#retail

#retail

Walmart reported first-quarter revenue of $177.8 billion Thursday, up 7.3% from a year ago, while adjusted earnings per share rose 8.2%, to 66 cents. Walmart U.S. comparable sales rose 4.1%, driven by higher customer traffic and increased unit volumes. Global e-commerce sales jumped 26%, fueled by store-fulfilled delivery, pickup and marketplace growth.

41.1% of transport & storage sector companies say they plan to increase their prices this month, together with 40.5% of retailers and 35.2% of manufacturers. This is a significant rise from April.

The sheer size of the place takes first-time visitors by surprise and the open-plan concourse looks like it has been shipped in straight from California.

"I really think people love opportunities to take what they see online and become part of it in real life. I think as humans we respond to authenticity when we see it online. No fancy editing here!"

As of April 27, all Claire's standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading. All store employees have been advised of redundancy.

I think the thing that surprises people the most when they come in is the complete variety of items that we have, and the very wide range of things that we offer. Everybody smiles here. There's never anybody that's unhappy or grumpy.

Ken Murphy stated, 'In terms of tax pressures, industry and energy in particular, anything the government can do to help us to keep prices low for customers is welcome.' This highlights the urgent need for government intervention to support retailers.

As we continue investing to expand and enhance our retail stores and offerings worldwide, we remain deliberate about evaluating our existing locations to ensure that we can meet our customers' needs in the best way.

Without any viable offers to take the business forward, it was not possible for The Original Factory Shop to continue trading and all remaining stores were closed on 4 April 2026.

The New Museum Store has reopened and is now more than twice its previous size, featuring artist-collaboration pieces and unique products like bodega-themed charms and specialty chocolates.