Macy’s Inc. is showing signs of a turnaround, even as sales and profits dip. CEO Tony Spring credited stronger staffing, revamped visual merchandising, and localized assortments for driving growth across Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Bluemercury banners. Renovated stores and private-label brands are helping revive customer satisfaction and sales momentum—the company’s first growth in 12 quarters. While tariffs and rising costs pose challenges for the second half of the year, Macy’s renewed focus on retail fundamentals and refreshed assortments has analysts optimistic about its long-term reinvention.

Regional off-price retailer Gabe’s has successfully completed an out-of-court restructuring and emerged under new ownership, backed by Brigade Capital Management, Arbour Lane Capital Management, and Anchorage Capital Advisors. The restructuring converted more than 75% of outstanding debt into equity, while new capital contributions and vendor partnerships aim to strengthen operations and fuel growth. With about 160 Gabe’s and Old Time Pottery stores across 20 states, the company plans to expand significantly, targeting rural and underserved markets nationwide. Gabe’s leadership, with deep experience from Ross and TJX, continues to leverage strong vendor relationships and loyal customer demand to drive long-term success.

Playboy is relocating its global headquarters from Los Angeles to Miami Beach, signing a 20K SF penthouse lease at the newly rebranded Rivani Miami Beach building. The $100M renovation, designed by Rockwell Group, aims to create “Class X” office space with luxury amenities such as a wellness center, Omakase restaurant, speakeasy, and private event venues.

Alongside the headquarters move, Playboy is planning a new hospitality concept in Miami Beach in partnership with a major hospitality brand. The venue will blend luxury dining and a private club experience designed to capture the iconic flair of the original Playboy Mansion.

The relocation comes amid a rebound for Playboy, with licensing revenue up 105% year-over-year and shares rising 10% this week. For the brand, Miami Beach represents both a strategic move to a pro-business hub and a nostalgic return, as the city once hosted a Playboy Club in the 1960s and ’70s.

Texas is leading a retail construction boom fueled by strong population growth and business expansion, according to Colliers. Between 2021 and 2025, the state added 0.9% in net domestic migration and now has more than 17 million sq. ft. of retail space under construction, far outpacing the national trend.

Dallas-Fort Worth leads the nation with 7.2 million sq. ft. in the pipeline, while Austin stands out with the highest occupancy rates at 97.1% and strong demand driven by rapid population growth. Houston continues to attract developers with affordable land, steady leasing, and 3.6 million sq. ft. in progress. San Antonio, with occupancy at 96.3%, is experiencing one of its most active construction periods in years.

While retail construction nationwide remains historically low, Texas has become the standout growth market, with nearly one-third of all new first-generation retail space concentrated in the state.

Ulta Beauty and Target are ending their shop-in-shop partnership in August 2026, five years after launch. Both retailers say the split allows them to refocus on retail fundamentals—improving inventory management, tackling shrink, and enhancing customer experience. While Ulta plans to expand exclusive brand partnerships and global growth, Target faces mounting pressure from Walmart and Amazon as it works to strengthen its omnichannel strategy and beauty offerings. Analysts suggest the partnership gave both retailers valuable insights, but the future will now see them competing more directly in the beauty and retail space.

Miami’s restaurant “slow season” has turned into a wave of closures, with July alone seeing enough shutdowns to fill an entire list. Some spots, like Byblos, Gibson Room, and La Mar, promise comebacks after renovations or relocations. Others, including Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat, Sereia, and Torno Subito, have hit pause with no firm reopening date, while favorites like Ensenada have quietly closed for good. Michelin-starred Itamae AO and James Beard Award-winning Maty’s are also in limbo, their futures uncertain. In Miami dining, “closed for the season” can mean a smart strategy—or the beginning of a final farewell.

Retail sales rebounded sharply in July as shoppers jumped on summer promotions and stocked up before new tariffs hit. Core retail sales (excluding restaurants, autos, and gas) climbed 1.55% from June and surged nearly 6% year over year, marking a strong turnaround from June’s decline. Gains were seen in nearly every category, led by sporting goods, hobbies, and books, while only electronics and appliances dipped slightly. Digital products saw the biggest annual boost, soaring 25%. Industry leaders point to successful sales events and tariff-driven buying as key drivers — though rising prices for everyday goods hint at growing inflationary pressures.