News

Walmart is ready to sink its teeth into the world’s largest e-commerce market.   Three months after entering into a strategic alliance with JD.com, China’s second-largest e-commerce website, Walmart is introducing Chinese shoppers to a new digitally-driven shopping experience. For example, Chinese shoppers got their first taste of Sam’s Club when Walmart opened the doors of its first flagship store in China today.  

The use of cash remains strong among in-store shoppers.   That’s according to a new survey by Cardtronics, in which 89% of consumers report using cash in the past six months to pay for merchandise in a physical store.    Cash was followed by debit cards, used by 74% of consumers in the last six months, and credit cards, used by 66% of consumers. Eighteen percent of consumers reported using store mobile apps to pay for something in the last six months, and 17% used a mobile wallet. 

Serena & Lily continue to grow their fledgling store portfolio.   The upscale California-based brand, which started out as catalog company, will open its fifth retail location, at Lido Marina Village, Newport, California, on Saturday, Oct. 22.      

Who hasn’t wanted to buy “looks” featured on their favorite television show? Now, it’s a reality.   A new TV talk show series, created through a partnership between Wayfair and A+E Networks, will allow viewers to purchase all featured items on Wayfair.com.   The show, called The Way Home, uses a combination of home décor and DIY how-to’s, room makeovers and everyday solutions for better living — and everything displayed is for sale.  

PetSmart’s recent acquisition will help place pets with prospective forever families even faster.   The specialty pet retailer acquired AllPaws, one of the largest online and mobile platforms that matches those looking to adopt a pet with pets ideally suited for their home, family and lifestyle. Approximately 5,000 animal rescues and shelters across North America already utilize AllPaws to promote their adoptable pets.  

Sheetz just added a new item to its assortment — an app-based delivery service.    Through a partnership with OrderUp from Groupon, an on-demand restaurant food-delivery service, Sheetz now features a mobile ordering program for food and beverages. The service, which is available in its Morgantown, W.V., and State College, Pennsylvania, locations, allows shoppers to place orders and have them delivered to their doorstep.  

Online payment security is a top concern for merchants and consumers — but shoppers are leading the charge when it comes to protection.  

Saks Fifth Avenue has opened its first standalone store dedicated exclusively to footwear.  

Target Corp. is letting the cat out of the bag early with regards to its next limited edition apparel collection.   The retailer announced its limited-edition spring collaboration will be with popular designer Victoria Beckham. The collection will be available April 9, 2017, at all Target stores and Target.com, the collection. In addition, select pieces from the collection will be available for sale internationally via Victoriabeckham.com.  

Until this week, Rouse Properties’ northeastern-most retail possession was The Centre at Salisbury in Maryland. But its purchase this week of an 115,000-sq.-ft. center outside of Hartford, Connecticut, gives the developer a footprint planted firmly in New England.