Meal kit provider Chef’d has shuttered its operations, after reportedly struggling to stay afloat. At the same time, Gymboree has updated its brand, and Pop-In@Nordstrom has partnered with Casper for pop-up shops. Here is why the closure of Chef’d came as a surprise to many — and how Nordstrom’s latest tie-up builds upon a prior pop-up shop partnership.  Read More...

'Tis the season for sales tax holidays — with 17 states (so far) suspending some or all of their sales tax for a weekend over the next several weeks. The goal is to cash in on $82 billion in back-to-school shopping, but the experts at the Fed wonder if these holidays are more effective at moving spend than generating it.   Read More...

Retailers are trying to get consumers to trade the checkout line for mobile checkout apps, and value-add services, such as loyalty programs, could help make that happen. Consumers do use apps to get better deals, discounts and price comparisons. How will these offerings shape the future of grocery?  Read More...