J.Crew vs TJX

Nuuly Drives Urban Outfitters' Record Q2 2026 Revenue

Urban Outfitters Inc. reported record second-quarter net sales of $1.7 billion, a 10.4% year-over-year increase. The growth was significantly fueled by its clothing rental subscription business, Nuuly, which posted a 28.6% net sales increase to $179 million and added over 113,000 active subscribers. To sustain this momentum, Nuuly is enhancing its digital customer experience by upgrading its recommendation personalization engine—drawing UX inspiration from streaming giants like Netflix—and introducing a custom fit guidance engine. Additionally, Nuuly is expanding its brand assortment with upcoming launches from Nike and J.Crew, and has rolled out a Gen Z-targeted microdrama campaign for Fall 2026 while scaling its fulfillment infrastructure to support up to 1.2 million subscribers.

• Urban Outfitters Inc. achieved record Q2 net sales of $1.7 billion, up 10.4% year over year.
• Nuuly rental subscription net sales grew 28.6% to $179 million, adding 113,000 average active subscribers.
• Nuuly upgraded its personalization engine to offer smarter style and brand recommendations inspired by Netflix and Disney+.

Burlington to Reinvest $55M Tariff Refunds into Lower Prices

Burlington CEO Michael O’Sullivan said the company will put the full $55 million in tariff refunds it received in Q2 toward lower prices rather than retaining the money to boost margins. Burlington reported Q2 sales up 11% year-over-year to nearly $3 billion, with store comps rising 2% and a record 51 store openings in the quarter (net +45). With the tariff refunds included, gross margin widened 250 basis points to 46.2% and net income doubled to $184 million (excluding a $41 million after-tax benefit, net income was $151 million). O’Sullivan said the move supports customers facing higher living costs and helps protect market share amid competitor strength at Ross and weaker comps at TJX U.S.

• Burlington received $55 million in tariff refunds in Q2 and plans to reinvest the full amount into lower prices.
• Q2 total sales rose 11% year-over-year to nearly $3 billion; comparable store sales were up 2%.
• Gross margin expanded by 250 basis points to 46.2% when tariff refunds are included; merchandise margin expanded 70 basis points excluding the refunds.

TJX Reports Q2 FY27 Results; Above-Plan Comp Sales Growth of 4%; Pretax Profit Margin and Diluted EPS Both Well Above Plan; Increases Full Year FY27 Pretax Profit Margin and EPS Guidance

08/19/26 - 7:30 AM EDT TJX Reports Q2 FY27 Results; Above-Plan Comp Sales Growth of 4%; Pretax Profit Margin and Diluted EPS Both Well Above Plan; Increases Full Year FY27 Pretax Profit Margin and EPS Guidance

Target's snack sales jump after grocery refresh

Target reported a 15% year-over-year increase in snack sales in Q2 2026 after expanding shelf space for snacks, fresh food, bakery and other emerging grocery categories as part of a broader grocery refresh. The company’s second-quarter food and beverage sales rose about 7% year over year, according to Target’s Q2 2026 earnings release. The article is a Big-Box Briefing column published by Modern Retail on August 20, 2026 and written by Mitchell Parton.

• Target reported snack sales increased 15% year over year in Q2 2026.
• Target said it added more space for snacks, fresh food, bakery and other emerging categories within its grocery areas.
• Target's second-quarter food and beverage sales rose about 7% year over year.