across 18 states and Guam. The deal, structured with affordable‑housing developer Standard Communities, did not disclose financial terms. Skyline aims to leverage its experience in rent‑to‑own...

By Retail TouchPoints
Skyline Investors Acquires Buddy’s Home Furnishings
Deals•Feb 4, 2026

Skyline Investors Acquires Buddy’s Home Furnishings

Private equity firm Skyline Investors announced the acquisition of rent‑to‑own franchisor Buddy’s Home Furnishings, which operates over 220 locations across 18 states and Guam. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal also involves Standard Communities co‑founders Jeffrey Jaeger and Scott...

Retail TouchPoints
Clutch Play: Advance Auto Parts Shifts New Loyalty Program Into Gear
News•Feb 3, 2026

Clutch Play: Advance Auto Parts Shifts New Loyalty Program Into Gear

Advance Auto Parts has introduced a three‑tier Advance Rewards loyalty program, replacing its Speed Perks scheme. The free‑to‑join tiers—1st Gear, 2nd Gear and Top Gear—award five to ten points per dollar and allow members to stack up to $100 in...

By Retail TouchPoints
Claire’s Appoints Chief Brand Officer as It Readies for a Reset in the U.S.
News•Feb 3, 2026

Claire’s Appoints Chief Brand Officer as It Readies for a Reset in the U.S.

Claire’s, rescued from liquidation by Ames Watson’s $140 million acquisition in August 2025, has made its first C‑suite appointment by hiring former Athleta executive Michelle Goad as Chief Brand Officer. Goad will report to Ames Watson co‑founders Lawrence Berger and Tom Ripley...

By Retail TouchPoints
Lego Reseller Bricks & Minifigs Rapidly Doubles Store Count to 300 Locations
News•Feb 2, 2026

Lego Reseller Bricks & Minifigs Rapidly Doubles Store Count to 300 Locations

Bricks & Minifigs, an authorized Lego reseller, opened its 300th store in 2025, doubling its footprint after adding 150 locations since 2023. The chain now spans the United States, two Canadian sites, and has secured authorization to sell in Australia. Revenue...

By Retail TouchPoints
Bed Bath & Beyond’s Latest Move: Buying Blockchain Platform Tokens.com
News•Feb 2, 2026

Bed Bath & Beyond’s Latest Move: Buying Blockchain Platform Tokens.com

Bed Bath & Beyond announced the acquisition of blockchain investing platform Tokens.com, aiming to launch a unified investment and personal‑finance hub for homeowners by July 1, 2026. The move aligns with CEO Marcus Lemonis’s strategy to create an integrated home ecosystem that...

By Retail TouchPoints
Target’s 30 Store Openings This Year Will Run to Larger Sizes
News•Feb 2, 2026

Target’s 30 Store Openings This Year Will Run to Larger Sizes

Target announced it will open 30 new stores in 2026, including seven this spring that exceed its typical 125,000‑sq ft footprint. Five of the spring openings range from 148,000 to 150,000 sq ft, while two are smaller at 40,000 and 110,000 sq ft. The retailer...

By Retail TouchPoints
Costco and Instacart Say ‘Si’ and ‘Oui’ to Same-Day Delivery in Europe
News•Jan 30, 2026

Costco and Instacart Say ‘Si’ and ‘Oui’ to Same-Day Delivery in Europe

Costco Wholesale has introduced same‑day grocery delivery in France and Spain, leveraging Instacart’s technology platform. The service launches across all Costco locations in both countries, including Paris, Mulhouse, Bilbao, Madrid, Seville and Zaragoza. Instacart will work with local European partners...

By Retail TouchPoints
The Great Consumer Divide: Why the Middle Is Disappearing and Why Brands Should Fear It
News•Jan 30, 2026

The Great Consumer Divide: Why the Middle Is Disappearing and Why Brands Should Fear It

Retailers are witnessing a rapid erosion of the traditional middle segment as shoppers split between low‑price value and high‑premium experiences. Across grocery, pet food, fashion, automotive and coffee, brands positioned at the extremes are gaining share while mid‑tier offerings lose...

By Retail TouchPoints
JCPenney Invites Shoppers to ‘Ex-Change’ Their Old Jewelry for Valentine’s Day
News•Jan 29, 2026

JCPenney Invites Shoppers to ‘Ex-Change’ Their Old Jewelry for Valentine’s Day

JCPenney launched the "Ex‑Change" program, letting shoppers swap old jewelry for a free ½‑carat lab‑grown diamond necklace in 14k gold. The first 100 customers at the Garden City flagship and the first 50 at other stores receive the necklace instantly,...

By Retail TouchPoints
PVH Deploys OpenAI to Amplify Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger Brands
News•Jan 28, 2026

PVH Deploys OpenAI to Amplify Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger Brands

PVH Corp., the owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, has partnered with OpenAI to embed enterprise‑grade AI into its data‑driven operating model. The collaboration will integrate OpenAI APIs and ChatGPT Enterprise to create custom tools for product design, demand planning, inventory...

By Retail TouchPoints
Vitamin Shoppe Debuts AI-Powered Advisor in New NYC ‘Innovation Store’
News•Jan 28, 2026

Vitamin Shoppe Debuts AI-Powered Advisor in New NYC ‘Innovation Store’

The Vitamin Shoppe opened an Innovation Store on Manhattan’s Upper East Side featuring an AI‑powered interactive advisor that delivers real‑time inventory checks and personalized product guidance. The space also includes a dedicated events area, same‑day delivery through Instacart, DoorDash and...

By Retail TouchPoints
Hong Kong-Based Anta Sports Buys 29% Stake in Puma for $1.8 Billion
News•Jan 27, 2026

Hong Kong-Based Anta Sports Buys 29% Stake in Puma for $1.8 Billion

Anta Sports announced the purchase of a 29.06% stake in Puma for €1.5 billion ($1.8 billion), becoming the German brand’s largest single shareholder. The deal aligns with Anta’s “single‑focus, multi‑brand, globalization” strategy and adds a heritage‑rich global name to its portfolio, which...

By Retail TouchPoints
Anta Sports Buys 29% Stake in Puma for $1.8 Billion
Deals•Jan 27, 2026

Anta Sports Buys 29% Stake in Puma for $1.8 Billion

Hong Kong-based Anta Sports announced it will purchase a 29.06% stake in Puma from Artemis for €1.5 billion ($1.8 billion), making Anta the largest single shareholder. Anta said it will seek representation on Puma’s supervisory board but has no immediate takeover plans.

Retail TouchPoints
Dollar General Expands Delivery to 17,000+ Stores, Concentrates on Rural Areas
News•Jan 26, 2026

Dollar General Expands Delivery to 17,000+ Stores, Concentrates on Rural Areas

Dollar General has expanded its MyDG same‑day delivery service to more than 17,000 stores, targeting traditionally underserved rural markets. The rollout leverages existing partnerships with DoorDash, which covers 18,000 stores, and a new Uber Eats integration now available at 17,000...

By Retail TouchPoints
Levi’s Claims ‘Home Turf’ Advantage with Super Bowl Pop-Up Activations
News•Jan 26, 2026

Levi’s Claims ‘Home Turf’ Advantage with Super Bowl Pop-Up Activations

Levi Strauss & Co. is leveraging the Super Bowl spotlight in its hometown with "Home Turf," a series of immersive pop‑up activations across Bay Area stores and a flagship event at 1 Montgomery in San Francisco. The program features exclusive...

By Retail TouchPoints
How Smarter Restaurant Tech Is Powering Loyalty Even as Dining Frequency Declines
News•Jan 26, 2026

How Smarter Restaurant Tech Is Powering Loyalty Even as Dining Frequency Declines

Restaurant operators face declining visit frequency and rising menu prices in 2026. To retain diners, they are adopting customer data platforms that unify guest data across ordering channels. Real‑time, segment‑level insights enable behavior‑based, spend‑band, and predictive segmentation, delivering offers at...

By Retail TouchPoints
How New ‘Concept to Commerce’ Event Helps Move Product Teams From Idea to Execution
News•Jan 26, 2026

How New ‘Concept to Commerce’ Event Helps Move Product Teams From Idea to Execution

Retail TouchPoints reports the inaugural NHS Concept to Commerce trade show launching March 31‑April 2, 2026 in Las Vegas. The event expands the National Hardware Show with over 400 exhibitors, including Global Manufacturing, Brand, and Inventor pavilions, and introduces an AI‑powered matchmaking tool...

By Retail TouchPoints
Ulta Continues Middle East Expansion with UAE Debut
News•Jan 23, 2026

Ulta Continues Middle East Expansion with UAE Debut

Ulta Beauty is debuting in the United Arab Emirates with a flagship store at Mall of the Emirates on Jan. 29, marking its first UAE location. The expansion is executed through a franchise partnership with Alshaya Group, which also oversees Ulta’s...

By Retail TouchPoints
UPDATE: Guess? Completes Deal with Authentic to Go Private
News•Jan 23, 2026

UPDATE: Guess? Completes Deal with Authentic to Go Private

Authentic Brands Group and Guess? have finalized a transaction that takes the apparel label private, valuing the brand at roughly $1.4 billion. Authentic will acquire 51% of Guess?’s intellectual property, while existing shareholders retain 49% and receive $16.76 per share in...

By Retail TouchPoints
Authentic Brands Group Takes Guess? Private in $1.4B Deal
Deals•Jan 23, 2026

Authentic Brands Group Takes Guess? Private in $1.4B Deal

Authentic Brands Group completed the acquisition of Guess? in a take‑private transaction valued at approximately $1.4 billion. Authentic will own 51% of Guess?’s intellectual property while existing shareholders retain the remaining 49%, making Guess? a privately held brand.

Retail TouchPoints
Francesca’s Reportedly Prepping to Shut Down Stores, Liquidate Inventory
News•Jan 22, 2026

Francesca’s Reportedly Prepping to Shut Down Stores, Liquidate Inventory

Francesca’s, the women’s specialty retailer, is preparing to shut down operations and liquidate its inventory, with liquidation slated to begin on Jan. 16, 2026. The move follows abrupt staff layoffs announced without warning, as confirmed by former buyers and a customer‑service...

By Retail TouchPoints
Popular European Resale Platform Vinted Makes U.S. Debut
News•Jan 22, 2026

Popular European Resale Platform Vinted Makes U.S. Debut

European resale platform Vinted, founded in 2008, is launching in the United States with an initial rollout in New York. The company posted €813.4 million in revenue for 2024, a 36% increase year‑over‑year, and aims to reach €1 billion in 2025. Unlike...

By Retail TouchPoints
5 Lessons the Fashion Industry Can Take From the CSRD
News•Jan 22, 2026

5 Lessons the Fashion Industry Can Take From the CSRD

The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is prompting fashion brands to overhaul ESG reporting, emphasizing supply‑chain traceability, dual materiality, and audit‑level assurance. Europe’s experience shows that rigorous, transparent disclosures not only satisfy regulators but also improve access to capital...

By Retail TouchPoints
How Gymshark and Good American Found Success by Bucking the Norm
News•Jan 22, 2026

How Gymshark and Good American Found Success by Bucking the Norm

Good American shattered the fashion myth that size dictates choice by expanding from plus‑size to petite offerings, creating a loyal, inclusive customer base. Gymshark, meanwhile, doubled down on its core lifting apparel, generating roughly $1 billion in sales while limiting brick‑and‑mortar...

By Retail TouchPoints

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