Hello!  Here are some industry headlines from the past week.  As always, sources can be found in the hyperlinked text after the headline.

Brands and Retailers

• Uniqlo tries new approach: shirts in vending machines. The Wall Street Journal
• Now at Saks: salt rooms, a bootcamp and a peek at retail’s future. The New York Times
• Retail’s not dead and physical stores still matter, Goldman says. CNBC
• Aldo to buy Vince Camuto in a merger of shoe brands. The New York Times
• The luxury arms race: Michael Kors and Coach target takeovers. The New York Times
• Amazon is rolling out secure delivery hubs for multi-dwelling buildings. Retail Dive
• Under Armour shares reach record low as retailer cuts 2% of its workforce. CNBC
• American Apparel is relaunching very soon. Racked
• Under Armour’s game plan to revive sales may hit snags. Reuters
• Yoox Net-a-porter open to partnerships in different markets. Reuters
• Apple’s services generated more than $27.8B in revenue in 12-month period. The Wall Street Journal
• Adidas powers ahead against Nike with second quarter growth. Business of Fashion
• Amazon owns a whole collection of secret brands. Quartz
• These retailers make the most money per square foot on their real estate. CNBC
• Netflix makes first acquisition with comic-book publisher. AdAge

Marketing and Social Media

• Amazon is launching a home makeover show featuring YouTube stars that’s designed to sell products. Business Insider
• Etsy suspends brand campaign, shifts marketing strategy. AdAge
• Airbnb and Nat Geo found the perfect place to watch the eclipse. Fast Company
• How consumer brands can connect with customers in a changing retail landscape. Harvard Business Review
• Babies R Us wants to give millennial parents a more honest message about parenthood. AdWeek
• Google is developing technology for Snapchat-like media content. The Wall Street Journal
• How H&M is using Instagram to drive interest in its newest brand. Glossy

Startup and Emerging Tech

• For Outdoor Voices, opening stores is all about building community. Fashionista
• Apple’s AR glasses are no longer an “if” but a “when.” Fast Company
• Chatbots bring new income stream to ecommerce. VentureBeat
• Amazon Alex just made it even easier to find the right music on Echo. Fortune

International

• Europe’s luxury brands may be returning to form. The New York Times
• Alibaba launches new membership program. WWD
• Alibaba, Marriott team up to serve Chinese tourists abroad. The Wall Street Journal
• How Alibaba plans to win over luxury brands. Glossy
• Brits will soon gain the right to have their online history deleted. Fast Company