The Latest
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Deep Dive5 retailers making moves in subscription services in 2018
This year, many retailers have launched either updates to current boxes or entirely new offerings, with particular popularity in the kids category.
Marketing -
Many shoppers would use AI tech if it saves time and money
Artificial intelligence is a hot-button technology issue, but consumers are pragmatic about its potential, a recent Gartner survey found.
Technology -
Zebra unveils new in-store mobile scanner for retailers
Zebra Technologies introduces a new in-store mobile device, the latest move in the industry's race toward frictionless checkout.
Technology -
Deep DiveAre subscription services viable for independent retailers?
Small, local retailers are vying for a piece of the market and find a focused approach builds customer loyalty.
Consumer Trends -
Cosmo teams with Macy's, Juicy Couture on print-to-mobile shoppable AR ad
Readers can scan a QR code in the print magazine to virtually sample and purchase makeup.
Marketing -
Under Armour to slash global workforce by 3%
The brand is cutting roughly 400 positions as part of a restructuring effort, while rivals Nike and Adidas are on the rise.
Corporate News -
Deep DiveCan Barnes & Noble be saved?
A revolving door of CEOs and failed attempts to boost stores with restaurants have plagued the retailer's turnaround efforts. Some say that's because there's no place left for big-box book retailing.
Corporate News -
Gap Inc. to debut men's athleisure brand
The launch of Hill City is yet another challenge to Lululemon, likely building on the success of the company's Athleta brand.
Consumer Trends -
Study: Less than 20% of people have made purchases on social media
Security and privacy concerns bar many consumers from trusting social commerce, even though 80% are familiar with the technology.
Marketing -
ColumnRetail Therapy: Balenciaga thinks your child would be cuter in a $500 tracksuit
The fashion house is also selling a glittery triangle purse and a leather tote with a photo of a puppy and a kitten cuddling. Yes, they are both over $1,000.
Consumer Trends -
Pier 1 expected a bad Q2 — and got a worse one
As it strives for a turnaround, the home furnishings retailer disclosed ugly early results for the quarter, with comparable sales and losses falling well below previous guidance.
Marketing -
Amazon unveils new Echo devices, Alexa features
The company rolled out 15 new Alexa-enabled products Thursday, including microwaves, clocks, amplifiers and car gadgets, among other devices.
Technology -
Why an obscure tech firm plans to resurrect Bon-Ton
CSC Generation bought the bankrupt retailer's IP for $900,000 thinking it could run a profitable operation. That's plenty ambitious in its own right, but the firm's plans only get bigger from there.
E-commerce -
Neighborhood Goods to open first physical store in November
The startup is tying itself to the century-old department store model even as it seeks to revolutionize it.
E-commerce -
Bloomingdale's launches in-store beauty boutique
Wellchemist's debut at the department store's 59th Street location, along with nine others this month, builds off of the natural and clean beauty movement.
Marketing -
Q&AShipt's CMO on life with Target and the delivery service's future
Harley Butler said the 4-year old delivery company is rapidly growing, with national expansion plans and a goal to sign up tens of thousands of new shoppers this year.
Marketing -
Halloween spending to hit $9B
The strong economy will help keep spending high, though it won't quite reach last year's record, according to the National Retail Federation's annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics.
Consumer Trends -
Bloomberg: Amazon reportedly mulling 3K Amazon Go stores by 2021
Up to 10 of the cashierless convenience stores could open this year, and 50 may be slated for 2019, sources told Bloomberg.
Technology -
Deep DiveOne year later: Toys R Us' fatal journey through Chapter 11
On the anniversary of the toy seller's disastrous bankruptcy, here is a look back at all the twists and turns in one of the largest and most dramatic Chapter 11s in retail history.
Corporate News -
Stitch Fix expands men's assortment and sizing
The subscription company has begun to top expectations for sales and profit as it works diligently to expand its customer base.
Consumer Trends -
Holiday sales could top $1.1T
Sales during the season could grow up tp 5.6%, and e-commerce is set to grow even more, as long as consumers stay confident, according to Deloitte.
Holidays -
ColumnRetail Therapy: Amazon's prickly plan to box up Christmas cheer
Why enjoy the fresh air and pick out your own Christmas tree when Amazon can ship you a genuine, living pine tree in the confines of a cute 7-foot box?
Consumer Trends -
Overstock launches lease-to-own service
CEO Patrick Byrne touted the new service as just another payment option, like bitcoin or Paypal, but rent-to-own leases have been criticized as anti-consumer.
Payments -
Amazon Scout gamifies shopping recommendations
The personalization service is currently limited to furniture, home decor and women's shoes, though the company promises "more categories coming soon."
Technology -
From DTC to IRL: Why Dirty Lemon is taking the retail plunge
The Instagram darling has thrived online, but CEO Zak Normandin believes the brand’s new cashierless "Drug Store" will yield stronger customer relationships — and better shopper data.
Technology