Direct To Consumer (DTC)

Amazon is “piloting” holiday pop-up stores this holiday season, with two confirmed locations in San Francisco and Sacramento, along with what may or may not be a permanent space in Manhattan. While theoretically Amazon is going to let the pilots run their course, analyze the results, and then possibly move forward with a rollout of more permanent brick-and-mortar stores, most observers expect the pilot is the first step in an already determined strategy to build a physical presence.  

The innovative online shopping destination Gilt.com named Clay Cowan chief marketing officer to oversee global strategy, management, and revenue, for all digital channels.

Cowan joins Gilt.com from Starwood Hotels and Resorts global digital business team where he ran digital experiences for nine global brands and Starwood's SPG loyalty program in multiple languages and countries around the world. 

Columbus, Ohio -– DSW Inc. is running a one-day promotion called “National Shoe Lover Day” on Saturday, Oct. 25. Each of the 428 DSW stores, plus dsw.com, will participate.   

With a name and a logo similar to another leading denim brand, Keirin Cut Jeans has turned to social media with a Kickstarter campaign to launch its new line.

Former Talbots and Bloomingdales executive Lisa Gavales was named president and CEO of personalized gift retailer Things Remembered where she plans to further evolve the retailer’s omnichannel offering.

Things Remembered operates 600 stores nationwide that are integrated with its Web site to allow for online ordering and same day pick up. Gavales will join the company November 10 to fill the position being vacated by Michael Anthony. He is relinquishing the CEO title after eight years but will remain as chairman of the board.

Los Angeles -- More than half (63%) of U.S. online shoppers are not familiar with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.com, according to a survey by Bizrate Insights, a division of Connexity (formerly Shopzilla).

 

Interestingly, respondents not familiar with the Alibaba brand or website skewed toward younger generations and women (who traditionally are the decision makers behind the lion’s share of retail).

 

San Francisco –- Gap Inc. has approved a new $500 million share repurchase authorization for the company’s common stock, in an effort to return excess cash to shareholders. The new $500 million repurchase program for Gap’s stock follows the company’s previous $1 billion share repurchase program.   

Philadelphia -- Destination Maternity Corp. will expand into Israel through an international franchise agreement with Israeli fashion retail chain H&O Fashion Ltd. (H&O). Through this relationship, Destination Maternity will introduce its Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod, and Destination Maternity brands into Israel, with the first franchise locations expected to open in spring 2015.    

Dublin, Calif. –- Ross Stores opened 20 new Ross Dress for Less and eight new DD’s Discounts stores across 14 different states in September and October.     These new locations are part of the off-price retailer’s plans to add a total of approximately 75 Ross and 20 DD’s Discounts stores during 2014.