We take a trip through department store financials, talking about positive signs at JC Penney, some better news regarding Kohl’s, and split news from Nordstrom—their brick-and-mortar is driving growth, but their e-commerce acquisition Trunk Club is weighing financials down. Additionally, we discuss American Apparel’s re-entry into bankruptcy, and Kenneth Cole’s outlet shutdown.

Mixed earnings reports from Sprouts Farmers Market come out alongside reports of front office movement at competitor Whole Foods. Additionally, Lowe’s rolls out a limited cash back program to drum up pre-Black Friday sales (and compete with Menards), while Toys “R” Us makes only slight adjustments to their Black Friday approach. Sydney Anselmi joins us to discuss the AmEx-fueled “Small Business Saturday,” and what small retailers are doing to take part.

A bevy of earnings calls gives us an excuse to talk about where analyst expectations of Lumber Liquidators may be unrealistic, Tuesday Morning’s inventory growth after supply chain issues, and an international focus for Amazon and L Brands. Additionally, how much longer will Office Depot be profitable in their current state?

We talk mixed earnings from Sketchers and Sherwin Williams, and more on the proposed Walgreens buyout of Rite Aid that has now been postponed to 2017. Additionally, the NRF releases positive projections regarding Halloween seasonal sales, and early data backs up the optimism. Finally, will anyone follow REI’s lead and shun Black Friday this year?

Private equity firm Onex strikes a deal with Supervalu for Save-A-Lot, entering the U.S. off-price grocery market for the first time. Additionally, eBay and Tractor Supply Company announce mixed quarterly earnings, and The Tile Shop continues to thrive. Our guests are Kay Hilgenkamp and Erin Swanson Russell of Goodwill (Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa), who discuss the unique nature of thrift and consignment retail.

Cabela’s enters into a tentative agreement to be taken private by Bass Pro Shops…we’ll discuss the impacts of the deal on outdoors retail. Also, Walmart shrinks their expectations for brick-and-mortar growth while investing heavily in e-commerce, the NRF releases expectations for the holiday shopping season, and more on grocery e-commerce from Amazon and Meijer.

After Costco released their latest quarterly earnings, the retail world gets more perspective on how the switch from AmEx to Visa may have been beneficial for the bulk goods retailer. We also explore Whole Foods’ deepened partnership with Instacart, and more clarity on the Walgreens-Rite Aid proposal. Our interview guest is Drew Ann Long, creator of Caroline’s Cart, who discusses the process behind re-designing the modern shopping cart for the special needs population.

Finish Line releases more strong earnings, and we ponder where the company can improve on last year’s dismal third quarter. Additionally, Vineyard Vines continues to open additional retail stores (and outlets) in the U.S., Target ends their “kiddie cart” pilot, and the major brick-and-mortar office supply retailers make moves.

Sears Holdings moves to close around 7% of their remaining Kmart stores by next January, and we go beyond the headlines to diagnose what this could mean for the company and their REIT. We explore whether or not there is room in the U.S. grocery market for Lidl, seasonal hiring for Kohl’s, and future prospects for Ascena Retail Group after an earnings miss.

Kroger’s quarterly earnings brought about a slew of news takes on the grocery industry…we explore what the statement means for the grocery giant. We also glance at a new e-commerce study, Target’s Cartwheel reward program pilot, and BJ’s rolling out a store pickup option for their e-commerce customers.