More Layoffs: Barnes & Noble is laying off employees, including lead cashiers and digital leads. "Given our sales decline this holiday, we're adjusting staffing so that it meets the needs of our existing business and our customers. As the business improves, we'll adjust accordingly," a spokeswoman told CNBC. According to eMarketer's Retail Database, Barnes & Noble's comparable sales decreased 6.3% last quarter.
Runway to Market: Luxury retailer Badgley Mischka is using a mobile app to help decide which looks it should bring to market. Audience members at its fashion show on Tuesday were able to either "like" or "love" a look in real time. "We are excited to be receiving real-time insights about our collection from industry insiders and consumers," Mark Badgley said in a statement.
New Partnership: Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Holding Co., Ltd. (Hayao) is investing roughly $300 million in GNC. What's more, the companies will be forming a joint venture for the "manufacturing, marketing, sale and distribution of GNC-branded products in China." According to our Retail Database, GNC's comparable sales grew by 5.7% in Q4 2017.