News

Target unveils three new brands
Target Corp. is giving shoppers an early look at three new private brands that will debut in its stores starting in late August. The retailer has posted details about the brands, along with photos from their look books, on its website. The three new collections are part of 12 private-label brands Target plans to launch during the next 18 months. Here is a look at the three brands:
A New Day
Alibaba’s surging e-commerce sales boost June quarterly earnings
Alibaba Group’s e-commerce business’ profit increase contributed to a blockbuster quarter for China’s top online player. For the period ended June 30, China’s largest online retailer reported total revenue of 50.1 billion RMB ($7.1 billion U.S.), an increase of 56% year-over-year. This beat analysts' estimates of 47.7 billion RMB, according to Thomson Reuters. Net income was 14 billion RMB $2 billion U.S.).

Fast-casual chain steps up its mobile experience

Chipotle Mexican Grill is making a move to retain existing customers and attract new ones. The fast-casual chain is partnering with Deloitte Digital to transform its mobile customer experience. The creative digital consultancy within Deloitte Consulting LLP, will redesign Chipotle's iOS and Android ordering apps, a move that will improve digital ordering and enhance the customer experience. The new apps will launch in the fall, with additional channels following by the end of the year.
Analyst: Walmart shows that traditional retail can thrive if they adapt, evolve

The second quarter numbers show that Walmart remains firmly on the front foot and is more than holding its own in a challenging and competitive retail market. It is particularly pleasing to see sales growth accelerate since Q1 -- a clear sign that the various initiatives and investments are paying dividends.
Two high-profile Walmart acquisitions will find a home on jet.com

A discount giant is using its newest acquisitions to connect with its millennial shoppers. During an earnings call, Walmart revealed that it’s trendy, upscale Bonobos or ModCloth brands will soon be sold via jet.com. This move highlights how Walmart plans to leverage its Jet division to target the millennial shopper, according to Business Insider.
L Brands tops Q2 estimates but lowers guidance as Victoria’s Secret continues to struggle

L Brands is still being dragged down by its decision to eliminate swimwear and apparel from Victoria's Secret. The company reported a better-than-expected profit of $138.9 million, or earnings per share of 48 cents per share for the quarter, compared with analysts' expectations of 44 cents per share. Revenue totaled $2.76 billion, better than the $2.75 billion analysts had forecast.
Analyst: Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie off pitch when it comes to apparel

While Wall Street cheers Urban Outfitters for not doing quite so badly as forecast, the reality is that this is a lousy set of results. Not only are the numbers sequentially worse than a pretty dire first quarter, but they also show that many of the initiatives put into play remain a long way from delivering.
eTail East: Warehouse club operator debuts new desktop site

BJ’s Wholesale Club introduced the newest service within its digital transformation. The warehouse club operator launched a new desktop website on Monday. Besides featuring a modern look and feel, the site also supports easier navigation, browsing and shopping.
Target's Q2 Earnings Call: Six Interesting Facts

Target's remodeling efforts, new smaller store format, same-day delivery pilot and private-label brands were among the topics discussed by company executives during the chain's quarterly earnings call on Wednesday with investors and analysts. Here are six interesting points from the call worth noting:
BJ's seeks greater consumer insight with predictive analytics

BJ's Wholesale Club will leverage predictive analytics and machine learning to assist with buying decisions. The warehouse club operator will begin using First Insight’s consumer-driven predictive analytics. The tools are designed to help BJ’s make design and buying decisions on the broad spectrum of products offered in its warehouse clubs.