News Briefs

Walmart Inc. is renewing a partnership with a provider of AI-based mobile scanning solutions to enhance the functionality of its store associate apps.

Since 2022, Walmart has been seamlessly integrating Scandit smart data capture software into several apps it provides store associates in an effort to optimize operational tasks such as order fulfillment, stock replenishment, out-of-stock detection, product information look-up and receipt checks for self-checkout customers.

[READ MORE: Walmart equips store associates with mobile AI tools]

For example, Walmart designed the intuitive user interface of its “MyWalmart” associate app with input from Scandit to provide features including viewing their shifts up to two weeks in advance, checking on their upcoming paid time off, and requesting changes to their schedule. 

"As a people-led, tech-powered company, Walmart is committed to providing our associates with technology that helps them work smarter, faster and more efficiently," said Dan Miller, VP of product management, Walmart.

In addition, the app provides all associates access to the Ask Sam voice-activated personal assistant which enables them to ask questions to quickly locate merchandise and get answers for customers, as well as look up business metrics.

And instead of scanning each box in the back room individually, associates can hold up their device and using augmented reality, highlight the boxes that are ready to go to the store floor.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Walmart," said Scandit CEO and co-founder Samuel Mueller. "Empowering associates by putting best-in-class technology in their hands is how retailers can drive meaningful change."

As part of the new expanded agreement, Scandit will provide Walmart with tools and technologies designed to boost the speed and accuracy of their existing associate and customer-facing applications.

Spirit Halloween is getting an early start on its seasonal hiring.

The seasonal retailer has approximately 50,000 positions available now to support more than 1,500 retail locations expected to open in the United States and Canada in 2025. The figures are roughly on par with last year’s record-setting hiring and location totals.

Spirit Halloween says its employee perks include competitive salaries, flexible scheduling, a premium pay incentive program, and seasonal retention bonuses for returning store managers. All associates also receive a 30% discount on Spirit Halloween purchases.

"With the anticipation for Halloween at an all-time high, we are committed to creating the same immersive experience that keeps our fans coming back year after year," said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween. "The talent and enthusiasm of our associates is the driving force that brings Halloween to life each year, and we look forward to welcoming new and returning faces for another killer season."

Founded in 1983, Spirit is a “one-stop destination” for all things Halloween. Stores offer an immersive and interactive experience for shoppers, complete with a wide assortment of costumes and accessories along with exclusive décor and animatronics.

[READ MORE: These five retail brands account for 13% of Spirit Halloween locations…]

Spirit Halloween and mall retailer Spencer’s Gifts are part of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.-based Spencer Spirit Holdings Inc.

Amazon is making a major commitment to build new fulfillment and delivery hubs, data centers and corporate offices in the U.K.

The online giant plans to invest approximately $54 billion in the U.K. by the end of 2027 to build build four new fulfillment centers and new delivery stations across the country. The money will also be spent on upgrades and expansions to Amazon's existing network of more than 100 operations buildings in the U.K., including two new buildings at its corporate headquarters in East London.

In addition, the investment includes part of the $10.9 billion Amazon previously committed to spend between 2024 and 2028 to build, operate and maintain data centers in the U.K. Amazon has committed billions of dollars to data infrastructure development projects across the globe, most recently in Australia and Taiwan.

[READ MORE: Amazon Web Services to invest $5 billion in Taiwan data centers]

According to Amazon, this investment will create thousands of new permanent, full-time jobs in the U.K., including more than 4,000 jobs at fulfillment centers and delivery stations across the country.

Amazon estimates the investment will contribute an estimated additional $51 billion to the U.K.’s GDP, with the data center investment alone expected to contribute $19.1 billion to the UK economy between 2024 and 2028 and support 14,000 full-time equivalent jobs each year.

"Amazon has been proud to serve our customers in the U.K. for the past 27 years," said Andy Jassy, CEO, Amazon. "Thanks to their support, we've grown to be part of over 100 communities nationwide, from developing drone technology in Darlington to producing world-class entertainment at our studios in Bray.”

Social media is a key driving force of consumer overspending, according to a new survey.

More than half (54%) of people regret purchases they’ve made through social media, and four-in-five say they would spend less money if they deleted their social media accounts, according to a new poll of consumers from WalletHub.

Half of those surveyed said that social media is bad for their budget, and nearly seven-in-10 (69%) said that it is bad for their debt. Notably, nearly 20% of those surveyed said they try to look “richer” on social media than they really are.

“It’s difficult to kick this type of habit, but people should definitely consider cutting back on social media for the sake of their budget, especially with tariffs making popular items more expensive,” said Chip Lupo, analyst at WalletHub. “People who are concerned about their ability to resist should remove social media apps from their devices. Trading social media apps in for a budgeting app can also help you pinpoint areas where you are overspending.”

[READ MORE: Here’s how tariffs are affecting consumer behavior]

Additional insights from the survey include the following:

• 60% of Americans are concerned about tariffs making their social media purchases more expensive.
• Despite social media leading to overspending, nearly three-quarters of Americans say they don’t trust financial advice from social media influencers.
• 82% of Americans trust Google search results more than social media influencers.

For its report, WalletHub conducted a nationally representative online survey of over 200 respondents.

Women’s apparel retailer J.Jill has added new talent to its C-suite.

The company has appointed Courtney O'Connor as senior VP and chief merchandising officer, effective June 30. She will succeed Shelley Liebsch, who will be leaving J.Jill to pursue other opportunities.

O’Connor has more than two decades of experience in the apparel and luxury sectors, specializing in retail, wholesale and e-commerce. Most recently, she served as chief merchandising officer for nearly three years at Canadian-founded apparel retailer Club Monaco. 

Prior, she held senior leadership roles at Public Clothing Company and Ralph Lauren, where she managed global merchandising for women's apparel and accessories. Other previous roles include merchandising and buying positions at J.Crew, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. 

“Courtney is a seasoned merchant who brings extensive experience in elevating product assortments to showcase brands’ offerings in a way that best aligns with customer expectations,” said Mary Ellen Coyne, CEO and president of J.Jill, who joined the company from apparel retailer J.McLaughlin earlier this year. “Through thoughtful collaboration she has worked cross functionally to launch new offerings increasing brand visibility and driving sales. As we take steps to enhance the J.Jill assortment and execute toward our next chapter for growth, I am thrilled to have Courtney join the team. I want to thank Shelley for her contributions to J.Jill and wish her all the best."

[READ MORE: J.Jill launches new ad campaign across linear and streaming TV]

Headquartered outside of Boston, J.Jill operates 249 stores nationwide along with its e-commerce website.

Two Saks Global banners will implement a solution used by a sister brand to make informed buying decisions and enhance assortment planning efficiency.

Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman will deploy the NuOrder by Lightspeed ERP platform to visualize and develop assortments in real-time. Fellow Saks Global banner Saks Fifth Avenue has been utilizing the NuOrder solution since 2020.

[READ MORE: Saks to enhance assortment localization with BI]

"With the continuous evolution of luxury consumer shopping preferences, we’re committed to building a luxury fashion assortment that is both relevant and inspiring for our customers," said Paolo Riva, chief brand partnerships & buying officer, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. "We’re pleased to partner with NuOrder in our efforts to drive timely buying decisions in collaboration with our brand partners, enabling us to meet our customers with a refined edit of the latest fashion through highly personalized shopping experiences.”"

Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman buying teams will be able to more easily plan and manage assortments across hundreds of brands, aligning their selections with the evolving tastes of luxury consumers. 

The retailers also expect to be able to collaborate in real-time to curate hyper-personalized assortments based on live data and insights to drive profitability and speed up order writing to get the right products in front of the right customers at the right time.

"With NuOrder’s innovative analytical capabilities, we are continuing to equip our teams with modern tools to ensure our customers' needs are met," said Yumi Shin, chief merchandising officer, Bergdorf Goodman. "We look forward to working with NuOrder to amplify our globally recognized curation and deliver the best in luxury, season-after-season."