News

Study: Retailers experiencing e-fulfillment growing pains
Retailers are thrilled with their surging online sales, however the same can’t be said for associated fulfillment operations. Business is booming online as sales across 82% of e-commerce and multichannel businesses increased in 2016. Only 6% reported a decrease in orders. While many voiced concerns over increasing competition, Brexit and currency fluctuations, the majority of companies (88%) expected a further increase in e-commerce orders during 2017.
Tech Bytes: Three tips to make the grade this back-to-school season
It may only be mid-June, but retailers nationwide are already eyeing their share of almost $800 billion in estimated back-to-school sales. Store shelves — both physical and virtual — are already being stocked with this year’s hottest apparel, school supplies, electronics and dorm essentials, all in hopes of luring early bird shoppers. However, beefing up inventory isn’t enough to guarantee a successful back-to-school shopping season.

Regulatory Wrap-Up: Where state and national policy impact retail

Wages
Lululemon in investment, partnership with cycling apparel startup

lululemon athletica is thinking outside its core athleisure category.
Up Close: Shoppers review Lidl
Delivery robots to invade this country

Sidewalk delivery robots are revving their engines for their July 1 debut in Virginia and Idaho, but there is an even bigger launch planned. The delivery bots will soon be commonplace across the country of Estonia. Based on a vote of 86 to 0 in the country's parliament last week, Estonia is the first country in Europe that allows these food-carrying robots to roam sidewalks, according to Engadget.
Parent company of Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo on hunt for a CEO

Southeastern Grocers' chief executive is leaving after 16-months on the job to pursue "another opportunity."
Amazon and Whole Foods: 5 things to know about the blockbuster deal

The food retail industry has been flush with big mergers lately, but today’s stunner has no precedent.
Amazon buying Whole Foods Market

In a blockbuster deal, online giant Amazon is acquiring Whole Foods Market in an all cash transaction valued at $13.7 billion, or $42 a share. John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods, will remain CEO of the grocer after the deal closes. Stores will continue to operate under the Whole Foods banner, and the company's headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas.
Walmart doubling down on fashion with Bonobos acquisition

Walmart is buying the hot men's clothing company Bonobos for $310 million in cash. The move is in keeping with Walmart's recent efforts to beef up its online offerings and widen its appeal by buying digitally native brands that target millennials and younger consumers. Founded online in 2007, Bonobos has expanded its assortment over the years and has also opened 35 brick-and-mortar stores ("Guideshops"). It also has a partnership with Nordstrom.
New company preps to relaunch the Bebe brand

The Bebe brand is undergoing a transformation — thanks to a new parent company. Global Brands Group Holding Limited, a leading branded apparel, footwear, and fashion accessories company — and a spin-off of global exporter Li & Fung Ltd., is partnering with the Bebe brand to relaunch a new e-commerce platform. In addition, the company will redesign the brand’s international brick-and-mortar stores to better meet the heightened shopping expectations of Bebe’s consumers.
Commentary: Amazon-Whole Foods deal ‘potentially terrifying’ for other grocers

The retail sector is used to change, but every so often an event occurs that shakes the industry to its core. Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods is one of those. On the surface, the purchase -- which comes with a $13.7 billion price tag -- is surprising. However, there is an inherent logic in the move which, in our view, brings benefits to both businesses.