FYI, there are actually some other things going on besides Pokemon GO…

Here is a recap of industry news over the last week.  Sources can be found in the hyperlinked text after the headline.

Brand/Retailer:

• How software is reshaping fashion’s back end. Link
• Target’s future will be decided by kids. Link
• Urban Outfitters debuts minimalist line that’s extremely un-fast fashion. Link
• Wal-Mart expands mobile payment app to all US stores. Link
• The Limited looks to technology to drive retail sales. Link
• Reed Krakoff to design accessories for Tiffany’s. Link
• How Yoox and Net-a-porter group plans to outpace the online luxury market through 2020. Link
• Why Barnes & Noble is getting into beauty. Link
• Amazon reportedly picks NYC for first East Coast store. Link
• Ralph Lauren’s turnaround plan has parallels of Ford Motor’s road map. Link
• Adidas expands its copyright infringement suit against Skechers. Link
• How China and Amazon are changing the future of retail. Link
• Levi’s supported by direct-to-consumer and international in second quarter. Link
• Walmart takes on Amazon Prime with week-long free shipping deal. Link
• Gap’s June sales top estimates, boosted by Old Navy. Link

Marketing/Social:

• When did shipping boxes get pretty? In the age of unboxing, the box matters. Link
• Line raises $1.1B in IPO. Link
• Snapchat’s new ‘Memories’ feature lets you save snaps indefinitely. Link
• Nike just does it – keeping an eye on the customer. Link
• Pinterest takes a shot at camera search technology. Link
• Why advertisers are forking over big bucks for custom Snapchat lenses. Link
• In less than a week, Pokemon Go has over 6 million mentions on Twitter. Link
• Baidu, Alibaba face profit hit from new rules on search ads. Link

Start Up:

• Meet MikMak, the mobile shopping network that sells via video. Link
• Nordstrom buys stake in software firm. Link
• Musicians are now curating care packages for fans with help from this startup. Link
• eBay acquires SalesPredict in attempt to be more like Amazon. Link

International:

• H&M to launch first two stores in Mumbai in August. Link
• BoConcept enters India. Link
• Pantaloons parent acquires Forever 21 in India, shifts to fast fashion. Link
• Ireland’s thriving retail landlords face threat from Brexit. Link
• Apple in no rush to open retail stores in India despite government relaxing sourcing norms. Link
• China targets online advertising practices with new regulations. Link

Mobile/Emerging Tech:

• Amazon turns its Alexa virtual assistant into a Prime Day personal shopper. Link
• JCPenny redesigns app for ease-of-use, adds same-day pickup. Link
• Pokemon Go may prove that AR is more mainstream than VR. Link
• 5 emerging apps making travel easier and cheaper. Link