Tag: walmart

WEEKLY INDUSTRY BRIEF: 8.24.2015

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Hi! Industry news from the last week is below.  Sources in the hyperlinked text after the headline. Have a great week!

Brand/Retailer:

  • Macy’s tests chutes, tablets in dressing rooms to repel Amazon. Link
  • TBS to launch a new tech show sponsored by Intel. Link
  • American Eagle strikes successful chord with Aerie brand. Link
  • Target’s latest ecommerce weapon is more precise delivery windows. Link
  • Conde Nast hit web traffic high and turns on the caffeine. Link
  • Comcast to invest $200M in Buzzfeed. Link
  • Uniqlo to try out four day work week. Link
  • Madewell recalls over 50K sandals. Link
  • Gap’s earnings meet estimates as new CEO works to revamp chain. Link
  • Inside Lands End’s quest for a younger, cooler customer. Link
  • Urban Outfitters beats Q2 profit forecasts. Link
  • Sephora sends sales higher at JC Penny. Link
  • H&M launches denim collection made from in-store clothing donations. Link
  • Target is doubling down on design that is both fabulous and functional. Link
  • Gap to test fast fashion model in select stores. Link
  • Gap CEO committed to elevating product before boosting marketing. Link
  • Amazon’s PR troubles show corporate culture impacts brand perception. Link
  • Not just millennials, consumers what experiences over things. Link
  • Forever 21 aims to grow up with its customers. Link
  • Apple shuffles in-store products for updated shopping experience. Link
  • WalMart sees growth ahead in global ecommerce. Link

Marketing/Social:

  • Twitter opens up its mobile ad network, introduces video. Link
  • Google’s plan to win the music-streaming marketing war: partner with cool brands. Link
  • Facebook has taken over from Google as a traffic source for news. Link
  • Facebook takes on Medium and Linkedin with new Notes look. Link
  • Twitter gives promoted tweets and video ads more mobile reach. Link
  • Facebook tries allowing GIFs in ads and page posts. Link
  • Google brings Twitter to desktop search results. Link
  • Why Target had the only ad in Vogue’s September issue with a digital edge. Link
  • Snapchat Discover to add Mashable, limit sponsorship takeovers. Link

Startups:

  • Google Ventures just led a $100M investment in 3D printing startup Carbon3D. Link
  • 50 companies that may be the next startup unicorns. Link
  • Thread raises $8M to scale personal styling service. Link

International:

  • Zalando sees success by tailoring its brand to each market. Link
  • AirBnB’s China strategy is to get more people to leave China. Link
  • Uber raises $100M from Tata of India. Link
  • Luxe for sale as Cartier, Prada become bargains in Brazil. Link

Mobile/Emerging Tech:

  • LinkedIn unveils app to compete with corporate directory. Link
  • Google adds Marshmallow to its Android pantry. Link
  • Swatch CEO signals plan to add smartwatch range. Link
  • Ralph Lauren is bringing its sensory ‘smartshirt’ to market for $295. Link
  • Mobile video advertising is growing three times as fast as spending on desktop video. Link
  • Samsung introduces new phones, Samsung Pay and Periscope competitor. Link

Weekly Industry Brief: 6.22.2015

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Happy Monday! Check out industry news from the last week.  All sources can be found in the hyperlinked text after the headline.

Brand/Retailer:

  • Gap closing 175 North American stores. Link
  • Twitter gets more shoppable with product pages and collections. Link
  • AmazonFresh becomes a Prime benefit in select California markets. Link
  • FitBit’s first day on Wall Street. Link
  • Starbucks to shutter all La Boulange stores. Link
  • Etsy takes on Kickstarter with crowdfunding platform. Link
  • Why brick-and-mortar sales are key to Warby Parker’s growth. Link
  • How WalMart plans to catch Amazon: subscription services and grocery pick up. Link
  • How Gap can turn things around. Link
  • Apple gives in on music fees after Taylor Swift’s letter. Link
  • Yoox Nat-a-porter stake up for grabs as Milan fashion set meets. Link
  • Ralph Lauren climbs after making progress on restructuring plan. Link
  • How Stussy became a $50M global streetwear brand. Link
  • Office Depot investors ok Staples merger. Link
  • WalMart to return greeters to the front door. Link
  • Abercrombie names new creative director. Link
  • Wardrobe basics give Uniqlo’s sales a boost. Link
  • Rag & Bone eyeing global growth. Link

Marketing/Social:

  • Twitter’s Project Lightening is an event hub that aims to expand the reach of Twitter. Link
  • YouTube launches YouTube Newswire, a channel featuring verified eyewitness videos. Link
  • Buzzfeed showcases its serious side with a news app and customizable alerts. Link
  • Roku is introducing personalized interactive video ads. Link
  • Twitter acquires Whetlab to better organize tweets. Link
  • Google aims to own online ad attribution, native ad serving. Link
  • Barney’s makes its Instagram shoppable. Link
  • Nike leads Instagram gains among fashion brands. Link
  • Twitter said to plan marketing campaign, ads for live events. Link
  • Nestle will be the first brand to run a sponsored Periscope stream. Link

Start-ups:

  • The Instagram of news is here and its smarter than you think. Link
  • Dollar Shave Club is valued at $165M. Link
  • Google Ventures invests in Oxford University venture fund. Link

International:

  • Google grows ecommerce business in Europe with Ingenico partnership. Link
  • Alibaba wants to build the Netflix of China. Link
  • Alipay’s US chief talks expansion, Uber China partnership. Link
  • Facial-recognition concerns keep Facebook ‘Moments’ from Europe. Link
  • China to promote cross-border ecommerce as incomes rise. Link
  • mCommerce takes off in China. Link

Mobile/Emerging Tech:

  • Amazon is developing an app that would pay people to drop off packages. Link
  • Starbucks to expand mobile-ordering service to 17 states. Link
  • Linkedin is testing two new apps, plus a messaging overhaul. Link
  • Apple Watch arrives in stores, finally. Link
  • Apple chooses iPhone colors to please Chinese customers. Link

WEEKLY INDUSTRY BRIEF: 6.1.2015

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Happy Monday and Happy June! Below is a recap of industry highlights over the last week.  Sources can be found in the hyper-linked text after the headline.

Brand/Retailer:

  • Amazon expands same-day delivery to new markets, drops price to free for orders over $35. Link
  • Leaked site reveals more info on “Shipping Pass,” Walmart’s answer to Amazon Prime. Link
  • Kors and Tiffany hit by strong dollar. Link
  • Yelp and Shoptiques link for ecommerce. Link
  • Crew is alienating its most important customers. Link
  • Gap teams up with Spring on digital pop-up shop. Link
  • Apple is working with Postmates to offer same-day delivery. Link
  • At Amazon, a rush to make speedy delivery free. Link
  • Levi’s and Google partner on “smart fabric.” Link
  • Abercrombie posts wider loss as currency hampers turnaround. Link
  • Hot Topic bid to purchase Geeknet. Link
  • Amazon is planning to add its own line of food. Link

Marketing/Social:

  • Snapchat invests in Spring to capitalize on social commerce growth. Link
  • Vox Media acquires ReCode. Link
  • New hotel concept promises socially-focused customizable spaces for global nomads. Link
  • Google says ‘buy’ button coming to online advertising service. Link
  • Bethany Mota redefines being a celebrity. Link
  • Millenials follow Uber with new fashion trading model. Link
  • Twitter opens up more user data to marketers. Link
  • Target links up with Shazam for ad scans that link to shopping. Link
  • Facebook’s instant articles speed up mobile content. Link
  • Why Instagram works better for fashion brands. Link

Start-ups:

  • Amazon puts the call out to NYC startups. Link
  • For London’s fashion start-ups, it’s being social that counts. Link
  • Snapchat CEO: we have a plan for an IPO. Link
  • George Simmer starts an Uber for Tailors. Link

International:

  • How Target’s demise in Canada could be a gain for Lowe’s. Link
  • Michael Kors to open state of the art distribution center in Europe. Link
  • Alibaba expands logistics network to power next-day grocery deliveries in more Chinese cities. Link
  • JD.com sets its sights on connected devices. Link
  • Yahoo Japan shares climb on ecommerce alliance with Alibaba. Link
  • Walmart app adds shopping options in China. Link

Mobile/Emerging Tech:

  • New Nordstrom app lets customers text with sales reps. Link
  • Barney’s launches iphone app. Link
  • What marketers should know about Google’s mobile upgrades. Link
  • Android Pay now lets you buy things with your fingerprint. Link
  • Google Play store now lets developers A/B test their app listing pages, customize their catalog. Link
  • Swatch reaffirms plans to build smartwatch with payments features. Link
  • Target wants to offer Apple Pay but focus is on chip and pin. Link
  • Piper Jaffray names virtual reality the next mega tech theme. Link
  • Google’s other mobile payments service: hands-free at McDonald’s. Link
  • Apple buys German augmented reality company Metaio. Link
  • Facebook’s Oculus snaps up advanced virtual reality startup. Link

Misc.:

  • Mary Meeker’s internet report: user growth slowing but disruption full speed ahead. Link
  • Retailers turn to innovation labs for evolution. Link
  • Apple’s Jony Ive named chief designer, gives up day-to-day role. Link
  • Jawbone sues Fitbit citing theft of trade secrets. Link

Weekly Industry Brief: 5.18.2015

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Happy Monday! Below is a recap of industry news from the last week. Sources can be found in the hyperlinked text after the headline.

Brand/Retailer:

  • Balmain is next H&M collaboration. Link
  • Exchange rates took a toll on Gap’s Q1 results. Link
  • H&M readies new beauty line. Link
  • Nordstrom outlet stores fuel growth. Link
  • Opening Ceremony signs footwear license with Aldo product services. Link
  • Net-a-porter takes on Neiman, Nordstrom and Sakes with new app. Link
  • WalMart to test an unlimited three-day shipping service that’s half the price of Amazon Prime. Link
  • Macy’s embraces a “digical” world. Link
  • Verizon to buy AOL for $4.4B. Link
  • Amazon is working with indie merchants to expand Prime inventory. Link
  • JetBlue upgrades Amazon Prime members. Link
  • Why Nordstrom is the Amazon of department stores. Link
  • Macy’s adding a touch of luxury to its platinum stores. Link
  • Old Navy thrives after a style-conscious rebirth. Link

Marketing/Social:

  • Apple may include social network for stars in its new streaming music service. Link
  • Twitter seeks path to more video bingers. Link
  • With Facebook’s instant articles, publishers may find 70 cents is better than a dollar. Link
  • Pinterest survey finds service influences purchasing decisions. Link
  • Facebook tests search engine to share links. Link
  • Taylor Swift nabs Twitter’s first celebrity custom emoji. Link
  • Lonely Planet will launch its first U.S. magazine as interest in international travel grows. Link

Start-ups:

  • Meet MikMak, the shopping app aiming to be QVC for millennials. Link
  • Decorist raises $4.5M to bring customers affordable design advice and room makeovers. Link
  • Tango offers shopping on its messaging service. Link
  • Former Lucky editor gets into tech scene with shopping app. Link
  • Carl Ichan takes $100M stake in Lyft. Link

International:

  • Apple bullish on Apple Pay in China amid talks with Alibaba. Link
  • Walmart taps Alipay to bring mobile payments to 25 China stores. Link
  • Sephora picks JD.com for China online store. Link
  • India’s largest online fashion portal Myntra goes mobile-only. Link
  • Zalora is using a pop-up shop to grow in Hong Kong. Link
  • No end in sight for Alibaba’s counterfeit problem. Link
  • Ikea to test new, smaller retail concept at new store in Ontario. Link
  • Kijiji, a flop in the U.S., rules online classifieds in Canada. Link
  • UK online fashion retailer Farfetch snaps up London’s Browns. Link

Mobile/Emerging Tech:

  • Apple buys GPS firm Coherent Navigation. Link
  • Marriott launches Concierge App, letting guests text in any request, anytime. Link
  • North Face uses virtual reality in stores. Link
  • Swatch to sell low-price watch with mobile payment functions. Link
  • Mobile shopping app Wish raised $500M at $3B valuation. Link
  • Google reportedly will add buy buttons to its mobile search results. Link
  • Amazon Echo finally lets you shop with just your voice (sort of). Link
  • Smartwatches are expected to fuel ads on wearables. Link
  • Google’s self-driving cars hit the road this summer. Link

@WalMartLabs Acquires Luvocracy

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…or acqui-hires Luvocracy.  According to TechCrunch, @WalmartLabs acquired a solid roster of talented peeps with pedigrees including Yahoo, Blurb, and eBay.  They reportedly plan to use this talent to improve their own site’s product discovery, building off of Luvocracy’s past as a sort of cross between social recommendations, wish lists, and Pinterest. Sort of like Wanelo or Svpply.

Walmart has been on the prowl lately, with this acquisition marking the R&D arm’s14th startup purchase. Recently, they’ve been clearly focused on ecommerce and mobile innovation.  Still fresh is the June  acquisition of fashion commerce and discovery app Stylr.

I don’t hate it as a strategy. In fact, there was just a Mobile Marketer article published on this topic exactly. Big brands are putting their financial resources to good use by acquiring top talent who have innovative ideas and technical skills.  It has become increasingly apparent that the expertise needed is in mobile and social, two areas where perhaps traditional retailers are struggling to keep up. The traditional retailers may not have the culture, perks, location, or thought leadership to attract top talent in these areas but are able to adapt in the shorter term via acquisitions.

It will be interesting to see how smaller brands or brands with fewer resources work around and compete with the likes of WalmartLabs and Nordstrom, which I wrote about recently.

One thing is for sure: mobile and social aren’t going anywhere. I think this was a solid acquisition.

Here is some coverage so far:

WalmartLabs Acquires Kleiner Perkins-backed Luvocracy, a Pinterest-like Marketplace for Product Recommendations (TechCrunch)

Walmart Buys Shopping App Luvocracy (InvestorPlace)

Wal-Mart buys another tech start-up, Luvocracy – only to shut it down (WSJ MarketWatch)

Wal-Mart on the Prowl to Boost Web Expertise (Women’s Wear Daily)