retail chain

The Kremlin has moved to take control of the Russian operations of German retail giant Metro, which owns a chain of stores across the country. The transfer marks a new step in Russia's widening seizure of foreign corporate assets since the invasion of Ukraine, raising fresh concerns among Western companies still operating in or exposed to the Russian market.

Major retailers are reversing course on self-checkout, scaling back or removing the machines from stores. The shift follows widespread shopper frustration with malfunctioning scanners, constant staff interventions, accusations of theft, and research suggesting the kiosks drive up losses without clear cost savings. Social media users have long complained about the checkout experience, and those discussions are now being cited as evidence of why chains like Walmart, Target and Dollar General are rethinking the technology.

A coalition of trade groups is calling on the U.S. Trade Representative to extend the current pause on port fees targeting China-linked vessels, warning that the fees would raise shipping costs and disrupt supply chains. The levy, announced as part of a broader response to China's dominance in shipbuilding, has drawn criticism from retailers, exporters and carriers who say the timing would add strain to an already fragile global trade environment.

Reports say major beauty retailers Mecca and Sephora are being outpaced by online marketplaces in the global beauty market. Coverage across finance outlets suggests marketplace platforms are growing faster than traditional beauty chains, reshaping where shoppers buy cosmetics and skincare. Industry watchers are weighing what the shift means for brick-and-mortar beauty retail and store-based brands.

McDonald's has announced the launch of a new advertising network, moving into the fast-growing retail media space. The move means the fast food giant will sell ad space across its own channels, joining retailers and brands that have built media businesses on their customer data and reach. Industry observers are watching how a restaurant chain competes in a space dominated by grocery and e-commerce players.

Major US grocers Walmart, Aldi and Kroger are moving in the same direction as Costco on a retail policy, according to a report from TheStreet. The story suggests the country's biggest supermarket chains are converging on a strategy pioneered by the warehouse club, prompting shoppers to discuss what the change could mean for prices and the in-store experience.

AMC Entertainment shares are drawing attention as investors ask what is driving the movie theater chain's stock movement on Monday. Benzinga highlights the question, reflecting renewed interest in the company among retail traders who have long tracked its volatile price swings. No specific cause for Monday's move has been confirmed.

A fashion retailer founded 17 years ago is shutting down all of its stores, according to a report by TheStreet. The closure marks the end of a young brand that had built its business around physical retail locations. Details on the number of stores affected, the reasons behind the decision, and the impact on employees have not yet been disclosed.

Lowe's Companies has started a pilot program offering drone delivery with a roughly 20-minute turnaround for customers. The home improvement retailer is testing the service as part of a broader push by retailers to speed up last-mile delivery using drones. The move puts Lowe's alongside other major chains experimenting with aerial delivery to cut delivery times and costs.

Aldi is processing large volumes of fresh produce through its automated distribution warehouse in the UK, part of the discounter's push to use robotics to speed up supply and cut costs. The facility handles the flow of goods to stores as the grocer expands automation across its logistics network.

Abercrombie & Fitch's athleisure brand YPB has announced a partnership with a fitness-studio chain. The deal ties the apparel label to in-studio fitness experiences, a common strategy for activewear brands seeking visibility among workout communities. Details of the studio partner and the terms of the arrangement were not disclosed in the initial report.

Outdoor retailer L.L.Bean has partnered with coffee chain Dunkin' on a new fall merchandise collection. The collaboration brings together two New England brands known for their loyal followings, and covers seasonal products timed to autumn. Retail industry watchers see these unexpected brand pairings as a way to generate buzz and reach each other's customer bases during the busy fall shopping season.

A new Dollar Tree store is set to open in Victorville, California, taking over the space left vacant by a closed Rite Aid. The move fills a long-empty retail location in the High Desert city. Local residents are discussing the arrival of the discount chain and what it means for shopping options in the area.

Spirit Halloween's seasonal business model depends on securing short-term leases in vacant retail spaces, and a closer look explains how the company chooses its temporary store sites. The retailer takes over former big-box and mall locations left empty by struggling chains, turning dead retail space into Halloween shops each autumn before closing again.

Ethereum is showing a rise in failed transactions alongside muted whale inflows, according to CryptoQuant analysis. The pattern suggests current network activity is being driven more by retail traders and DeFi users than by large holders moving funds. Analysts say such a mix can signal speculative, smaller-scale activity dominating the network rather than accumulation by big investors.