With department stores disappearing, malls could be next

BBJ
The directory map for the Northfield Square Mall in Bourbonnais, Illinois, has three glaring spaces where large department stores once stood. Soon there will be a fourth vacancy, now that J.C. Penney is liquidating stores after filing for bankruptcy. . . . more

Lucky Brand files for bankruptcy with plan to sell itself

CSA
Lucky Brand Dungarees is hoping that a new owner will help revive its sagging fortunes. . . . more

Foot Locker CEO Dick Johnson Talks Inevitable Retail Changes and Hope In Post-Coronavirus Era

Footwear News
As the coronavirus crisis ravages the footwear business, top executives have had to make many tough decisions — from closing stores to staff layoffs.. . . more

Nordstrom tells landlords to expect just half their rent until January 2021

Retail Dive
Nordstrom June 3 notified landlords of its full-line and off-price Rack stores that it will pay only half the occupancy costs for the remainder of the year, according to a letter from President of Stores Jamie Nordstrom to property owners, which was obtained by Retail Dive. A Nordstrom spokesperson didn't immediately respond to Retail Dive's request for more information or comment.. . . more

Is a New Mobile App Enough to Save Francesca’s From Bankruptcy?

Footwear News
After warning last month that it could go bankrupt, Francesca’s is moving forward with plans to launch its first mobile app. . . . more

Sephora enables direct purchase via Instagram

CSA
A beauty giant is taking a big step in social shopping.
Sephora is opening a digital storefront on the Instagram social platform with the Instagram Checkout feature. Initially released in closed beta in March 2019, Instagram Checkout enables customers to shop, make purchases and receive shipment and delivery notifications within Instagram.. . . more

Macy’s swings to Q1 loss; not expecting another full COVID-19 shutdown

CSA

With nearly all its stores reopened, Macy’s expects a gradual recovery after posting a big loss for the first quarter when its stores went dark due to the COVID-19 pandemic.. . . more