Direct To Consumer (DTC)

When it comes to brands that stand out in online apparel shopping segment, subscription services are leading the pack.   Apparel subscription services, like Stitch Fix and Trunk Club, and introduction of Amazon’s Prime Wardrobe are disrupting the apparel segment. While the subscription method of shopping for apparel is still in its infancy, consumer reach — and interest — is growing, according to research from The NDP Group.   

Amazon’s new delivery system makes a play for a customer segment initially targeted by Walmart’s e-commerce arm.   The online giant introduced a new delivery locker designed for apartment blocks and other housing complexes that may not have services to accept or store packages. Called The Hub by Amazon, the modular system features compartments where packages can be stored for pickup.   

Nordstrom is offering a deal to potential equity partners willing to fund a buyout.   The group of Nordstrom Inc. family members seeking to take the luxury department store chain private is offering preferential terms to potential equity partners willing to fund the buyout, according to Reuters. The group involved in the negotiations are company co-presidents Blake W. Nordstrom, Peter E. Nordstrom, and Erik B. Nordstrom; president of stores James F. Nordstrom; chairman emeritus Bruce A. Nordstrom; and Anne E. Gittinger. 

A designer fashion rental company is getting merchandise into New York City fashionistas' hands even faster.   Rent the Runway, already a disruptor in the traditional formal wear category, now offers a service that delivers orders in a matter of hours. Specifically, customers that place orders before 12 p.m., will have it in their hands by 5 p.m., according to CNBC.  

Despite a drop in profits and same-store sales, Whole Foods Market still managed to surpass analyst predictions for the third quarter.   Net income for the quarter, ended July 2, net income fell to $106 million, or 33 cents per shares, from $120 million, or 37 cents a share, a year ago. This beat analyst expectations of 33 cents expected, according to Thomson Reuters.  

Staples met the first requirement on its road back to private ownership.   The office supplies giant, which is being acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, has been granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. This act states that no merger or acquisition can take place until the United States Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice have determined that the filed transaction will not violate U.S. commerce antitrust laws.   

Amazon’s Prime Now debut in Singapore started off strong, but high user volume took a toll on the program’s first day of service.   The service, which offers free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items ordered through the Prime Now app, launched on Thursday morning. By that afternoon, users struggled to use the service, according to CNBC.  

Amazon’s Prime Day may have boosted the company’s second quarter sales, but the event wasn’t enough to keep its earnings on track.   The online giant’s net income for the second quarter, ended June 30, was $197 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, compared with net income of $857 million, or $1.78 per diluted share, in second quarter 2016. Earnings also drastically missed analyst expectations of $1.42 per share, according to consensus estimates from Thomson Reuters.