Retail never sleeps, so we’ve rounded up the news you might’ve missed between resets, comms rollouts, and that one surprise district manager visit.
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NRF: Halloween spending to hit record $13.1B [Chain Store Age]
The gist
According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to drop a record $13.1 billion this Halloween on everything from costumes and decorations to candy, greeting cards (!), and general spooky décor. The average person plans to spend about $114.45 on Halloween items, and nearly half of all shoppers (49%) are starting their Halloween spending before October.
Costumes continue to dominate the spending, with adult outfits pulling in around $2 billion, children’s costumes reaching roughly $1.4 billion, and pet costumes totaling about $860 million. Yes, you read that right.
Big trends: according to the survey, Spider-Man remains among the top costume picks for kids, but this year we’re betting on an upset from K-Pop Demon Hunters. Consider yourself warned, parents.
Ralph Lauren Has Entered the AI Age [Wall Street Journal]
The gist
Ralph Lauren is leaning into AI with the launch of Ask Ralph, a conversational-styling tool built into its U.S. app. The AI bot is trained on Ralph Lauren’s archives and current inventory, letting customers ask natural-language questions (“What should I wear to this Yo-Yo Ma concert if I want to be perceived as the absolute coolest?” etc.) and receive curated, shoppable outfit suggestions, styling tips, and visual layouts.
Clearly, there’s still room for it to grow. The Cut’s Julia Reinstein tried “Ask Ralph” and found its recommendations to be largely uninspired and occasionally confusing. “I asked it for some avant-garde looks,” she reports. “It recommended an olive-green turtleneck with blue jeans.” Woof! It might keep you put-together if you’re looking for a shortcut to a classic look, but the bot won’t surprise you just yet.
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Why Barnes & Noble is buying indie chains like Books Inc. and Tattered Cover [Modern Retail]
The gist
Barnes & Noble has made a noticeable shift in strategy under CEO James Daunt, acquiring independent, bankrupt bookstore chains. While these indies will retain their names, local leadership, and ability to curate inventory, they’ll also benefit from access to Barnes & Noble’s larger distribution, upgraded tech, and financial backing.
The strategy isn’t about expansion, says Daunt. It’s part of a broader turnaround. Barnes & Noble has been decentralizing decisions throughout their fleet, letting store teams pick inventory, run their own merchandising, and lean into the local community vibe. And these changes have coincided with growth: in 2024 the company opened 57 new stores (the most in nearly 20 years), with plans for 60 more in 2025.
My Quest for a Dress Led Me to a Retail Relic. Is Macy’s Comeback for Real? [The Voice of the Frontline]
The gist
When retail leader–turned–author Kit Campoy embarked on a marathon hunt for the perfect garden-party dress, her search wound through Dillard’s and Macy’s. What she found: outdated fitting rooms, absent associates, and, against the odds, a $25 floral “miracle” dress.
The trip captured both the thrill of discovery and the stark contrast between the luxury department stores once promised and the diminished experience they often deliver today. Macy’s may be celebrating improved comps and touting its store revamp strategy, but Campoy’s account suggests a harsher reality. With locations that feel understaffed, joyless, and stuck in the past, the retailer faces an urgent mandate to reimagine its role if it hopes to reclaim its place as a true shopping destination.
Costco recalls Kirkland brand prosecco, saying unopened bottles can shatter [CBS]
The gist
Costco has issued a recall for its Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene after discovering that unopened bottles of their sparkling wine may spontaneously shatter, even before being handled. Crucially, they don’t want their suds back. Customers in 12 US states are warned against opening the product. Dispose of it safely (in a bag or wrapped in paper towels) and get a full refund at your nearest store.
In the wine world, it’s pretty much an open secret a bottle of bubbly can be equal parts party favor and live grenade. If live yeast hangs around and keeps fermenting, pressure builds past the point of safety. Costco has not mentioned any injuries in this case, but every year exploding single-use glass bottles cause serious injuries worldwide. (And don’t get us started on champagne corks.)
