FINANCE

Holiday gift card purchases explode fueled by e-commerce

The increase in holiday spending on gift cards far outpaced overall seasonal growth.
Walgreens off to ‘soft start’ in new fiscal year

Walgreens Boots Alliance did not come running out of the gate in its first fiscal quarter as earnings tumbled amid international and pharmacy challenges.
Analysis: This is what saved Christmas for Macy’s

Macy’s Inc.’s November and December comparable sales fell by 0.7% on an owned basis and by 0.6% on an owned plus licensed basis.
Macy’s holiday same-store sales fall less than expected; to close 29 stores

Online sales and last-minute demand for gift items helped Macy’s Inc. turn in a holiday performance that was better than analysts were expecting.
DoorDash extends reach with credit card integration

Subscriptions to an on-demand delivery platform are now available free to holders of select credit cards.
Hudson’s Bay agrees to new offer to go private

The battle to take Hudson’s Bay, whose banners include Saks Fifth Avenue, is apparently over.
Expert Opinion: Retailers Taking Alternative Insurance Routes

Insured catastrophe losses hit a staggering $150 billion in 2017, making it the worst year on record.
Pier 1 announces major store closing initiative as Q3 loss widens

Pier 1 Imports is significantly reducing the size of its store portfolio and corporate headcount as it seeks to cut costs and turnaround its ailing operations.

Holiday sales fall at J.C. Penney