U.S. consumer confidence slipped in September to its lowest point since April, reflecting growing worries about jobs, inflation, and the broader economy. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 94.2, with job availability and current financial conditions seeing sharp declines. Inflation remained the top concern for households, while recession fears ticked higher. Despite weaker intentions to buy cars and travel, home-buying plans climbed to a four-month high, and electronics like smartphones saw increased demand.

Forever 21 may have closed all of its U.S. stores after bankruptcy, but a comeback is already in motion. Authentic Brands Group, which owns the fast-fashion label’s IP, has secured new e-commerce and wholesale deals and is now in advanced talks with a retail partner to bring physical locations back to the U.S. While details remain under wraps, the move signals ABG’s strategy to balance Forever 21’s digital presence with a renewed brick-and-mortar footprint—aiming to keep the brand relevant in both shopping malls and online marketplaces.

Claire’s, the iconic teen accessories retailer, is getting a new lease on life—literally. Following its $140M+ acquisition by private equity firm Ames Watson, RCS Real Estate Advisors has been tapped to reshape the brand’s store footprint, securing more than 800 finalized leases with the potential to expand to 950 locations across major U.S. and Canadian markets. Once weighed down by bankruptcy and growing competition from online players like Shein and Temu, Claire’s is now positioning itself for a fresh chapter—preserving jobs, revitalizing stores, and modernizing its brand for the next generation of shoppers.

Lululemon, once the undisputed leader in premium athleisure, is facing a wake-up call: consumers are calling its assortment predictable, competitors like Alo and Vuori are gaining traction, and even Costco’s dupes are stealing attention. While the activewear category overall is growing, Lululemon’s slower trend adoption, reliance on core products, and muted casual offerings have left the brand vulnerable. Now, with sales softening in North America and analysts warning of cracks in its core, the retailer is doubling down on innovation—promising to increase new styles, lean into AI-driven product design, and recapture the excitement that made it a powerhouse. Whether this strategy is enough to keep its $100 leggings a must-have remains to be seen.

Forever 21 is entering a new phase after its U.S. operator filed for bankruptcy and shuttered all stores earlier this year. Authentic Brands Group has secured three fresh partnerships to keep the brand alive digitally and in wholesale: Unique Brands will oversee U.S. e-commerce and men’s wholesale, Mark Edwards Apparel will manage women’s wholesale, and Kidz Concepts will handle kidswear. While its U.S. brick-and-mortar era has ended, Forever 21 continues to reach consumers through online channels, wholesale, and select international pop-ups. Still, the brand faces tough competition from low-cost rivals like Shein and Temu, as well as shifting consumer habits — making this digital-first revival a challenging but strategic next chapter.

Rising medical and liability claims costs are reshaping the retail earnings picture, even for the industry’s strongest performers. Walmart, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Best Buy all flagged higher claim expenses in Q2 — with Walmart alone taking a $450 million hit beyond expectations. While claim volumes remain steady, settlement costs are climbing sharply, cutting into operating income and driving up SG&A expenses. With health plan costs projected to keep rising in 2025, retailers are bracing for continued financial pressure, even as sales growth remains strong across the board.

Toys“R”Us is making a big comeback, expanding both in the U.S. and internationally just in time for the holiday season. Partnering with Go! Retail Group, the brand will debut 10 new flagships and 20 pop-up holiday shops by year’s end, starting with Chicago Premium Outlets on Sept. 20. The retailer is also growing its presence on military bases and entering new global markets like Chile, Morocco, and Lebanon, while strengthening its footprint in the U.K., Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea. With fresh in-store experiences, global activations, and the return of fan-favorite events, Toys“R”Us is doubling down on bringing joy to kids and families everywhere.

Books Inc., the 174-year-old California-based bookstore chain, has filed a motion to sell its assets to a Barnes & Noble affiliate for $3.25 million. If approved, the deal will allow Books Inc. to preserve its independent branding and continue operating nine stores, while loyalty points and gift cards remain valid. The acquisition marks another step in Barnes & Noble’s expansion strategy, following its 2024 purchase of Tattered Cover, and underscores how the once-feared national chain is now seen as a lifeline for struggling independents in an industry reshaped by Amazon and shifting consumer habits.