News

Digital and store sales boost Walmart in Q2
Walmart reported better-than-expected results for its second quarter amid surging online sales and an increase in store traffic. Walmart's total revenue for the period ended July 31 rose 2.3% to $123.36 billion for the quarter, better than analysts had expected. U.S. store visits increased 1.3% over the year-ago period.
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.
The five most loved brands are....

A social media giant and an online retail giant are the most loved brands in the world. Facebook took the top spot, followed by Amazon, in NetBase's third annual "Top 100 Global Brand Love List." Rounding out the top five were eBay, Apple, and Snap.
Study: Millennials don't act — or shop — alike

Retailers need to update their approach to targeting millennials. That's according to a new report by management consulting firm L.E.K., which provides insight into Millennials and their predecessors Gen X and the Baby-Boom generation.
Saks Fifth Avenue to roll out new salon concept — with augmented reality

Saks Fifth Avenue is debuting a new salon concept with a futuristic edge.
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: