https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ en-us https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5f91e9d82b3f9201a41b6eb7/400x0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=1080&cropY1=5&cropY2=1084 https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ Pamela N. Danziger's stories. Copyright 2025 Forbes Media LLC https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/14/retail-got-off-to-a-flying-start-in-january-2025/ U.S. retail sales surged 4.8% year-over-year in January, rising to $668 billion, setting the stage for unexpectedly strong retail growth in 2025. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67af600f5594c968db295d6f Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:38:06 -0500 2025-02-14T14:16:50-05:00 U.S. retail sales surged 4.8% year-over-year in January, rising to $668 billion, setting the stage for unexpectedly strong retail growth in 2025. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/14/pvhs-calvin-klein-and-tommy-hilfiger-are-first-fashion-victims-of-us-china-trade-war/ China has blacklisted PVH's Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands, potentially shutting it out of the Chinese market and disrupting its manufacturing capabilities. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67af369208ea9e1389587781 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:08:10 -0500 2025-02-14T08:08:21-05:00 China has blacklisted PVH's Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands, potentially shutting it out of the Chinese market and disrupting its manufacturing capabilities. AFP via Getty Images Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/13/disney-shifts-away-from-dei-to-return-to-its-primary-business-mission/ The Walt Disney Company backs away from DEI and moves toward its core business mission of entertaining a diversified audience with different tastes and preferences. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67ae2ce717d30b693332dbb8 Thu, 13 Feb 2025 13:24:38 -0500 2025-02-13T14:10:15-05:00 The Walt Disney Company backs away from DEI and moves toward its core business mission of entertaining a diversified audience with different tastes and preferences. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Media /media Hollywood & Entertainment /hollywood-entertainment Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/11/retail-unions-are-gaining-ground-as-frontline-workers-job-dissatisfaction-grows/ Increasingly, retail workers are turning to unions to advocate for better pay and benefits with Amazon, Starbucks and Costco on the frontlines. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67ab4f8535ff785710364d7c Tue, 11 Feb 2025 09:39:38 -0500 2025-02-11T14:14:17-05:00 Increasingly, retail workers are turning to unions to advocate for better pay and benefits with Amazon, Starbucks and Costco on the frontlines. NurPhoto via Getty Images Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/10/fans-voted-budweisers-ad-featuring-a-young-clydesdale-their-favorite-super-bowl-2025-commercial/ Budweiser starring a young Clydesdale in "First Delivery" was rated as the best Super Bowl 2025 commercial – the first time since 2015 that Budweiser took top honors. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67aa0cd855170377af6876ad Mon, 10 Feb 2025 12:10:45 -0500 2025-02-10T18:13:47-05:00 Budweiser starring a young Clydesdale in "First Delivery" was rated as the best Super Bowl 2025 commercial – the first time since 2015 that Budweiser took top honors. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Leadership /leadership CMO Network /cmo-network Media /media SportsMoney /sportsmoney Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/08/walmart-acquires-mall-outside-pittsburgh-for-34-million-to-redevelop/ Walmart has acquired the Monroeville Mall, a major shopping destination on the eastside of Pittsburgh, to redevelop with partner Cypress Equities. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67a742b32012e5621bae12b4 Sat, 08 Feb 2025 07:55:20 -0500 2025-02-08T08:11:12-05:00 Walmart has acquired the Monroeville Mall, a major shopping destination on the eastside of Pittsburgh, to redevelop with partner Cypress Equities. getty Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/07/gucci-readies-for-a-reset-as-creative-director-de-sarno-exits/ With Gucci revenues in free fall, creative director Sabato De Sarno exits the brand as company leaders assert control to restore Gucci to luxury greatness. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67a618a5b67da62226fca67d Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:56:01 -0500 2025-02-08T10:11:48-05:00 With Gucci revenues in free fall, creative director Sabato De Sarno exits the brand as company leaders assert control to restore Gucci to luxury greatness. Getty Images Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/05/massive-job-cuts-at-este-lauder-up-to-11-or-7000-employees-after-quarterly-sales-decline-6/ Estee Lauder will lay off between 5,800 and 7,000 employees after second-quarter sales plummeted 6% and operating income tanked to a $580 million loss. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67a3790a24778a5eabf36181 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 10:59:55 -0500 2025-02-05T18:11:43-05:00 Estee Lauder will lay off between 5,800 and 7,000 employees after second-quarter sales plummeted 6% and operating income tanked to a $580 million loss. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/04/target-hit-with-shareholder-lawsuit-claiming-investors-were-defrauded-about-dei-risks/ Target Corporation, CEO Brian Cornell and current and former board members have been sued for defrauding stockholders about the risks of its DEI policies. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67a23d52f96e0f19794e8f19 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:08:25 -0500 2025-02-04T14:14:11-05:00 Target Corporation, CEO Brian Cornell and current and former board members have been sued for defrauding stockholders about the risks of its DEI policies. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Leadership /leadership Diversity, Equity & Inclusion /diversity-equity-inclusion Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/03/nearly-50-brands-will-advertise-in-super-bowl-lix-heres-the-full-commercial-lineup/ See the full lineup of 50 brands advertising during the 2025 Super Bowl, including top snack, beer, and tech commercials. Get ready for big names and creative spots! Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67a0ae4e3dd428680dbddff4 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 09:36:38 -0500 2025-02-09T12:11:57-05:00 See the full lineup of 50 brands advertising during the 2025 Super Bowl, including top snack, beer, and tech commercials. Get ready for big names and creative spots! Getty Images Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Leadership /leadership CMO Network /cmo-network SportsMoney /sportsmoney SEO Optimized seo-optimized business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/02/01/costco-strike-averted-after-last-minute-agreement-reached-with-teamsters-union/ Costco and the Teamsters union came to a tentative contract agreement, averting a scheduled strike by its 18,000 union members in 56 stores. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_679e6402caadf92f8bc04b9e Sat, 01 Feb 2025 13:58:26 -0500 2025-02-01T14:11:24-05:00 Costco and the Teamsters union came to a tentative contract agreement, averting a scheduled strike by its 18,000 union members in 56 stores. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/31/costco-grants-pay-raise-to-hourly-non-union-employees-leaving-18000-union-members-waiting/ Costco just announced that all employees at its non-union stores will get a pay raise a day before employees at its 50 unionized stores are set to go on strike. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_679cfd0453aa550226782f16 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 12:10:18 -0500 2025-01-31T14:15:52-05:00 Costco just announced that all employees at its non-union stores will get a pay raise a day before employees at its 50 unionized stores are set to go on strike. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/30/retail-apocalypse-well-over-twice-as-many-stores-will-close--as-open-in-2025/ Retailers will close up to 15,000 stores this year, more than double that in 2024. In addition, store closures will far outpace openings. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_679b82bb6935963a508597cf Thu, 30 Jan 2025 10:23:04 -0500 2025-01-31T12:17:28-05:00 Retailers will close up to 15,000 stores this year, more than double that in 2024. In addition, store closures will far outpace openings. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/28/amazon-is-battling-unions-on-two-fronts-in-its-flagship-business-and-now-whole-foods/ Some 300 workers at an Amazon-owned Whole Foods store in Philadelphia have voted to unionize, mirroring a pro-union shift in public opinion, according to Gallup. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67990d2195763b4036172809 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:37:01 -0500 2025-01-28T16:17:22-05:00 Some 300 workers at an Amazon-owned Whole Foods store in Philadelphia have voted to unionize, mirroring a pro-union shift in public opinion, according to Gallup. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/28/2025-began-in-a-surge-of-retail-mergers-and-acquisitions-jcpenney-into-catalyst-brands-the-biggest/ Christian Lacroix, Kapital, Laura Ashley, Stella McCartney, True Religion, Urban Skin RX, Vera Wang, and Vince have new owners. JCPenney has merged with SPARC Group. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_6798da54c98a143532dabe60 Tue, 28 Jan 2025 09:54:40 -0500 2025-01-28T10:18:11-05:00 Christian Lacroix, Kapital, Laura Ashley, Stella McCartney, True Religion, Urban Skin RX, Vera Wang, and Vince have new owners. JCPenney has merged with SPARC Group. Getty Images Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/25/guitar-center-rises-above-a-musical-instruments-retail-market-down-3-in-2024/ The rumors of Guitar Center's demise have been "greatly exaggerated," as its 6.6% growth in holiday retail sales attests. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_6791262a8fa0d553e5068dc6 Sat, 25 Jan 2025 11:03:12 -0500 2025-02-11T17:35:23-05:00 The rumors of Guitar Center's demise have been "greatly exaggerated," as its 6.6% growth in holiday retail sales attests. Courtesy of Guitar Center; Photo by Andy Keilen Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/24/costco-shareholders-overwhelmingly-support-companys-dei-policies-as-other-major-retailers-retreat/ As the Trump administration takes aim at diversity, equity and inclusion, major retailers are dialing it back. However, Costco swam against the tide at its shareholder meeting. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_67938c7cfcea882228b4a8e6 Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:35:57 -0500 2025-01-25T14:10:34-05:00 As the Trump administration takes aim at diversity, equity and inclusion, major retailers are dialing it back. However, Costco swam against the tide at its shareholder meeting. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Leadership /leadership Diversity, Equity & Inclusion /diversity-equity-inclusion business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/22/costco-teamsters-vote-to-strike-challenging-costcos-pro-worker-stance/ Despite Costco claims it has a stable “cared-for employee base,” over 18,000 employees disagree. Costco Teamsters have voted to strike on Jan. 31. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_679108990335c76b180d26c7 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:09:42 -0500 2025-01-22T12:59:34-05:00 Despite Costco claims it has a stable “cared-for employee base,” over 18,000 employees disagree. Costco Teamsters have voted to strike on Jan. 31. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/21/retailers-flooded-by-returns-need-a-three-pronged-fix/ Returns may reach nearly 17% of the retail market in 2024, requiring retailers to reduce the hassle for consumers and their operational challenges handling the volume. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_678fcc538120001929ab2b7f Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:13:51 -0500 2025-01-21T17:36:36-05:00 Returns may reach nearly 17% of the retail market in 2024, requiring retailers to reduce the hassle for consumers and their operational challenges handling the volume. getty Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/19/us-retail-ends-2024-strong-with-wind-at-its-back-starting-2025/ American consumers exceeded expectations in holiday retail spending, giving retailers a strong finish for 2024 and a head start in 2025. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_678d2f0fa62dd429e3fb9ff5 Sun, 19 Jan 2025 15:32:58 -0500 2025-01-19T15:33:08-05:00 American consumers exceeded expectations in holiday retail spending, giving retailers a strong finish for 2024 and a head start in 2025. Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Breaking breaking-news business retail topline https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/17/richemont-rises-and-signet-falls-as-jewelry-market-splinters-between-true-and-accessible-luxury/ Richemont delivered stunning holiday quarter performance with luxury jewelry sales up 14%, while Signet reported holiday accessible/mass-market jewelry sales down 2%. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_678a6e9a04f22d56457c4856 Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:20:30 -0500 2025-01-17T13:20:41-05:00 Richemont delivered stunning holiday quarter performance with luxury jewelry sales up 14%, while Signet reported holiday accessible/mass-market jewelry sales down 2%. Getty Images Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/09/fabletics-is-more-than-just-a-celebrity-athleisure-brand/ Activewear Fabletics has proven it has staying power, growing to $850 million in sales, 100+ stores and expanding from women's athleisure to men's activewear and scrubs. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_677ff34c19ba8666870f3a75 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:15:43 -0500 2025-01-11T10:15:51-05:00 Activewear Fabletics has proven it has staying power, growing to $850 million in sales, 100+ stores and expanding from women's athleisure to men's activewear and scrubs. getty Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/08/mcdonalds-joins-the-stampede-of-corporations-retreating-from-dei/ McDonalds’s joins the growing list of companies revising DEI policies. McDonald's is putting the emphasis on inclusion and dropping the diversity and equity words. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_677e71321396f558acf9b425 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 08:44:41 -0500 2025-01-09T09:32:55-05:00 McDonalds’s joins the growing list of companies revising DEI policies. McDonald's is putting the emphasis on inclusion and dropping the diversity and equity words. Getty Images Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/07/macys-appoints-former-herms-americas-ceo-to-the-board-will-it-matter/ Macy’s Inc. has appointed Robert Chavez, former Hermes Americas CEO, to the board. He faces challenges influencing strategy of the company that needs changes. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_677d5e3ec98cb60688c48a98 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 14:05:57 -0500 2025-01-07T17:42:55-05:00 Macy’s Inc. has appointed Robert Chavez, former Hermes Americas CEO, to the board. He faces challenges influencing strategy of the company that needs changes. getty Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail Leadership /leadership Leadership /business/csf-testing Lifestyle /lifestyle CEO Network /ceo-network business retail standard https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2025/01/05/does-walmart-wirkin-bag-threaten-herms-so-it-that-must-protect-its-birkin-trademark/ Walmart's so-called 'Wirkin' look-alike Hermes Birkin bag raises prospects of trademark infringement. Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor Pamela N. Danziger, Senior Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/ content_677a8041d279e15ba4b3d61f Sun, 05 Jan 2025 08:52:26 -0500 2025-01-05T12:44:24-05:00 Walmart's so-called 'Wirkin' look-alike Hermes Birkin bag raises prospects of trademark infringement. Getty Images Retail /retail Business /business Retail /retail business retail standard