Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Walmart has added another online asset to its battle against Amazon.   The chain announced it has acquired Moosejaw, an outdoor retailer know for its social media marketing expertise and strong online following among younger consumers, for approximately $51 million.    The acquisition, which closed on Feb. 13, is Walmart’s second acquisition in less than two months. In late December, the chain’s Jet.com unit acquired online footwear retailer ShoeBuy.    

Online marketplace retailer Etsy.com is looking to expand its base of sellers by entering the estimated $40 to $44 billion craft supplies market, which is dominated by such retailers as Michael’s and Jo-Ann’s Stores.    In its largest expansion to date, Etsy announced it will launch Etsy Studio, which will sell craft supplies and offer DIY tutorials, in April. It is the first new marketplace Etsy has built from the ground up since it debuted in 2011.     

The formerly high-flying Nasty Gal has been brought down to earth — and not in a good way.   The bankrupt fashion retailer will close its two Los Angeles-area stores by the end of February, the Wall Street Journal reported.    On Feb. 8, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California approved the sale of Nasty Gal’s intellectual property and customer database to British online fashion retailer Boohoo.com, which is seeking to speed up its expansion in the United States. 

The ever-expanding Dollar General has entered its 44th state.   The discounter opened a store in Hankinson, North Dakota. The company plans to open six additional locations in the state through spring 2017.   

A cloud computing/e-commerce giant heads up Fast Company’s annual ranking of the 10 most innovative companies in retail. Amazon not only topped the retail sector category, it also came in number one in the overall World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies listing. (Rounding out the top five: Google, Uber, Apple and Snap.)

J.Jill Group is looking at a return to the public markets. The apparel retailer, which is owned by private-equity firm TowerBrook Capital Partners LP, announced that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. TowerBrook acquired J.Jill from Arcapita and Golden Gate Capital in 2015. The chain was previously owned by The Talbots.

J.Jill Group is looking at a return to the public markets.   The apparel retailer, which is owned by private-equity firm TowerBrook Capital Partners LP, announced that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. TowerBrook acquired J.Jill from Arcapita and Golden Gate Capital in 2015. The chain was previously owned by The Talbots.    

H&M is expanding one of its lesser-known banners with two high-profile locations.   The retailer plans to open a Weekday store on Regent Street in London, and also one in Paris, according to numerous British reports. Both locations are expected to open this summer.    The brand, known for its denim offerings and minimalist basics, currently operates some 27 stores in Europe, but this will be its first in the United Kingdom and France.