Omnichannel

Party City topped earnings estimates for its second quarter and said it is on track to deliver its full year total revenue and earnings guidance.    The party supplies retailer and wholesaler reported net income of $25.0 million in the quarter, compared to $22.5 million in the year-ago period. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to 28 cents per share, topping Wall Street expectations  

Virtual reality shopping is here and consumers — or at least the ones that are tech-savvy — are ready to use it.   Seventy to eighty percent of "early tech adopter" consumers are eager to use virtual commerce technology to design rooms, customize products and shops with friends from across the globe, according to a study from L.E.K. Consulting.   

Walmart’s grocery pickup service is available to even more shoppers in the Golden State.   The discounter introduced grocery pickup in 26 stores across Inland Empire, Los Angeles and San Diego, bringing the total number of stores statewide offering the service to 36 locations, according to The Orange County Register. Each store will designate parking stalls for shoppers to retrieve their groceries.    

Amazon is extending its brick-and-mortar brand exposure, once again — albeit in an unconventional way.   Mattress retailer Tuft & Needle will open its newest store in October, in Seattle. And the self-funded specialty retailer is relying on Amazon’s technology and services to drive its success, according to ReCode.  

West Elm is expanding its hotel portfolio — even before it opens its first location.   The retailer, a division of Williams-Sonoma, announced Portland, Maine as the newest location for its West Elm Hotels collection. Expected to open in 2020, the 150 room, full-service boutique hotel  will be developed on Portland’s waterfront by Portland Foreside Development Company LLC, and operated by hotel development and management company DDK, which is West Elm Hotels’ exclusive operator.  

The most digitally savvy generation to date has a soft side for physical stores.    Despite being digital natives, 57% of Generation Z say they prefer to shop in-store rather than online, according to a report from CrowdTwist, a provider of multichannel loyalty and engagement solutions.