As always, sources are in the hyperlinked text after the headline.

Brand/Retailer

• Aeropostale wins approval of $243M sale to mall group. Link
• Ralph Lauren adopts “see now, buy now.” Link
• Macy’s store closures haven’t sent retailers running. Link
• Moda Operandi opens a shopping salon to an invite-only client list. Link
• Crew enlisted its staffers, family and friends to model its Spring collection. Link
• Ecommerce is a boon for rural America but it comes with a price. Link
• Jessica Alba’s Honest Company has been in talks to sell to a big consumer product giant. Link
• Macy’s signs deal to open an Apple store at its Herald Square flagship. Link
• Amazon Prime now delivers to this football stadium. Link
• Ousted American Apparel founder secures $10M loan for new venture. Link
• Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop get into the fashion business. Link
• What the founder of Tom’s Shoes is doing now. Link
• In the studio with the creative director of Coach. Link
• 7 questions with HP’s CEO after $1B acquisition. Link
• Kate Spade upgrade as Wells Fargo predicts comeback for brand. Link

Marketing/Social

• American Eagle launches new marketing campaign. Link
• Facebook steps in to prove the value of chatbots with Tommy Hilfiger. Link
• How Under Armour mastered crisis communications after the 2014 Olympics. Link
• Struggling Banana Republic appoints Olivia Palermo style ambassador. Link

Startup/Emerging Tech

• Facebook adds payments to Messenger chatbots. Link
• Alphabet and Chipotle bring burrito delivery by drone to campus. Link
• WalMart wants shoppers to be able to hail a cart. Link
• Eye-tracking technology for cars promises to keep drivers alert. Link
• Apple’s new app store for iMessage could help brands break free on mobile. Link
• Google’s new app lets you take, share VR photos with your phone. Link
• Amazon brings push notifications to Echo. Link

International

• Japanese app takes off in the US. Link
• Online sales in France grew 13% in the first half. Link
• Starbucks to open 500 new stores in China in 2016 in chase for $9.5B tea market. Link
• Ikea to integrate its stores in India with online trade. Link
• How to attract China’s connected traveling shoppers before, during and after their trips. Link