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Retail Today / Retail Renaissance: The power of fast-fashion! Is it a race to the bottom? Or providing rock bottom prices to the masses? #fastfashion SHEIN continues to dominate this sector but is starting to impact the apparel market. Now only #zara, #hm, #forever21 but #kohls #jcpenney #macys. They have captured GenZ using #tiktok as a powerful media platform. 🔥🔥🔥🔥Now setting their sights on #millennials ! #genzmarketing You can forget about #sustainability #environmental or even tax help. #shein #temu What is your #retailstrategy ? I can say, my recent visits to #walmart #target #costco , I’m seeing some physical changes in the stores. Lower price points, improved signage, etc.. #lowprice #shoppingexperience #stores Costco’s seems to really understand this competitive stance in apparel. They have aggressively gone after price and brands. Most items are hitting that sweet spot of under $20.. #apparelindustry #brandexperience #brickandmortar #costco I have attached my recent visit to Costco in the comments. What is your strategy to combat fast-fashion? #fastfashion Joanna Williams had been warning the #apparelindustry with powerful facts and analysis. #retail #retailindustry #retailtrends #retailexperience #ecommerce #TopRetailExperts

Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Saturday, April 20: 🧘🏽♂️ lululemon is planning to shut down its Washington distribution center after opening a sprawling new warehouse outside of Los Angeles. Some staff will be relocated to other warehouses, but 128 employees will be laid off. 👟 Nike discloses ‘second phase’ of job cuts at its headquarters amid cost-savings efforts. More than 700 staff at Nike’s global headquarters in Oregon will have been laid off by June 28, the company said. 📺 Amazon introduces shoppable, ad-supported channel to Prime Video, Freevee. It uses the Amazon's “shop the show” technology enabling consumers to purchase content seen on their TV screen via a mobile device. 💳 Walmart is joining the ranks of retailers rethinking self-checkout, with the industry giant in the process of removing the self-service lanes at a store in Missouri. 🎤 Taylor Swift released her highly anticipated eleventh album Friday, and it is expected to be a boon for record stores - including from interest in the four exclusive vinyl variants. 🏬 Footwear brand Kizik is opening its first experiential New York pop-up store, to showcase its hands-free technology and kickstart its “most ambitious phase of growth,” according to a company press release. 🇫🇷 French retailers will have to notify shoppers when products have been reduced in size without a corresponding cut in prices in an effort to tackle shrinkflation, the finance ministry said. 👗 Louis Vuitton has debuted its "Voyager" collection in Shanghai, showcasing asymmetric hemlines and boxy leather vests. The pre-fall collection was designed by Nicolas Ghesquière. 🇿🇦 South African online fashion retailer Zando has launched an international e-commerce division, Zando Global. It is designed to counter the rise of Shein and Temu in South Africa. 📈 American Express has reported first-quarter revenue of $15.8bn, surpassing analyst estimates and reflecting an 11% increase. Amex's card spending rose 6% to $367bn, resulting in profits of $2.44bn. 🍺 Not even a beer at the movies is spared from shrinkflation, alleges a lawsuit against Cinemark. And one man is spearheading the fight against what he considers false advertising on his beer pour. 🧴 Procter & Gamble on Friday reported mixed quarterly results as it struggles to bring back shoppers after two years of hiking prices across its portfolio, from Tide detergent to Charmin toilet paper. ⛔️ Lawmakers in multiple states are considering the prohibition of specific food additives following California's ban on four dangerous chemicals - brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, or red dye 3 - in food. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

Incoming: Top eCom news stories from this week… 👚 Matalan has added 17 new third-party brands across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, homeware and more. This includes brands like Mountain Warehouse, Regatta, ToeZone, and Brave Soul. 👞 Temu is under the spotlight this week after Dr. Martens plc launched a lawsuit accusing Temu of trademark infringement by targeting keywords like “Dr Martens” and “Airway” with their Google ads promoting their boots. 💰 It appears Shein is interested in bidding again to purchase TopShop from ASOS amid the financial struggles ASOS are facing. This continues Shein’s expansion following their acquisition of Missguided last year. 📹 Amazon has launched Amazon Live on Prime Video, a live shopping feature. 🚴♂️ Decathlon is shifting to become a fully eCommerce company in the USA as they close their last 2 US brick and mortar stores in California. 🏬 Going in the other direction, eCommerce business Wayfair is planning on opening their first brick and mortar store in Illinois next month with a goal of boosting their market presence. 👕 With the hope of cutting costs to aid the survival of the brand, Superdry are planning on delisting from the London Stock Exchange. ⚽ Finally, adidas exceeded their 2024 Q1 profit expectations with an 8% increase in sales, causing them to increase their full-year profit guidance. What are your thoughts on this week's news? Did I miss anything?

Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Tuesday, November 12: 👠 Buying shoes at Macy's isn't fun. But its new CEO is trying to change that. The retailer is now putting fewer styles on shelves and using technology to get shoes out of the stockroom faster. 🏬 Von Maur opened its first department store in Pennsylvania at South Hills Village in Pittsburgh on Saturday. The two-level, 118,000-square-foot location is a new anchor tenant at the mall. 🪆 Mattel is pulling its Wicked-branded fashion dolls from retail shelves. Packages of its Glinda, Elphaba and other character dolls have a misprinted web address that leads to an adult website. 🧥 Burberry is reportedly facing a potential takeover by Italian skiwear maker Moncler, as staff at one of its London stores have been informed of an offer. Although both companies have declined to comment. 📱 Big Lots has introduced its new rewards app. The app is available to Big Rewards members and includes exclusive deals and a personalized dashboard, among other features. 👟 Many popular footwear brands - think Hoka, On and Birkenstock - have taken a page out of luxury brands’ playbook by being choosy about where they make their shoes available and pacing growth. 🏠 Manufactured housing, sometimes called mobile homes, are homes made in a factory rather than constructed on site, and they have been surging in popularity this year amid America’s housing crisis. 💄 Elf Beauty, a maker of affordable cosmetics, is betting on rural markets and a tie-up with Dollar General to fuel its expansion as it hedges against a slowdown in the US cosmetic industry. ☕️ Dutch Bros Coffee reported better-than-expected third-quarter earnings and sales, fueled in part by its new mobile ordering system and continued store growth. 🦞 Red Lobster’s new CEO is attempting to revive the seafood chain, which has been a staple of the casual dining industry for more than half a century, with millennial mojo. 🌯 Chipotle Mexican Grill was sued on Monday by shareholders for concealing how many of its restaurants were skimping on portions, forcing the chain to spend more on ingredients and hurting its stock price. 📉 Many would-be home buyers are still hoping for mortgage rates to come down as the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates. How much they will fall is currently unclear. 🇬🇧 The recent tax increase proposed by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is causing significant concern among retail and hospitality leaders, who warn it could lead to high streets becoming ghost towns. 🎮 GameStop’s stock continues its rise, registering the longest winning streak in four months. This comes despite no announcements from the company. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Thursday, March 7: 👖 Abercrombie & Fitch Co. capped off an impressive year on its latest earnings day after its stock soared 390% over the past year. Now, the question facing is can A&F keep up the good times against the backdrop of cautious consumers 👟 Foot Locker capped off the year with sales up 2% and comps down 0.7% in the fourth quarter, noticeably better than the company’s guidance. The retailer swung to a net loss, though, recording a loss of $389 million in the quarter. 👙 Shares of Victoria’s Secret & Co. plummeted after hours on Wednesday after the intimate-wear maker forecast full-year sales that were below expectations, saying it was staying “conservative in the near term”. 🧸 Target has officially launched Gigglescape, a new owned toy brand. The current assortment is $20 and under, with most plush toys priced at $10 or less and books at $5, the retailer said in an announcement. 🚫 EXPRESS shares have been suspended from the New York Stock Exchange. NYSE said the company didn’t comply with a requirement to maintain an average global market capitalization of at least $15 million over 30 days. 👧🏼 Target says its in-house children's apparel brand Cat & Jack is the largest kids brand in the US. The retailer said it sells enough for every kid under 12 in the US to have eight items. 🚶🏻♂️ REI employees from the company’s nine unionized stores plan to hike from a park in Issaquah, Washington, to REI headquarters Thursday afternoon to demand that executives come to the table and bargain in good faith. 🚜 Tractor Supply Company has updated its Neighbor’s Club loyalty program. Among the new incentives are a lower threshold to reach the program’s Preferred status, and more personalized perks. 💵 To a growing number of youths, a wallet stuffed with cash and cards is as unfashionable as the millennial tuck, no-show socks and skinny jeans. Carrying only a smartphone is the way, reports The New York Times. 🌟 Some Walmart stores are limiting the use of self-checkout lanes, reserving some for Walmart+ members and drivers for its Spark delivery service, according to reports. 🇬🇧 Katie Bickerstaffe, the joint chief executive of Marks and Spencer, is set to leave the company after just two years in the role. Her departure will leave the UK highstreet retailer under the sole leadership of Stuart Machin. 🌭 For the first-time ever Ocsar Mayer is going plant-based with two new versions of its hot dog and sausage The products, called Oscar Mayer “NotHotDogs” and “NotSausage” roll out nationwide later this year. 🥖 A Panera Bread franchise owner in California said he will raise the minimum wage for his employees after accusations he benefited from ties to the state’s governor to avoid hiking pay. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Monday, June 3: 🏦 Online fast fashion firm SHEIN plans to file paperwork for a potential London share listing as soon as this week. An IPO could value the company at around $66bn (£51.7bn). 📱 TikTok has put on hold plans to launch its fast-growing e-commerce business across major European markets, focusing instead on growth in the US where it’s fighting a divest-or-ban law. 📺 Zara plans to expand its live shopping broadcasts to the UK, Europe, and the United States, following the success of its shows in China. The brand intends to launch the initiative between August and October. 💵 Many Americans are worn down by high inflation and interest rates. Companies that offer bargains and staples are reaping the rewards. Dollar General, Ross and Dollar General are examples of recent winners. 🎰 Japanese arcade chain Round One is expanding its presence in US malls, offering a unique combination of entertainment options - with LED-lit Japanese video games, bowling, karaoke, and Japanese food. 👟 ASICS Corporation, the 75-year-old Japanese sneaker brand, is having a moment. So are its shares. The running-shoe maker’s stock price has quadrupled in total return terms over the past two years. 🎮 Roaring Kitty post appears to show a big stake in GameStop. Shares have surged over the past month as influential trader Keith Gill, aka Roaring Kitty on X and YouTube, reappeared on social media. ✈️ The New Terminal One at JFK Airport is set to offer a spacious retail experience. The terminal will feature a Food Hall and Travel Essentials, with a strong emphasis on local New York brands. 🧾 More retailers like Safeway and Dollar General are rethinking their self-checkout strategies. Bay Area news station KTVU reported this week that a few Safeway locations closed down self-checkout because of theft. 🩴 In an attempt to capitalise on full-price sales and robust demand for its cork-based sandals and more recent closed-toe models, mostly at its own stores, BIRKENSTOCK increased its annual revenue and core profit projections. 🏬 Chinese lifestyle and consumer goods chain MINISO USA, which has more than 6,000 stores worldwide including two in Manhattan, signed a 5,000 square-foot lease at JEMB Realty’s 150 Broadway at Liberty Street, NYC. 👮🏽♀️ California lawmakers are pushing hard to pass legislation aimed at tackling rising retail crime across the Golden State before a coalition of community members advances their own agenda. 🌶️ Americans should prepare for a hot summer, and not just because of temperatures. Consumers are opening their palette to bolder, spicier, more fiery flavors and the marketplace for foods and drinks is happily obliging them. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Tuesday, March 26: 📦 Amazon says it helped stop 7 million counterfeit products from entering its fulfillment centers and reaching consumers last year– one million more than it did in 2022. 👕 Growing its physical store reach, Destination XL Group, the men’s big and tall apparel company, is opening nine new stores this year, the company has announced. The retailer currently has around 300 locations. 🩴 OluKai has opened its first store outside of Hawai'i. The Hawaiian-inspired footwear brand has opened a 1,600 sq.-ft. location at Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine, California. It joins the company's six existing stores in Hawai'i. 👟 Designer Tim Hamilton has been named vice president of men’s apparel design at Nike. Before accepting this position, Hamilton was the global creative director at VF Corp-owned outdoor brand The North Face. 🎮 GameStop's stock had its best day in more than three months Monday, ahead of its quarterly earnings report. The company ended Monday’s session up 15.4%, registering its largest daily percentage increase since Dec. 13, 2023. 7️⃣ Discount retail giant Dollar Tree Stores Tree said that it would raise the price cap in its stores to $7. The higher cost items will include food, pet and personal care items, though not all items will be at the $7 price cap. 🏈 Athlete and sports team sponsorships are becoming bigger business for brands. Events like March Madness, the New York City Marathon and the Summer Olympics in Paris are becoming bigger brand battlegrounds. 🍌 Food prices have gone a bit bananas — and that includes a famously priced 19-cent fruit at Trader Joe's. The grocer said on Monday that it recently increased the price of the banana to 23 cents, a more than 20% increase. 🛠️ Lowe's Companies, Inc. is now offering same-day delivery of live plants, home improvement products, outdoor living items, pre-mixed paint and other products from more than 1,200 locations via Target subsidiary Shipt. 👷🏽♀️ Enjoyable work is the top decision-driver that impacts stay or quit decisions among apparel and luxury retail store associates. Rounding out the list are work-life balance, physical demands, commute, autonomy, and coworkers. 🌭 Costco Wholesale is taking action to ensure that only paying members get to enjoy its popular $1.50 hot dog and soda deal. Effective April 8, an active Costco membership will be required to purchase items from our food court. 🏬 Kim Kardashian’s popular shapewear brand SKIMS has leased a 20,000-square-foot space on New York City’s coveted Fifth Avenue for at least 75% less than what was paid by the last tenant, Versace. 🧢 Rhone has tapped an Athleta vet for board slot as it preps to launch first women’s collection. Tess Roering spent five years at the women’s activewear brand, including as its first head of marketing. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

I recently discovered Walmart's Walmarche concept, and am eager to see how it performs. Recently, Diane Von Furstenberg launched an exclusive collection of 200 clothing, baby, and household items at Target, priced between $5 to $50. This collaboration is part of Target's exclusive partnerships with designers, providing consumers affordable access to otherwise high-end collections. Target's online and in-store presence has been a successful distribution channel for renowned designers like Alexander McQueen and Jason Wu. Walmart is now following a similar strategy with its Walmarche concept, aiming to attract high-income shoppers by offering upscale products at lower prices. This move, which includes a pilot merchandise mix and the introduction of high-end food options, seems vital as Walmart faces competition from Amazon and a decline in its share of retail spending. Amid shifting consumer spending patterns and the increasing popularity of affordable fashion and home furnishing options, Walmart is trying to appeal to a broader consumer base and regain lost ground against Amazon. The company's focus on attracting higher-income consumers and expanding into new product categories reflects its response to changing market dynamics and evolving consumer preferences.

Here are some interesting stories from the world of retail for Monday, May 6: 👟 Outdoor retailer REI is betting big on running. After pulling back on its own branded footwear, which the retailer will no longer make, REI is now expanding its footwear offerings with new partnerships with brands like On Running. 👗 Luxury ecommerce platform Mytheresa says it will be one of the few winners following the implosion of competitors including Farfetch and Matchesfashion. The company’s share price has gained c30% so far this year. 💰 After years of price increases, food companies say more consumers are pulling back and big brands are losing out. Fast food chains and snack makers plan new deals and flavors to compensate. 👕 Ralph Lauren has launched his Fall/Holiday 2024 collection in a minimal and intimate fashion show. The collection features designs in soothing neutral tones, Western accents, and occasional cowboy hats. 🏃🏽♂️ Dan Sheridan, the CEO of Brooks Running, the running shoe maker owned by Berkshire Hathaway, has said he views China and Europe as strong growth areas for the business. 🤖 AI will manage all Sam's Club exit checks by end of 2024 in an effort to slash bottlenecks at the door. The new tech has been rolled out at 20% of Sam's Club stores so far. 🥫 There’s a new retailer getting into the private-label food business, and it isn’t your local Walmart or Target. It’s Ace Hardware Corporation. The chain has debuted a line of own-brand barbecue sauces and seasonings. 🛍️ Retailers are feeling jittery. Consumers aren’t shopping like they used to. In a game of chicken between stores and shoppers, it’s the stores that appear to be yielding first, by dropping prices on thousands of products. 🎒Beach bag brand ALOHA Collection is riding the retail store wave. The company, which sells splash-proof travel bags and pouches, opened its fifth retail location in the US on Saturday. ☕️ Former Starbucks boss Howard Schultz said the coffee giant needs to renew its focus and own its shortcomings, especially in the US, after the chain delivered disappointing earnings results last week. 💪🏼 More than 80% of business leaders believe the U.S. economy is strong compared to just 40% of American consumers, according to a report from the Milken Institute and Harris Poll. 🚬 The Wall Street Journal suggests that many US cannabis companies could become profitable if the Biden administration follows through on its place to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. #retail #retailnews #economy #DailyRetailNews

What’s been happening in retail this week? ·      SHEIN is understood to be interested in purchasing TOPSHOP TOPMAN from ASOS.com. Asos acquired the brand from Arcadia Group in 2021. CEO José Antonio Ramos Calamonte is reportedly contemplating selling Topshop to reduce losses and debts. ·      Trouva has been acquired by Fy! for an undisclosed sum, marking its third acquisition in two years. Fy! plans to double its business size with the online marketplace. ·      Next is launching its new 34,000sq ft Westfield Stratford City store in September, replacing a former one which closed in February. ·      Bath & Body Works is opening a fifth standalone UK store this month at Westfield’s White City, spanning 2,357sq ft. ·      Holland & Barrett committed £4m to women’s health, launching its Own Every Day of the Month campaign to address issues such as menopause and endometriosis. ·      Matalan introduced 17 new third-party brands, including Mountain Warehouse, across core categories including womenswear and homewares. ·      Morrisons introduced My Points Booster, a new feature on its Morrisons More Card loyalty scheme. Utilising AI, it tailors offers to individual shoppers based on their habits. Customers can select up to 10 preferred brands and earn loyalty points by meeting spending targets within a specified period. ·      Argos renewed its headline sponsorship of ITV’s Coronation Street until December 2026. A Sainsbury's Argos store fascia debuts on Victoria Street from July, with product placement and digital integration. ·      Dr. Martens plc accused Temu of trademark infringement by using Google Ads (Google Partner) to promote Temu’s boots, targeting keywords such as “Dr Martens” and “Airwair”. ·      Dr. Martens plc CEO Kenny Wilson will depart after six years, passing the reins to chief brand officer Ije Nwokorie. ·      Harvey Nichols appointed former Alexander McQueen regional president Julia Goddard as CEO from June. ·      ASOS.com recorded an 18% decline in sales in the 26 weeks to 3 March, with adjusted group revenue falling to £1.5bn. Loss before tax improved slightly to £270m, from a £290m loss last year. Asos maintains its full-year guidance. ·      Sosandar sales rose 9% to £46.3m in the year to 31 March, compared to £42.5m the previous year. The retailer said it has identified several shops in “top tier locations” for its first physical stores. ·      Marks Electrical Group plc achieved record revenue with sales up 16.9% to £114.3m in the year to 31 March, despite a sluggish market with low consumer confidence. ·      LVMH reported sales dipped 2% YoY to £20.7bn in Q1 2024. Its fashion and leather goods segment, featuring Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior Couture, and Fendi, saw a 2% decline to £10.5bn. Perfumes and cosmetics revenue rose 3%, while watches and jewellery revenue declined 5%. This is just a selection of news this week. Sign up below for more insight ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/d-z25aM