Tag: digital marketing

WEEKLY INDUSTRY BRIEF: 2.16.2015

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Happy Monday and Presidents’ Day.  If you have off today, enjoy it. Below is a recap I compiled of industry news over the last week.  All sources can be found in the hyper-linked text after the headline.

Retailer + Brand News:

  • Gap profit tops estimates as Old Navy holiday sales increase. Link
  • Moda Operandi raises another $60M. Link
  • Michael Kors opens largest store in Soho. Link
  • Yelp buys Eat24, an online food-ordering service for $134M. Link
  • Urban Outfitters climbs on strong Q4 sales. Link
  • Louis Vuitton shows logo isn’t dead as bags fly off shelves. Link
  • Amazon’s newest tool lets anyone host giveaways online. Link
  • Best Buy launches its first wedding registry. Link
  • Adore Me takes on Victoria’s Secret and other bigger lingerie rivals. Link
  • Jet.com raises $140M in new funding. Link
  • Barney’s New York launches a print magazine. Link
  • US retail sales decreased more than forecast in January. Link
  • Banana Republic makes its fashion week debut. Link
  • Timo Weiland eyes growth with first outside investment. Link
  • Inside Levi’s comeback plans. Link
  • Banana Republic, J.Crew invade fashion week to build cachet. Link
  • Walmart expands online grocery shopping efforts after strong repeat business. Link
  • Forever 21 arrives on Fifth Ave. Link

Social Media + Marketing:

  • Pinterest cuts off style bloggers by removing affiliate links. Link
  • Twitter to buy Niche, where social media stars meet advertisers. Link
  • Netflix House of Cards leak wasn’t a marketing ploy. Link
  • How style bloggers earn sales commissions one click at a time. Link
  • Facebook adding relevance scores so marketers know how good their ads are. Link
  • Marketing world says “meh” to Twitter’s ad syndication initiative. Link
  • YouTube content networks preparing for a more programmatic ad world. Link
  • Snapchat tries Our Stories for locals only. Link
  • Forbes puts native ad for Fidelity on its actual cover. Link
  • Pinterest working on a plan to introduce a buy button this year. Link

Start-ups:

  • Social shopping app Depop raises $8M, plans to break into US market. Link
  • Bucketfeet, a startup founded by a pair of backpackers, raises $7.5M. Link
  • Clothing rental startup Le Tote lands $8.8M in funding. Link
  • Bringg lets any business offer Uber-like experiences to their customers. Link
  • Wedding planning startup Loverly launches its own dress collection based on user search data. Link
  • Xiaomi becomes world’s most valuable tech startup. Link

International:

  • [APAC]
    • India may become Launchpad for Amazon’s fashion label. Link
    • eCommerce sales in China will reach $1 Trillion by 2019. Link
    • Kate Spade to shut brand stores while forming China venture. Link
    • Alibaba’s AliExpress sets its sights on Indonesia’s promising ecommerce market. Link
    • Alibaba’s TMall global site stumbles. Link
  • [EU]
    • British Fashion Council and eBay reprise London Fashion Week pop-up shop partnership. Link
    • European online retailer Zalando posts first annual operating profit. Link

Mobile, Tablet, + Wearables:

  • Kanye West Adidas campaign lives on with in-store, app-dependent concert tickets. Link
  • Placed wants to be the standard for measuring mobile ads and in-store visits. Link
  • Aiming to ease app discovery, Apple pairs with Pinterest. Link
  • First Dibs launches app. Link
  • Swatch plans smartwatch to compete with Apple. Link
  • Yahoo says mobile is key to new business sales goals. Link
  • Visa’s new fraud protection software will track customers’ smartphones. Link

Other

  • High-tech fashion redefines meaning of revealing clothing. Link
  • Merchandise blended in digital and physical showcase. Link

WEEKLY INDUSTRY BRIEF: 2.10.2015

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Hello! Was taking a break in Vermont over the weekend, so apologies for the delay. Below is a recap I compiled of industry news over the last week.  All sources can be found in the hyper-linked text after the headline.

Retailer + Brand News:

  • Wallpaper Magazine dives into ecommerce. Link
  • Lululemon founder steps down from board. Link
  • Target to open 15 Target Express stores this year. Link
  • Macy’s buys Bluemercury. Link
  • Amazon opens brick-and-mortar campus store. Link
  • Madewell inks deal with Nordstrom. Link
  • Under Armour releases 2014 results, acquires two more fitness apps. Link
  • Ralph Lauren plans new global band management structure. Link
  • Kate Spade Saturday: A downmarket move goes bust. Link
  • Zulily to hit one billion dollars in sales in 2014. Link
  • Gap merges ecommerce and marketing in new executive position. Link
  • Macy’s program helps cultivate retail entrepreneurs. Link
  • Change for the better at Neiman Marcus. Link
  • Lucky Magazine launches shops, its new ecommerce venture. Link
  • Fab.com’s fire sale should close this month. Link
  • Lifestyle brands are acquiring their way to becoming tech companies. Link
  • Frank & Oak expands personal stylist feature. Link
  • Gap, Aeropostale raise outlook for holiday period. Link
  • Old Navy teams with Current Elliott. Link
  • BCBG gets $135M in cash infusion. Link
  • eBay’s innovation and new ventures group hit hard by layoffs in restructuring. Link

Social Media + Marketing:

  • Tinder shuts down Gap’s pants party campaign because it violated terms of service. Link
  • Imgur unleashes subscription-only pro editing tool for all users. Link
  • Burberry joins with Line to live stream show in Japan. Link
  • Four video startups looking to challenge YouTube’s dominance. Link
  • Twitter to sell ads on Flipboard and Yahoo Japan. Link
  • American Express Apple Pay ad turns out to be a fun trip through time. Link
  • Tumblr ad executive stepping down as Yahoo combines teams. Link
  • Revenue at Twitter rises but user growth slows. Link
  • Twitter and Google said to reach deal on Search. Link
  • Twitter user growth falls below Facebook’s for the first time. Link

Start-ups:

  • These companies are trying to disrupt Men’s Wearhouse. Link
  • Trellie is launching a smart jewelry starter kit this spring with dozens of accessories. Link
  • Andreessen Horowitz taps into thriving world of programmers. Link

International:

  • [APAC]
    • TopShop to close all Japanese stores. Link
    • FedEx express to increase ground fleet capacity in India. Link
    • Alibaba tries out drone delivery in China. Link
    • Line buys Stripe-like Japanese startup WebPay to boost its payments service. Link
    • Qualcomm fined $975M by China. Link
  • [CA]
    • Target and landlords in court battle over sale of leases. Link
  • [EU]
    • Hem acquires online design portal, Discipline.eu. Link

Mobile, Tablet, + Wearables:

  • ApplePay and JetBlue strike first airline deal. Link
  • Adidas gets ready for Kanye collaboration with new sneaker reservation app. Link
  • iOS 9 leak reveals Apple’s new focus. Link
  • Eight out of ten retailers increasing mobile budgets in 2015. Link
  • Michael Kors to join wearable tech movement. Link
  • Apple’s iOS9 pegged as a stability update, which is way better than a feature frenzy. Link
  • Apple grabs 93% of the handset industry’s profit. Link
  • Samsung to launch a new Galaxy smartphone on March 1st. Link

Other

  • Uber opening robotics research facility in Pittsburgh to build self-driving cars. Link
  • Apple to open giant data center in Arizona. Link
  • Q&A with Amazon Prime boss on the program’s 10th Link

WEEKLY INDUSTRY BRIEF: 2.2.2015

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Hi there! Below is a recap I compiled of industry news over the last week.  All sources can be found in the hyper-linked text after the headline.

Retailer + Brand News:

  • Kate Spade Saturday and Jack Spade to shut down all stores. Link
  • Crew loses 2nd major exec in three weeks. Link
  • H&M profit rises 12% in Q4. Link
  • Yahoo spins off $40B stake in Alibaba. Link
  • H&M is opening 400 stores this year and launching a new beauty range. Link
  • Why Target’s new plus-sized line could redefine $17.5B underserved market. Link
  • Amazon rewards sellers who offer free shipping. Link
  • Google’s BrandLab wants to save businesses (and Google). Link
  • Gap’s creative director Rebekka Bay exits. Link
  • Forever 21 coming to Fifth Avenue. Link
  • Rachel Zoe to launch maternity line. Link
  • Apple reigns supreme when it comes to making money, but now faces even greater expectations. Link
  • Coach shuffles execs, sales fall again. Link
  • Under Armour taps former Nike exec to head footwear business. Link
  • Adobe is suing Forever 21 for pirating Photoshop. Link
  • Amazon’s latest foray: back end email systems. Link
  • AOL lays off 150 staffers. Link
  • Conde Nast unveils branded content shop powered by editors. Link
  • com co-founder to launch artsy online marketplace. Link
  • Jones New York to close stores, end wholesale business. Link
  • Ikea looks to catch up with online retail. Link

Social Media + Marketing:

  • Lyft rolls out national marketing campaign. Link
  • Snapchat’s new Discover feature puts news and entertainment a swipe away from your stories. Link
  • Starbucks, Match want you to have your first date at Starbucks. Link
  • Twitter adds group messaging and video recording. Link
  • Pinterest pushes ads further toward users’ personal spaces. Link
  • TMobile, Macy’s among first advertisers on Snapchat Discover. Link
  • McDonald’s gives away every product advertised during Super Bowl. Link
  • The average Super Bowl commercial could generate as much as $10M in ad value. Link
  • Why Nordstrom’s digital strategy works. Link
  • Twitter displays its value with instant timeline for new users. Link
  • P&G’s #LikeAGirl ad scored the most social buzz during the Super Bowl. Link
  • Vine introduces Vine Kids. Link

Start-ups:

  • Fresh Monk secures new funding round for crowdfunded tshirts. Link
  • ClosetSpace digitizes your closet, builds outfits and offers fashion tips. Link
  • With $40M in recent funding, Classpass hires execs. Link
  • Mobile loyalty startup Lootsie raises $3.5M. Link
  • Minibar offers on-demand booze delivery in 13 cities. Link

International:

  • [APAC]
    • Apple China sales top $16B in Q1. Link
    • H&M to launch in three new Asian markets. Link
    • Free Shipping is the default for Korea. Link
    • Alibaba to launch fund for Hong Kong startups. Link
    • Apple ranks as China’s most desirable luxury brand. Link
    • com follows its own path. Link
  •  [CA]
    • Uniqlo to open Canadian stores. Link
    • Sears Canada names acting president – CEO to top management job. Link

Mobile, Tablet, + Wearables:

  • Facebook tests beacons to feed users local content. Link
  • Apple Watch to ship in April. Link
  • The next step for the mobile wallet? Loyalty programs. Link
  • FTC says internet-connected devices pose big risks. Link
  • Google Now will suck in outside app data. Link
  • Loyalty programs see boost as they go mobile. Link
  • Apple stores to act more like jewelry stores for upcoming gold Apple Watch. Link
  • iPad experiences 18% drop in sales, 22% fall in revenue. Link
  • Android breaks 1B mark for 2014, 81% of all 1.3B smartphones shipped. Link

WEEKLY INDUSTRY BRIEF: 1.26.2015

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Happy Monday! Below is a recap of fashion, retail, and tech news from the last week. Each article is accessible via the hyperlinked text after the headline.

Retailer + Brand News:

  • Gap shutting down Piperlime. Link
  • J.C. Penney resurrects its catalog after killing it five years ago. Link
  • SpaceX raises $1B in new funding from Google and Fidelity. Link
  • Overstock.com plans streaming-video service. Link
  • Amazon says Sunday deliveries have quadrupled. Link
  • Coming to Whole Foods: bars and restaurants. Link
  • WalMart to offer service to give U.S. tax refunds in cash. Link
  • Target launches plus-size clothing line. Link
  • Michael Kors may see halo effect from Michelle Obama’s suit. Link
  • Sportswear giants Nike and Adidas embracing fashion. Link
  • Amazon pulls its own brand of diapers after short test. Link
  • Ford opens a lab in Silicon Valley. Link
  • The aging of Abercrombie and Fitch. Link
  • eBay cuts 7% of workforce. Link
  • J.Crew’s CEO to retire from Apple’s board. Link
  • Expedia acquires Travelocity for $280M. Link
  • Yahoo turns to retail to bring journalists’ voices to life. Link

Social Media + Marketing:

  • Victoria’s Secret unveils Super Bowl spot and social push. Link
  • Complex buys fanboys site Collider for growing media network. Link
  • Refinery29 hires video chief from Scripps network, looks to traditional TV. Link
  • Tumblr starts its own internal creative studio. Link
  • Pinterest plans ad offensive. Link
  • Tumblr rolls out network to match top creators with brands. Link
  • NBC started a Tumblr for Super Bowl ads. Link
  • Snapchat loses revenue chief amid moneymaking effort. Link
  • Facebook plans voice-to-text Messenger. Link
  • WhatsApp is now available in web browsers. Link
  • Pinterest: We have male users too. Link
  • Twitter now shows you tweets from when you were away. Link
  • How Kik plans to steal Snapchat’s teen hearts. Link

Start-ups:

  • Apple acquires Semetric, a data analysis company. Link
  • Button raises $12M to the app world as interconnected as the web. Link
  • This tech jewelry startup has Andreessen Horowitz down on a bended knee. Link
  • Pinterest buys small startup Kosei for smarter recommendations. Link
  • A gift card startup just raised $56M, at a nearly $1B valuation. Link

International:

[APAC]

  • Twitter buys ZipDial, an Indian startup. Link
  • LVMH invests in China outlet malls. Link
  • China opens the door for foreign companies to operate online portals. Link
  • As China becomes the iPhone’s largest market, look for Apple’s tax charge to rise. Link

[CA]

  • Nordstrom better positioned than Target to take on Canada. Link
  • Why Target’s Canada expansion failed. Link

[LATAM]

  • Macy’s launches collection to woo Latina shoppers. Link

[AU/NZ]

  • Zara Home will open next month in Australia. Link

Mobile, Tablet, + Wearables:

  • Amazon to fold its mobile wallet beta. Link
  • Victoria’s Secret’s catalog gets a mobile boost for Valentine’s Day. Link
  • As Google looks to expand Wallet use, WePay integrates instant buy API. Link
  • Wawa challenges Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks with in-app mobile payments and loyalty. Link
  • How the number one app, Trivia Crack, cracked Apple’s app store. Link
  • Apple’s iOS 8 crisis continues with controversial new bug. Link
  • Blackberry announces BBM support for wearable technology. Link 

Other:

  • How Starwood Hotels plans to redesign the check-in process. Link
  • Mattel CEO resigns as Barbie parent company struggles for relevance. Link
  • SkyMall files for bankruptcy protection. Link

WEEKLY INDUSTRY BRIEF: 1.19.2015

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Happy Monday! Below is a recap of industry news in fashion, retail, and technology. All sources can be found in the hyper-linked text after the headline.

Retailer + Brand News:

  • NastyGal CEO steps down. Link
  • Under Armour overtakes Adidas in U.S. sportswear market. Link
  • Why teens have abandoned stores like Wet Seal, Delia’s and Deb Shops. Link
  • Traditional stores still trounce ecommerce when it comes to returns, new survey says. Link
  • Demandware snags point-of-sale provider Tomax to extend reach from web to store. Link
  • Holiday spending reached a three-year peak in 2014. Link
  • Etsy crafts IPO putting NY tech companies back on the map. Link
  • Banana Republic to show at New York Fashion Week for the first time. Link
  • DVF fuels IPO speculations. Link
  • Urban Outfitters’ holiday sales jump; namesake brand returns to positive growth. Link
  • Indiegogo signals a blending of crowdfunding and commerce. Link
  • Wet Seal stock dives after filing for bankruptcy. Link
  • Kate Spade Saturday x West Elm collection is here. Link
  • Why Lilly Pulitzer for Target is going where no capsule collection has gone before. Link
  • eBay smart mirrors at Nordstrom and Rebecca Minkoff stores. Link
  • Ralph Lauren is pushing higher into luxury with new stores, accessories. Link

Social Media + Marketing:

  • Facebook rolls out a platform for professionals called Facebook at Work. Link
  • Marc Jacobs unveils new campaign with social media models. Link
  • Xpire brings “disappearing” posts to Twitter. Link
  • Facebook offers artificial intelligence tech to open source group. Link
  • ‘Pinfluencers’ are getting paid, Pinterest itself not so much. Link
  • MySpace still reaches 50 Million people each month. Link
  • Facebook aquihires top members of influential design firm Teehan+Lax. Link
  • Tinder captures brand dollars with Gillette deal. Link
  • Five ways brands can use Snapchat to take back control of the retail experience. Link
  • YouTube plans Super Bowl halftime show with online stars (and fake Super Bowl ads). Link

Start-ups:

  • Kevin Rose leaves Google Ventures to work full-time on his mobile app development startup. Link
  • ClosetSpace brings fashion inspiration and recommendations to your smartphone. Link
  • Video chat app Rounds raises $12M in new funding led by Sequoia. Link
  • Italist is like shopping the streets of Italy but online. Link
  • True Fit raises $15M to give apparel shoppers confidence online. Link
  • Grocery delivery start-up Instacart raises $220M. Link
  • Big Data startup MongoDB is now valued at $1.6B. Link

International:

[APAC]

  • How Dominos reinvented itself in India. Link
  • Uniqlo owner promises to improve working conditions in China. Link
  • Alibaba launching effort to woo US retailers. Link
  • Alibaba buys controlling stake in Chinese internet marketing firm AdChina. Link

[EU]

  • Amazon’s tax deal with Luxembourg may break rules, EU regulator says. Link
  • ASOS shares jump on strong Christmas sales. Link

[CA]

  • Target closing Canadian operations. Link

[LATAM]

  • Nintendo pulls the plug on Brazil. Link

[AU/NZ]

  • eBay launches click-and-collect in Australia. Link

Mobile, Tablet, + Wearables:

  • Turn old clothes into cash with these mobile apps. Link
  • Mobile commerce in 2015. Link
  • Google to launch Project Ara market pilot in Puerto Rico later this year. Link
  • Mobile app use isn’t replacing mobile web usage but driving it. Link
  • Google Play’s app store and developer community grew faster than Apple’s in 2014. Link
  • Microsoft announces a Skype for iOS testing program. Link
  • Google launches classroom mobile apps for Android and iOS. Link
  • Apple Watch companion app features said to include activity reminders, phone unlock. Link
  • Apple and Ericsson sue each other over mobile patents. Link
  • Google translate app gets an upgrade. Link
  • Booking.com tries to personalize hotel choices with new app. Link
  • Google is in talks to acquire mobile payments service, Softcard. Link

Other:

  • Apple patent shakes GoPro’s stock. Link
  • IBM wins most patents but Google and Apple climb in rankings. Link
  • Google Domains launches to all in U.S. with support for blogger integration, templates and more domain endings. Link
  • Google Glass sales halted but firm says kit is not dead. Link
  • Google is bidding for a Pentagon contract worth more than $2B. Link

WEEKLY INDUSTRY BRIEF: 1.12.2015

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Hi there!

Below is a recap of news in fashion, retail, and technology over the last week. All sources can be found in the hyper-linked text after each headline:

Retailer + Brand News:

  • Free delivery creates holiday boon for U.S. consumers at high cost. Link
  • Coach to acquire Stuart Weitzman in $574M deal. Link
  • U.S. Postal Services says package deliveries rose 18% in December. Link
  • C.Wonder shutters operations. Link
  • First look at the new furniture Ikea is bringing to the U.S. Link
  • J.C. Penney closing 39 stores in April. Link
  • Target’s next partnership: Lilly Pulitzer. Link
  • Forever 21 embarking on biggest expansion to date; will open 50 new stores in next three years. Link
  • Google wants to sell you auto insurance. Link
  • Holiday web sales grow almost 14%. Link
  • Payments business will bypass banks. Link
  • Fab.com founder to start Bezar.com, an online pop-up marketplace for modern design. Link
  • Modcloth co-founder exists; Urban Outfitters’ Matt Kaness joins as CEO. Link
  • H&M links with Coachella for festival fare. Link
  • Macy’s revamps to reflect shifting shopper. Link
  • Zara to open more than a dozen new stores in U.S. this year. Link
  • J.C. Penny and Macy’s to shut stores and lay off employees. Link
  • Apple touts U.S. job creation, says app stores sales rose 50%. Link
  • Macy’s mulls taking on T.J. Maxx, Nordstrom Rack in “off-price” wars. Link
  • Kate Spade, Michael Kors shares decline as discount concerns spread. Link
  • Wet Seal closing two-thirds of its stores. Link

Social Media + Marketing:

  • Twitter planning to sell ads on apps and other sites. Link 
  • Zuckerberg’s endorsement sends book flying up the charts. Link
  • Rival social networks gain users but Facebook captures more attention. Link 
  • Americans use more online social networks. Link
  • After conquering Asia, the Selfie Stick does Las Vegas. Link
  • Office Depot and Office Max unveil first combined brand push. Link
  • McDonald’s launches next step in brand refresh with ‘Signs’ campaign with a Tumblr component. Link
  • CES gadgets and gizmos offer marketers a new bag of tricks. Link
  • Nike and AKQA turn people’s running data into 100,000 unique videos. Link 

Start-ups:

  • Jet is the new trendy ecommerce site. Link
  • Cuff raises $5M and partners with Richline to bring smart jewelry to the mainstream. Link
  • This company lets you try on fitness trackers, Warby Parker style. Link

International:

[APAC]

  • Abercrombie & Fitch launches 10 new ecommerce sites in Asia. Link
  • Uber tests cargo delivery service in Hong Kong. Link
  • Uniqlo global sales soar. Link

[EU]

  • Click and Collect overtakes home delivery at John Lewis. Link
  • Five ways technology could shape UK retail in 2015. Link
  • U.K. Black Friday online sales surge 135%. Link

Mobile, Tablet, + Wearables:

  • Taco Bell to give away 1M Doritos Tacos with mobile orders in January. Link
  • Macy’s is 2014 Mobile Retailer of the year. Link
  • Yahoo Mail iOS app now lets you track packages, customize Today view. Link
  • Context-focused WiFi Alliance competitor to iBeacons due to arrive in devices this year. Link
  • App usage grew 76% in 2014, with shopping apps leading the way. Link
  • Target reaps rewards of mobile push as holiday traffic hits 60%. Link
  • Wearables may be headed mainstream but many still aren’t ready for primetime. Link
  • Apple’s cut from app sales reached $4.5B in 2014. Link
  • Spotify makes shift to mobile with 52% of listening now on phones and tablets. Link
  • Target hits mobile milestone. Link
  • Google’s real-time voice translation service for mobile devices is on the way. Link

Other:

  • Blackstone’s Byron Wien offers predictions for 2015. Link
  • Kevin McKenzie on reinventing the shopping mall.Link
  • Google-backed fund donates to Charlie Hebdo’s biggest issue ever. Link
  • Amazon and Netflix win big at the Golden Globes.Link
  • The five most disruptive innovations at CES 2015. Link

WEEKLY INDUSTRY BRIEF: 12.29.2014

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Hi there! This is my last weekly recap of 2014– crazy!  I hope everyone has a very happy and healthy 2015.

Below is a recap of news in fashion, retail, and technology over the last week. All sources can be found in the hyper-linked text after each headline:

Holiday:

  • Five retailers who nailed it this holiday season. Link
  • Amazon reveals holiday gift list, Elsa dolls number one. Link
  • Holiday selling spikes late in the game. Link
  • Amazon sorts itself out for holiday. Link
  • UPS and FedEx cap holiday deliveries amid late surge. Link
  • The best holiday sales growth in three years. Link
  • Retailers playing nice with after-Christmas returns. Link
  • It was a very mobile Christmas. Link

Retailer + Brand News:

  • Demand for L.L. Bean boots soar. Link
  • Urban Outfitters moving to super-size store in Chicago. Link
  • Inside eBay’s secret retail lab. Link
  • How Starbucks makes every store feel unique. Link
  • American Apparel investor says board withheld key information. Link
  • Wal-Mart and Macy’s strive for inventory optimization. Link
  • Wal-Mart tests gift card exchange program. Link
  • Delia’s store closings are happening and gift cards only valid through January. Link  
  • Google fights Marriott’s plan to block wi-fi hotspots. Link
  • Shoe customization gains traction. Link
  • ASOS ordering system crashes as shoppers seek bargains. Link

Social Media + Marketing:

  • Facebook’s popularity among teens dips again. Link
  • Pinterest will open promoted pins to all advertisers following success of beta program. Link
  • Ten most innovative digital ad products of 2014. Link
  • Brands that scored big in social media this year. Link
  • Beauty marketers spent 23% more on digital in 2014. Link
  • New sales channel – Shop Spot – will let you purchase a product directly from any media source. Link
  • Facebook must face lawsuit over scanning of users messages. Link
  • Twitter users experience log in problems due to authentication issue. Link
  • Netflix primes Tumblr service. Link

Start-ups:

  • eCommerce platform adds social good outcome to every purchase. Link
  • Crowd-funding startups are looking to refashion the business of fashion. Link
  • Xiaomi raises $1.1B at $45B valuation. Link

International:

[APAC]

  • China finally closes the ‘third party’ Gmail loophole. Link
  • India’s online retailers truly arrived in 2014. How much will they grow? Link
  • Japanese retailers gearing up for New Year’s sales. Link

[EU]

  • Russian shoppers want imports even after the Ruble’s fall. Link

Mobile, Tablet, + Wearables:

  • $30 smartphones are here and they’re getting better every day. Link
  • Dr. Pepper, Wal-Mart engage mobile shoppers ahead of college football playoffs. Link
  • Amazon sees nearly 60% of consumers shop for holidays on mobile. Link
  • The strategy behind Airbnb’s mobile web redesign. Link
  • Will 2015 be the experimentation year for mobile payments? Link
  • Why 2015 may be the year of multiple mobile apps on one screen. Link

Other:

  • LG partners with Mercedes-Benz to develop a system to power self-driving cars. Link
  • The Interview nets $15M in online sales during opening four days. Link
  • Understanding the Christmas attacks on xBox and PlayStation networks. Link
  • Amazon details new features for its collaboration tool. Link

Weekly Industry Round-Up: 11.17.2014

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My recap of top industry news from last week.  All sources can be found in the hyperlink after the headline:

Retailer + Brand News:

  • Alibaba goes global, Singles Day sales top $9 Billion. Link
  • Quirky and GE unveil their vision for the connected home. Link
  • Why New Balance makes shoes for Kate Spade and JCrew. Link
  • Macy’s launches same-day delivery in eight cities. Link
  • Radio Shack backtracks on Thanksgiving hours after worker outcry. Link
  • Amazon is hiring drone test pilots. Link
  • Old Navy criticized for higher cost of plus-size jeans. Link
  • Kendall Jenner signs on as the new face of Estee Lauder. Link
  • BCBG boosts Wi-Fi to drive store visits. Link
  • Target buys Pittsburgh technology firm promising ‘Amazon-like’ shopping experiences in stores. Link
  • Levi Strauss to eliminate 500 jobs. Link
  • Alibaba’s boutique shop 11 Main opens doors on mobile. Link
  • WalMart spreads Black Friday over five days. Link
  • Rebecca Minkoff’s new stores have touch-screens for online shopping. Link
  • Alibaba is now bigger than P&G, GE and Wells Fargo. Link
  • Farfetch rolls out click-and-collect. Link
  • J.Crew’s beauty guru launches line of his own. Link
  • H&M will begin Black Friday deals in stores and online on 11/20. Link
  • Early holiday promotions eat away Black Friday sales. Link

Social Media + Marketing:

  • Google seeks to help fight Ebola with donation-matching campaign. Link
  • Inside Refinery29’s video strategy. Link
  • Six new features to expect from Twitter. Link
  • Google’s DoubleClick goes dark, makes internet ad-free for an hour. Link
  • Uber partners with Spotify. Link
  • Twitter speaks up with growth strategy intended to soothe Wall Street. Link
  • Conde Nast hires YouTube stars for original video series. Link
  • Publishers sell sponsored content made for Instagram, Snapchat. Link
  • LuLuLemon slammed for Dalai Lama partnership. Link
  • Macy’s and Marriott approach SnapChat very differently as platform’s influence grows. Link
  • Michael Kors adds “buy” to Instagram. Link
  • Interactive YouTube film from Asos lets uses change color scheme. Link
  • Target sponsors NBC web video series. Link
  • Who’s going to drive advertising spending this holiday season? Link

Start-ups:

  • One Piece is a social pop-up that offers discounts for social media influence. Link
  • Craftsy, an e-learning site for makers raises $50M. Link
  • DSTLD is Everlane for jeans. Link
  • VIDA raises $1.3M for socially responsible ecommerce. Link
  • Rocket Internet plots ten start-ups. Link
  • Glossier raises $8.4M to take on beauty and cosmetics with verticalized approach. Link

International:

[APAC]

  • Japan slips into recession. Link
  • Ikea debuts in Korea. Link
  • After Singles Day, Alibaba delivered 40 Million packages in three days. Link
  • com doubles its shoppers in the past year, shifts towards Alibaba-style marketplace model. Link
  • Rakuten acquires Japanese beauty portal to expand its own salon booking service. Link

[EU]

  • American Eagle expands in Europe; will open three stores in London over next week. Link

[CA]

  • Can Aritzia become as well-known in the U.S. as Canada? Link

[AU]

  • Etsy partners with David Jones for Christmas. Link
  • Surfstich buys UK rival Surfdome.com. Link
  • Google grabs first carrier partner for Project Loon tests in Australia. Link

Mobile, Tablet, + Wearables:

  • Macy’s set to unveil visual search app. Link
  • Urban Outfitters drives mobile engagement with app newsfeed strategy. Link
  • Lord & Taylor expands iBeacon program to all US stores. Link
  • ‘Build it and they will come’ no longer works for mobile apps. Link
  • Cyber Monday is now Mobile Monday. Get ready. Link
  • Peach is a flash sales app with an auction-based twist. Link
  • Early Apple Pay stats point to a modest but promising start. Link

Other:

  • Key takeaways from PSFK’s Future of Retail 2015. Link
  • Nordstrom is leading retailing the right way. Link

WEEKLY INDUSTRY ROUND UP: 11.4.2014

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My recap of top industry news from last week.  All sources can be found in the hyperlink after the headline:

Retailer + Brand News:

  • Starbucks to start delivering in 2015. Link
  • Neiman Marcus launches MyNM to personalize ecommerce. Link
  • Aeropostale launches collection with social media stars. Link
  • Coach exceeds estimates as it grows overseas, curbs discounting. Link
  • Vente-Privee to shut U.S. venture. Link
  • Alibaba eyes payments tie-up with Apple. Link
  • Lululemon founder’s family bets on casual luxury with new retail venture. Link
  • Why online retailers continue to open brick-and-mortar stores. Link
  • Retailers and shippers retool for the holiday season. Link
  • Amazon opens pop-up store to push its Fire smartphones. Link
  • Burger King to accept PayPal. Link
  • Amazon launches crowdsourced publishing program. Link
  • Beyonce and Topshop team for Ath-Leisure brand. Link
  • Timberland’s newest partnership: Tires. Link
  • Target quietly testing mobile payment app to rival Apple Pay. Link
  • Sophia Coppola directs Gap’s holiday ads. Link
  • American Express and Etsy partner to support small businesses. Link
  • CNET launches a print magazine. Link
  • Ralph Lauren uses interactive windows to launch line at Harrods. Link

Social Media + Marketing:

  • Gap’s interactive holiday campaign: Play your Stripes. Link
  • Youtube weighing new subscription service. Link
  • Bing now lets you search by emoji. Link
  • Publicis snaps up Sapient for $3.7B to build a digital media powerhouse. Link
  • Instagram video ads are finally live. Link
  • Luxury brands are still casting a leery eye toward social media. Link
  • Digital to overtake TV ad spending in two years, says Forrester. Link
  • Snapchat discussing new ad type that’s similar to live TV. Link
  • Nobody beats Amazon when it comes to subscription services. Link
  • Michelle Phan is building a beauty empire. Link
  • SheKnows acquires BlogHer. Link
  • Alex from Target rises to internet fame. Link
  • Heineken partners with brands to create exclusive luxury goods. Link
  • Reddit opens a crowdfunding site. Link

Start-ups:

  • Cloth is where Instagram and your closet collide. Link
  • Deliv widens same-day delivery, following Google. Link
  • Changing the rules of ecommerce. Link
  • Slack is now worth over $1B. Link
  • Crowdsourced design marketplace Minted raises $38M more, adds fabrics and home décor. Link

International:

[APAC]

  • China’s JD.com starts operations in $1B warehouse. Link
  • Investment in Tokopedia may be the boost Indonesian ecommerce needs. Link
  • China’s economic growth falls to lowest in 5 years. Link
  • Amazon’s strategy for India: stick to the concept of sister site. Link

[EU]

  • London pop-up mall blends digital and physical retail. Link
  • UK arm of Ikea to embark on price cutting program. Link

[CA]

  • Ikea Canada boss aims for a revamp as competition heats up. Link

[A/ME]

  • Macy’s to open in Abu Dhabi. Link

[LATAM]

  • Mexico enters the fashion limelight. Link

Mobile, Tablet, + Wearables:

  • Neiman Marcus makes it easier for mobile shoppers to buy items they spot on the street. Link
  • Marriott woos millennials with mobile apps and wireless charging. Link
  • Microsoft unveils fitness smart band that understands voice commands. Link
  • PopSugar plays fave with data in new shopping app. Link
  • In 72 hours, ApplePay is already the wireless payment leader in the US. Link
  • Google launches Android 5.0 Lollipop. Link
  • Amazon voice search leads the way in mcommerce. Link
  • Neiman Marcus simplifies purchase process with mobile photo feature. Link  
  • How Aeropostale and Asos are getting mobile right with millennials. Link
  • Google’s redesigned calendar app combines brains and beauty. Link
  • Starbucks to offer delivery service via new app. Link
  • Hotels try smartphone apps as room keys. Link

Apple Pay Coverage:

  • Apple Pay isn’t ready to replace your wallet. Link
  • What are anti-Apple Pay merchants afraid of? Link
  • More US banks switch on Apple Pay support. Link
  • Apple Pay rival, Current C, says it’s misunderstood. Link
  • The worm in Apple Pay. Link

Other:

  • Four brands that built empires without traditional advertising. Link
  • Isabel Murant says build strong base and stay focused. Link
  • Sour Patch Kids opens Brooklyn house for touring bands. Link
  • Taylor Swift pulls all her albums from Spotify. Link
  • The Arrivals: A line of coats from a venture capitalist and an architect. Link