Apparel

A Chicago startup has landed partnerships with four major online retailers, including Target, to launch a product meant to rival Amazon’s Alexa, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Walmart’s next e-commerce power-play is reportedly in the works.   In its latest move to compete against its online nemesis amazon.com, Walmart is reportedly ready to invest up to $1 billion in Flipkart, according to an article in Quartz.   

Zappos.com has found a new way to “wow” its passionate shoppers.    In a strategic move to drive engagement, the online shoe retailer launched its first-ever loyalty program. Called Zappos Rewards, the progression-based program will allow customers to earn points toward future purchases, get free expedited shipping on all orders, and receive early access to exclusive products and sales.  

Skechers now allows shoppers to manage their shopping experience from the palm of their hand.  

Simon Properties has announced the impending arrivals of Cartier and Hermes at its Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, California. This marks Hermes’ first new U.S. store in five years, according to Simon.   The 6,000-sq.-ft. Hermes shop, which will reside near Neiman Marcus in the center of the newly updated center, is scheduled to open in late 2017 or early 2018. Its focus will be on men's, women's, home, and equestrian collections.   

Pacific Commons, located in the famed Gold Rush town of Fremont, California, will be getting a refresh, said owner Vestar.   The 1.2 million-sq.-ft. lifestyle and power center will be refurbished with new indoor-outdoor dining areas, trellis-enhanced landscaping, stone and wood seat walls, a fountain, and a gathering area with fire pits.   

Aritzia Inc. is expected to raise C$400 million ($302 million) in its initial public offering.   The company, based in Vancouver, sells fashion-forward clothes and accessories for young women. It has 75 stores in North America, including locations in New York, New Jersey, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, and Chicago, along with an online business.  

As it turns out, high-fashion and Lands’ End weren’t perfect together.      Less than two years after she took the reins of Lands’ End, Federica Marchionni has stepped down as CEO. Two current Lands’ End executives—James Gooch, executive VP, COO and CFO, and Joseph Boitano, executive VP and chief merchandising and design officer—were named as interim co-CEOs, effective September 26, while the company searches for a permanent replacement.