retailing

Retraining generally isn't a top priority in the retail sector, analysts say. But Wal-Mart trains about a quarter-million of its employees a year in more advanced skills.

As Store Layoffs Mount, Retail Lags Other Sectors In Retraining Workers

10:00am May 23, 2017

by Yuki Noguchi

Many retail workers are losing their jobs amid major technological shifts. And while some industries invest to retrain their workers with new skills, retail largely hasn't succeeded in doing that.

J.C. Penney is among several chains that have announced plans to close stores this year.

Retailers Scrambling To Adjust To Changing Consumer Habits

7:56pm May 02, 2017

by Yuki Noguchi

Nine U.S. chains have filed for bankruptcy this year. Store closures are accelerating, and 89,000 retail jobs have been lost since October. "The disruption is just unfolding," a former executive says.

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As Their Anchors Sink, Malls Try To Present Retail 'Experience'

6:48pm May 23, 2016

by Yuki Noguchi

With more department stores closing, some owners are trying to make malls "more experiential," adding gyms and theaters. One developer is targeting Hispanics with regular concerts and festivities.

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The H Street Wal-Mart in Washington, D.C. Ten years ago, none of the city's 600,000 residents lived within 1 mile of a Wal-Mart. Today, almost 13 percent do.

The Urban Neighborhood Wal-Mart: A Blessing Or A Curse?

5:22pm April 01, 2015

by NPR Staff

The nation's largest retailer is known for sprawling suburban and rural stores. Now Wal-Mart is moving into city centers — sometimes despite strong local opposition.

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National

In More Cities, That Doggie In The Window Is Not For Sale

11:47am October 22, 2014

by Greg Allen

Almost 50 U.S. cities and towns have banned pet stores from selling puppies. The laws are aimed at cracking down on substandard, large-scale breeders, but many store owners say the bans are unfair.

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Customers walk out of Street Boutique, parked in Shirlington Village, Va. Street Boutique is a pop-up truck that's similar to the many food trucks in the area, except it sells clothes and jewelry.

Make Room, Food Trucks: Mobile Fashion Stores Have Hit The Streets

10:28am October 10, 2014

by Lucy Perkins

Entrepreneurs who want to launch a retail business in the fashion industry have found a more affordable way to do it — by launching food-truck-inspired rolling boutiques.

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