And just like that, it’s JUNE! Here is a recap of industry news over the last week.  Sources are in the hyperlinked text after the headline.

Brands and Retailers

• WalMart’s personal shopper service launches in New York.  Fortune
• Microsoft is now more valuable than Google.  The Verge
• Improvement seen across the board for Urban Outfitters in the first quarter.  Forbes
• Howard Shultz to exit Starbucks.  The New York Times
• Sears Holdings closing 72 more stores after another terrible quarter.  Fortune
• Madewell continues to help J.Crew, with sales up 39%.  Fashionista
• How today’s newest underwear brands are changing the game by focusing on inclusivity.  Fashionista
• American Eagle beats earnings, Aerie sales on fire.  Reuters
• Coca Cola just started selling its first alcoholic drink ever.  Fortune
• Valentino and L’Oreal are joining forces to create a new beauty collection.  Harper’s Bazaar
• Etsy to close wholesale market to focus on main website.  Bloomberg
• 20 Takeaways from Mary Meeker’s 294-page Internet Trends report.  TechCrunch
• WalMart CEO highlights innovation, performance.  CNBC
• Lululemon climbs as sales pick up pace.  Bloomberg
• Ikea rethinks US expansion, invests in online.  USA Today

Marketing and Social Media

• Pinterest 2017 sales rise 58%.  Bloomberg
• Facebook nears deals on new shows for video platform.  The Wall Street Journal
• Kanye skips Tidal exclusivity, drops new album on Spotify and Apple Music.  TechCrunch
• TV ads on AMC networks will be able to deliver offers directly to viewers’ smartphones.  AdWeek
• Facebook pulling plug on Trending feature.  AdWeek
• Abercrombie’s comeback traced to marketing.  AdAge
• Teens dump Facebook for YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat.  TechCrunch
• Why wellness brands are betting on podcast ads.  Glossy
• Snapchat preps Snapkit platform to bring camera, login to other apps.  TechCrunch
• Pinterest unveils new video ad format.  Mediapost

Startup + Emerging Tech + Acquisitions

• Hello Alfred, the in-home assistant service snags $40M.  Fast Company
• Warren Buffet offered Uber a $3B investment but the talks fell apart.  The Wall Street Journal
• WalMart’s future may include in-store drones and smart shopping carts.  CNBC
• Alibaba’s new autonomous robot delivers packages at a modest pace.  Engadget
• HelloFresh takes meal kits to Giant, Stop & Shop.  The Wall Street Journal
• The number of smartphone driven retailers is growing.  Bloomberg
• L’Oreal says AR beauty is just the beginning.  Forbes
• Softbank to invest $2.25B in GM’s self-driving car division.  Fortune

International

• Amazon India rebrands, expands online groceries service.  LiveMint
• Canada goose to expand in China.  Financial Post
• Amazon geo-blocks Australia from US website as tax change kicks in.  Reuters
• Apple’s HomePod launches in Canada, France and Germany.  The Verge
• Alibaba to invest $15.5B in logistics network.  ZDNet