Social Media

Days after announcing it is closing hundreds of stores, Rue21 is taking steps to better connect with shoppers online.   Focusing on conversational commerce, the teen apparel retailer launched a personalized, interactive shopping experience via the chat-based Messenger app. Powered by mode.ai, the virtual stylist uses Messenger’s new Chat Extensions feature that allows users to interact with the shopping tool in group and one-on-one message threads with friends, the retailer said.  

Lord & Taylor has entered into a partnership with make-up icon Bobbi Brown.   The department store retailer appointed Brown as creative consultant, and has launched an in-store shop concept, justBobbi, at select Lord & Taylor locations, including its Manhattan flagship, and online. The initiative is the first Brown has entered into since her recent departure from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, which she founded in 1991.  

Despite privacy concerns, consumer will share data with companies if it saves them money or resolves customer service issues faster.    This was according to a recent study conducted by YouGov on behalf of customer experience company [24]|7, which tapped 1,145 U.S. consumers.   Nearly half (43%) of consumers agreed that they would exchange personal data with companies to save money through personalized promotions, discounts or deals, followed by 39% looking for speedier issue resolution. 

British online fast-fashion retailer Missguided makes the leap to physical retail with a high-concept, high-impact store at Westfield Stratford City mall in London.   Featuring an “on-air” television studio concept, the 20,000-sq.-ft. space delivers a dynamic live stream of real-time content, fashion and inspiration in a bold environment. It reflects the desire of its young, Snapchat-obsessed core audience for the new by offering a constantly changing space that includes plenty of shareable moments.    

A messaging app launched a new lens that could help drive shoppers through retailers’ doors.   Snapchat’s Snap to Store product is a geofilter that retailers can sponsor.    When Snapchatters use the retailer-specific overlay on their snaps and share it in their story, Snap analyzes who sees those branded snaps and tracks whether users — or their followers — visit the store, according to New York Business Journal.  

Lids Sports Group is giving its fans something to cheer about.   In addition to unveiling Access Pass, Lids’ new rewards program that features exclusive deals and invitations to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the retailer also launched a new mobile app to keep members instantly connected to their account.  

Kohl’s Cos. has a new chief marketer.   The retailer on Monday named former Best Buy marketing executive Greg Revelle as chief marketing officer. He will be responsible for Kohl’s marketing organization and overall marketing strategy, including its focus on driving customer engagement through analytics, enhancing the loyalty platform, accelerating customer traffic and continuing to build Kohl’s overall brand position. Revelle will report to Michelle Gass, chief merchandising and customer officer.  

  The hottest fashion trend today is speed—and retailers need to be in the fast lane to remain competitive.   That’s according to new research from Kurt  Salmon, part of Accenture Strategy, which finds that  speed and agility are the top priorities for every retailer competing in fast fashion.