Party City and Staples announced a partnership this week that will bring Party City balloons, décor, and party supplies into more than 700 Staples stores and onto Staples.com by year-end. The assortment includes balloons, décor, tableware, gift bags, costume accessories, and favors, while Staples adds…
Walmart has been rewriting the economics of its business. In Q4 FY2026, Walmart disclosed that advertising and membership income together accounted for roughly one‑third of operating profit, a striking figure for a company historically defined by low‑margin retail. Walmart’s global advertising business generated nearly $6.4…
Retail and restaurant leaders spent the past several years navigating a brutal cost environment. Labor costs have risen. Food costs—particularly beef—have been volatile and elevated. Many operators have struggled to maintain margins while keeping traffic stable. Yet one brand has continued to outperform: Texas Roadhouse. The…
Announcing the release of our Direct-to-Consumer Global Research Study Download your copy of the research to explore the full report and underlying data. Our latest global publication, developed in collaboration with our international Ebeltoft Group alliance, examines how traditional and DTC brands have embraced direct-to-consumer…
Technical outdoor apparel brand Arc’teryx opened a new location in Chicago’s Southport Corridor this month, marking the retailer’s 4th Chicagoland area store. Our McMillanDoolittle team attended Arc’teryx’s engaging and community-centric Grand Opening event. If you’re a retailer looking to design a memorable and customer-centric experience, contact…
In a move that is sure to shake up the fast fashion landscape, legacy US fast fashion retailer Forever 21 and Chinese ecommerce disruptor Shein have agreed to a landmark partnership. Their forthcoming collaboration will reportedly allow the two to cross-list merchandise in their physical…
Ailing US department stores are increasingly pressured to spin off their Ecommerce operations. We share our thoughts on whether these moves make for a clever strategy or merely offer a last resort. The retail world has been abuzz with Ecommerce spin-offs, beginning with Saks Fifth…
CHICAGO, IL- Aug. 5th, 2019 In this report McMillanDoolittle details shifting consumer expectations across all retail categories – and the blind spots the leaders of both legacy retailers and digital natives must overcome as they adapt to an integrated retail landscape. In Different Leaders /…
The news swirling around Toys R Us these past few weeks is grim. The likelihood of all U.S. stores closing is nearing inevitability as the chain faces liquidation in the U.S. and other global markets, seeking buyers for its more sustainable operations in Canada, Asia and…
