News

Increased traffic gave a boost to Kohl's, which reported sales and earnings that topped analysts’ estimates in the second quarter.   The company's net income rose to $208 million, or $1.24 per share, in the quarter ended July 29, from $140 million, or 77 cents per share, in the year-ago period.  

Toys "R" Us named Mark Johnson executive VP, U.S. marketplace operations, effective immediately.    Johnson had been serving as interim executive VP, store operations since May. He joined the company in October 2014 as regional director for stores before being promoted to VP of operations, strategy and execution in 2015.   

Online subscription beauty retailer Birchbox may be looking to sell itself.   The company has been discussing a potential sale with several retailers, including Walmart, reported Recode. If the discounter were to acquire Birchbox, it would be the chain's fifth e-commerce acquisition since last August.   

Weak sales made for a rough second quarter for Office Depot.   The retailer said its profit fell to $24 million, or 5 cents a share, short of Wall Street expectations, compared with $210 million, or 38 cents a share, in the year-ago period. (The 2016 quarter included a $250 million fee paid by Staples to Office Depot after Staples abandoned its intent to acquire its rival.)  

Walmart is bullish on big data — especially when it comes to finding ways to better serve its shoppers.   Big data volume continues to grow, but Walmart is using it to the company’s — and its customers’ — advantage. By analyzing the robust information flowing throughout its operations, the discounter has gained a real-time view of workflow across its pharmacy, distribution centers, stores and e-commerce, according to a company blog.   

Move over Amazon — China's largest online player is looking to take on the world.    Now the largest e-commerce company in the world with $430 billion in gross merchandise volume, Alibaba is seeking to become a global company as well with a goal of serving more than 2 billion shoppers, according to a new report by global think tank FGRT (Fung Global Retail & Technology).  

Despite posting a loss for the second quarter, Wayfair’s brand continues to gain traction and square off against competitors.   For the second quarter ended June 30, the home decor and furnishings e-retailer narrowed its net loss to $38.9 million from $48.3 million in the same period a year ago. It also posted a smaller-than-expected second quarter loss of 26 cents per share, beating analyst expectations of 46 cents per share, according to FactSet.  

Target is getting more pet-friendly as it extends its partnering initiatives with popular online retail brands.   The discounter announced it will sell toys and treats from Bark, the company that operates subscription-based online pet supplies retailer BarkBox. It's the first time Bark products will be available in retail stores.    Based in New York City, Bark launched in 2012 and now counts over 500,000 subscribers. It is known for its fun and quirky toy and natural treat lines.