Claire’s Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in seven years, citing heavy debt, rising tariffs, and growing competition from online retailers like Temu and Shein. The tween and teen accessories chain — operating Claire’s and Icing stores — will keep its North American stores open during restructuring while exploring a potential sale. Claire’s has a $500 million loan due in 2026, skipped rent at some locations this summer, and faces mounting pressure from shifting consumer trends and newer retail competitors. The retailer also plans insolvency proceedings in Canada as it seeks strategic and financial partners to secure its future.

Retail is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation powered by edge AI — technology that processes data right in-store, in real time, to make operations smarter, faster, and more customer-focused. From pinpoint inventory tracking and frictionless self-checkout to predictive maintenance that prevents costly downtime, edge AI is solving some of retail’s biggest pain points while creating opportunities for growth.

It’s not just about automation — it’s about empowering employees, delivering hyper-personalized shopping experiences, and using real-time insights to adapt instantly to customer needs. With solutions like the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA, retailers can scale AI capabilities quickly, enhance efficiency, and boost ROI, positioning themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market.

Despite a turbulent year for retail marked by bankruptcies, inflation pressures, and store closures from names like Party City, Joann, and Rite Aid, the sector is far from collapsing. Many brands — including Burlington, Five Below, Aldi, and Barnes & Noble — are actively expanding, while a wave of digitally native companies is moving into brick-and-mortar.

Fresh faces like Eastside Golf, Oofos, Perigold, Princess Polly, and Rocksbox are opening physical stores, bringing new energy and niche offerings to malls and shopping districts. Even Warby Parker, a pioneer in blending online and offline retail, hit a milestone with its 300th store. In short, while some giants fade, the retail landscape is evolving — and in many cases, growing.

Bed Bath & Beyond is making a stylish comeback — and it’s bringing its famous coupons with it. Now part of The Brand House Collective (formerly Kirkland’s Inc.), the retailer will debut its first Bed Bath & Beyond Home store on August 8 in Nashville. Shoppers can expect the iconic blue coupons at the door — and yes, they’ll even honor old ones. The first 25 customers will score a free queen-size memory foam mattress valued at $226.99.

CEO Amy Sullivan calls it a “fresh start” for a brand beloved by families, with a renewed focus on great products for every room and every budget. This relaunch is part of the company’s bigger transformation, which includes a new ticker symbol — TBHC — and a portfolio boasting more than 300 stores across 35 states.

ChatGPT said:

AI shopping assistants are gaining traction, especially among Gen Z, but widespread adoption is still lagging due to deep-rooted skepticism and trust issues. While 43% of Americans are aware of these tools, only 14% have actually used one—many citing a preference for human help, privacy concerns, or simply not seeing the need.

Still, curiosity exists: two-thirds of non-users say they'd consider AI for price comparisons or product recommendations. And despite consumer hesitation, major players like Amazon, Google, and Walmart are all-in, rolling out AI-powered features to guide, suggest, and even style your next purchase. With more retailers boosting AI investments, it’s clear the tech is here to stay—whether shoppers are ready or not.

Despite a rocky first half of the year marked by bankruptcies, inflation, and store closures from names like Party City, Joann, and Rite Aid, the retail industry is far from down for the count. Big players like Burlington, Aldi, Five Below, and Nordstrom Rack are charging ahead with aggressive expansion plans, while long-dormant Barnes & Noble is back in growth mode with smaller, curated stores.

Even more exciting: digitally native brands are breathing new life into brick-and-mortar retail. From Eastside Golf’s stylish airport debut to Princess Polly’s Gen Z-focused flagship in NYC, brands like Oofos, Perigold, and Rocksbox are proving there’s still plenty of energy—and innovation—on the ground. Warby Parker’s 300th store opening underscores the enduring potential of physical retail, even in uncertain times.

This holiday season, shoppers are ready to spend, but expect them to be savvier than ever! Despite ongoing economic pressures, consumers aren't cutting back on holiday cheer; instead, they'll be making strategic trade-offs to prioritize gifts for family and cherished traditions. Get ready for a blend of online Browse and in-store visits, with discounts and convenience reigning supreme as shoppers use every tool to stretch their budgets.