FINANCE

CBRE: These two categories had the steepest holiday sales gain …

Total holiday sales surpassed more than $900 billion in 2021.
PetSmart reportedly in talks to go public through acquisition

A pet supplies and services retailer may be returning to the public market.

CGP: Holiday sales driven more by inflation than by organic growth

Inflation had a big impact on 2021’s record holiday sales growth.
Instacart issues first credit card

A leading on-demand delivery platform is entering the financial services space.
Kohl's responds to new push from activist investor to make changes or explore sale

Kohl’s Corp. is once again feeling pressure from activist hedge fund Macellum Advisors.
ICSC: Consumer holiday spending on goods, services in big YOY increases

Holiday 2021 was one for the record books despite slower December sales.
NRF: Holiday sales rise 14% to beat forecast; apparel sales up 33%

The retail industry closed out the year with a record holiday season that included double-digit year-over-year growth in most categories.
Office Depot parent delays spin-off after getting new offer for consumer business

Staples has a rival in years-long pursuit to acquire rival Office Depot.
Visa’s U.S. Spending Momentum Index closes on high note in December

Consumer spending ended the year on a strong note.
Salesforce: U.S. online holiday sales pass $250 billion in 2021

Salesforce data shows a further acceleration in digital shopping adoption for the 2021 holiday season.
Adobe: Online spending sets records for holiday, and for full year 2021

Online holiday sales hit a new record, fueled in part by higher prices on a wide range of goods.
Report: Walgreens exploring strategic options for UK-based Boots division

Walgreens Boots Alliance confirmed that the company is reviewing its U.K. business.
Foxtrot Market to accelerate store expansion with new funding

Flush with new capital, Foxtrot Market plans to open 50 new stores in the next two years.
1-800-Flowers.com acquires livestream platform

1-800-Flowers.com is expanding its experiential offerings.

Coverage and analysis on finance news, including quarterly results, general retail sales and bankruptcy filings, for the retail channel brought to you by Chain Store Age.