Kohl's vs Nordstrom

Macy's Rolls Out AI Inventory Replenishment Tool

Macy's Inc. is expanding an artificial intelligence forecast overlay to its inventory replenishment operations, moving from pilot to broader implementation, according to its September 10 earnings call. The initiative aims to improve in-stock levels and drive inventory efficiencies by ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time. COO and CFO Tom Edwards highlighted that supply chain efficiencies are expected in the second half of 2026, benefiting gross margin. This rollout is part of Macy's 'Bold New Chapter' transformation plan launched in 2024, expected to generate $235 million in savings by 2026. The company enters the fall season in a good inventory position, with inventory up 2.5% in Q2, aligned with sales growth. Other retailers like Target, Lowe's, and Kohl's are also optimizing inventory management with AI and other technologies.

• Macy's is rolling out an AI forecast overlay for inventory replenishment, moving from pilot to broader implementation.
• The AI capability aims to improve in-stock levels and inventory efficiencies.
• COO and CFO Tom Edwards announced the rollout during a September 10 earnings call.

Kohl's expands Babies R Us shops as Sephora sales dip

Kohl's is expanding its partnership with Babies R Us, adding shop-in-shops to 56 more stores and introducing an exclusive collection of baby essentials. The move comes as Sephora at Kohl's, previously a key traffic driver, experiences declining sales, down 4% in Q2 after a low-single-digit drop in Q1. The expansion includes new categories like gifting options under $25, Millie Moon diapers, and Hallmark gift sets. This strategic shift highlights Kohl's efforts to diversify its offerings and boost in-store traffic, which has been challenged but is showing signs of recovery.

• Kohl's is expanding Babies R Us shop-in-shops to 56 additional stores.
• Kohl's is launching an exclusive collection of bibs, blankets, and crib sheets under the Babies R Us brand.
• Sephora at Kohl's sales declined 4% in Q2 after a low-single-digit drop in Q1.

Kohl's Expands Home Line with Martha Stewart, Bobby Flay

Kohl’s announced new kitchen products from Martha Stewart and Bobby Flay as part of a wider effort to grow its home assortment. The Martha Stewart lineup will include core kitchen electrics such as mixers, griddles, slow cookers and milk frothers and will expand into home fragrance with a candle collection. Beginning in September, the Bobby Flay collection will add stainless steel and ceramic cookware sets plus individual frying pans. The article also notes Kohl’s broader merchandising moves, including earlier integrations of MAC Cosmetics and YSL Beauty into Sephora at Kohl’s locations and recent SO brand updates.

• Kohl’s announced new kitchen appliances from Martha Stewart and cookware from Bobby Flay.
• The Martha Stewart lineup includes mixers, griddles, slow cookers, milk frothers and a new candle collection.
• Starting in September, the Bobby Flay collection will expand to stainless steel and ceramic cookware sets and individual frying pans.

Rent the Runway Appoints Paige Thomas as CEO

Rent the Runway has promoted Chief Commercial Officer Paige Thomas to CEO, effective Monday. Thomas, a Nordstrom alum, succeeds interim CEO Teri Bariquit, who becomes non-executive board chair. The announcement came as the company released Q2 results showing sales growth and narrowed losses. Total revenue rose nearly 21% year-over-year to $97.7 million, while active subscribers declined to 140,826. Gross margin expanded to 36.1%, and net loss shrank to $12.9 million. Thomas aims to accelerate the company's transformation rather than change direction.

• Paige Thomas promoted to CEO of Rent the Runway, effective Monday.
• Teri Bariquit, former interim CEO, appointed non-executive board chair.
• Q2 total revenue rose nearly 21% year-over-year to $97.7 million.

Nordstrom Rack to Open New Location in Cypress, Texas

Nordstrom Rack to Open New Location in Cypress, Texas (September 1, 2026) and Nordstrom Rack to Open New Location in Glen Allen, Virginia (August 27, 2026) added to press releases.

Nordstrom Rack to Open New Location in Cypress, Texas

Nordstrom Rack to Open New Location in Cypress, Texas (September 1, 2026) and Nordstrom Rack to Open New Location in Glen Allen, Virginia (August 27, 2026) were added to the Featured Releases section.