As a number of startups are now competing to build more modern stores for direct-to-consumer brands, they are starting to think about how they can help these brands grow beyond just giving them a space to sell their product.

As a retailer targeted teens, Forever 21 faces stiff competition as bankruptcy has rattled the category. Stores like Aeropostale, Rue21, Charlotte Russe and American Apparel have filed for bankruptcy in the last five years, while stores like Abercrombie & Fitch continue to struggle. But Forever 21's specialty -- fast, disposable...

After investing in a handful of startups over the past year, Foot Locker is launching a new incubator program to build relationships with emerging brands earlier on than it has in the past.

Levi Strauss is going public for the second time, as the environment for wholesale brands has changed dramatically since the last time it was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. 

Foot Locker isn't letting the death of the mall brand seal its fate.