On June 2, 2026, it was reported, Dollar General is seeing an "accelerated rate" of trading down activity with customers, CEO Todd Vasos told analysts on an earnings call Tuesday. While the retailer sees the trend across all cohorts, it has particularly increased among higher income shoppers making over $100,000 a year. The discount chain's core customers cut back on some household expenses including food purchases during the first quarter due to rising gas prices, the executive added. Rural customers are especially feeling the pressure "as they work to minimize trip distance and make trade-offs in their search for everyday affordability," Vasos said. Dollar General's first quarter net sales grew 3.4% year over year to $10.8 billion, according to a Tuesday press release. Same-store sales increased 2%, driven by a 1.4% bump in store traffic and a smaller 0.5% increase in average transaction amount. Dive Insight: Shoppers are feeling the pressure of prices at the gas pump and Dollar General is reaping the benefits. The company expanded its store fleet in Q1 with 190 new stores opened in the U.S. and five new locations in Mexico. All of Dollar General's merchandise categories delivered positive comp sales, with the growth rate in non-consumables outpacing consumables from a monthly cadence perspective again, per Vasos. Dollar General's performance in the quarter was indicative of the various initiatives it is executing on, Jefferies analysts led by Corey Tarlowe said in an emailed note Tuesday. While progress on Dollar General's various initiatives is evident, Telsey Advisory Group analysts highlighted some potential pressures the company faces.
On May 14, 2026, it was reported, LVMH has agreed to sell the Marc Jacobs brand to WHP Global, whose portfolio includes Toy R Us, Lands' End and Express. LVMH has owned a majority stake in the fashion label for 30 years. Marc Jacobs will become the cornerstone of the brand management firm's premium fashion vertical alongside Vera Wang, Rag & Bone and G-Star. Designer Marc Jacobs will remain in his role as founder and creative director. Read more about the deal on our website.
On April 10, 2026, it was reported, Top 100 retailer Mor Furniture for Less is expanding its reach into Idaho with the opening of a showroom in Coeur d'Alene this summer. The new location enhances Mor Furniture's long-standing presence in the Inland Northwest, making it even easier for customers across North Idaho to shop Mor Furniture closer to home. "This showroom represents an important expansion for us in North Idaho," said Josh Walz, senior vice president of sales. "We've proudly served customers throughout this region for years, and opening in the Coeur d'Alene area allows us to be more accessible to our customers while continuing to deliver the selection, value and service they expect from Mor Furniture." The Coeur d'Alene showroom is designed to better serve local families by bringing Mor Furniture's signature style, value and service directly to the community. The showroom will feature a wide range of furniture for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and a dedicated SleepMor mattress center. The new showroom will be located at 43 W. Prairie Shopping Center in Hyden, offering convenient access for local residents and visitors. To celebrate the opening, Mor Furniture for Less plans to host a grand opening event later this summer featuring special promotions and family-friendly activities.
On April 8, 2026, it was reported, during the first 3 months of 2026, the home furnishings industry saw 17 retailers reveal plans to close. It was reported that McKinstry's Home Furnishings in Beaver Dam, Wis., is closing after 168 years. That same day, former Top 100 retailer Unclaimed Freight in Bethlehem, Pa., is closing after more than 50 years. American Signature Inc. filed for bankruptcy in late 2025 and was cleared for full liquidation on Jan. 7. Grand Gallery, a licensee of Ethan Allen, announced plans to close in January as its owners planned to retire. Memphis, Tenn.-based Sensational Sofas & Interior said it plans to close after 37 years. In a local report from Lewiston, Id, said Sylvan Furniture was likely to close soon. Machine Age, in Boston, will close on Oct. 31 as its owner is retiring. The news of the retirement of the family meant that 95-year-old Youngs Furniture in Portland, Maine, would close. In late 2025, Circle Furniture closed all stores and laid off its employees. On Jan. 30, it filed for Chapter 7. Country Willow, a Bedford Hills, N.Y. retailer, filed for Chapter 7 on Feb. 2. On Feb. 6, three-store Seattle retailer Kasala began a G.O.B. sale. Kelsey Furniture, based in Tuscola, Ill., posted on Facebook that it would kick off aG.O.B. sale on March 6. Lynwood, Wash.-based Josh Underhill's Family Furniture said that it is going out of biz after an 80-year run. Bostic Sugg Furniture, based in Greenville, N.C., is closing after 90 years, owner is retiring. Top 100 retailer Weir's Furniture is wrapping up retail operations. It was reported Fresno, Calif.'s Lifestyle Furniture is closing, according to local reports. Greenbaum Home Furnishings, based in Bellevue, Wash., is closing after 67 years.
