Retail

The number of coffee shops in the U.S. is shrinking for the first time in nine years. The winter could bring another wave in closures.

The chain’s sale gains during the pandemic haven’t matched those of its competitors.

California Pizza Kitchen Inc. had to cancel an auction to sell itself this week after no buyers bid for the company.

The dynamic reflects both a dearth of deals taking place and the fact that distress hasn’t started working through the marketplace yet.

It’s the latest sign of how the pandemic and the related decline in office workers and tourists has hobbled city businesses.

Retail giant Amazon.com came under fire after reporting that almost 20,000 of its frontline workers, including from subsidiary Whole Foods Market, have been infected with COVID-19.

Outlet centers have not been spared the pandemic’s toll. But their open-air locations and focus on value are major advantages.

On Wednesday, panelist discussions centered on the best ways for retailers and landlords to integrate e-commerce into their operations.