Cross-Merchandising

Nordstrom is collaborating with a retailer known for its high-quality, ethically made fashion basics and "radical transparency."   The department store retailer's themed pop-up shop concept, Pop-In@Nordstrom, will be dedicated to a collection of products from Everlane. The in-store shop will launch in eight Nordstrom stores on Sept. 29, and run through Nov. 12. Items will also be available online.   

Kohl's is extending its collaboration with Amazon in a way that is almost sure to drive increased traffic into its stores while solving one of the online giant's biggest challenges.     The department store retailer will begin accepting Amazon.com returns at 82 Kohl's stores in Los Angeles and Chicago. The chain will not only ship eligible items back to an Amazon fulfillment center free of charge, but will also pack up the goods for shipping if the customer has not done so.    

The Kroger Co. is looking to extend its share of consumers' food dollars — this time, however, it’s aiming for the dollars spent on meals outside the home.    The supermarket retailer is opening its first-ever full-service restaurant, which will be located next to Kroger's new Marketplace store in Union, Kentucky. In a nod to the year Kroger was founded, the restaurant will be called Kitchen 1883. It will open in late October.   

Amazon is expanding into one of the go-to destinations for product discovery.   This was according to “Amazon: The Big E-Commerce Marketing Opportunity for Brands,” a report from Kenshoo. The study is based on 3,100 consumers in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and France.  

Amazon is getting ready to host its fourth-annual flagship sale in India.   The online giant is gearing up for its “Great Indian Festival,” an event similar to Amazon’s Prime Day sale. Amazon is banking on the sale’s deep discounts, exclusive merchandise and buyback offers to attract new customers, according to Live Mint.  

Yet another traditional retailer is partnering with Amazon, as the online behemoth continues to expand its presence in brick-and- mortar stores.    Kohl's plans to add an Amazon "smart home experience' in-store shop, or "zone," in 10 select Kohl’s locations across the Los Angeles and Chicago areas starting in October. The spaces will allow shoppers to try out and purchase Amazon devices, accessories and smart home devices and services directly from the online retailer.  

David Yurman has opened his first boutique on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.    Conceived by the Yurmans, the 3,250-sq.-ft. space reflects the brand's aesthetic and the family's unique artistic expression, and has a two-story historical façade that was maintained and restored to its original condition. The entrance lobby features a heritage wall that visually narrates the Yurmans' journey from art to jewelry with examples of David's early sculptures and wearable art pieces alongside more current designs.

Brick-and-mortar stores are crucial to supporting a retailer's e-commerce growth.  

The British brand best known for its bagless vacuum cleaners, bladeless fans and, most recently, high-tech hair-dryers is expanding its fledgling retail portfolio.    Dyson Ltd. will open a "Dyson Demo" store this fall at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Also in the works: a store at 640 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, and one in San Francisco's Union Square.  

As much as today's shoppers want convenience, they also prioritize saving money and will make time to uncover the best deals online and offline.     Over half (53%) of consumers indicated they invest over two hours a week looking for deals and savings across all sources, according to a survey from Valassis. About 25% of millennials and moms spend over four hours a week in their search for value.