News

Walmart makes another big move in China
Walmart has made another big e-commerce investment in China. On the heels of launching t hree major e-commerce initiatives in China, Walmart will invest $50 million in New Dada — China’s largest local on-demand logistics and grocery online-to-offline (O2O) e-commerce platform.
German audio company opens experiential store in New York
A German brand known for its high-quality headphones had dropped anchor in the United States. Sennheiser has opened a pop-up, in the SoHo section of downtown Manhattan, that is designed to let visitors try out its products firsthand. The brand is also set to open a permanent retail space, at the Westfield World Trade Center in Manhattan, in late October. It will serve as a showroom and not sell product (product is sold at the pop-up, however).

Skechers Q3 misses

Skechers’ third quarter results came in below estimates as the company said it would continue to focus internationally for growth. The Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based brand’s net income fell 2.2% to $65.1 million, or 42 cents per diluted share, which was below forecasts for diluted EPS of 47 cents. Skechers said its diluted EPS were negatively impacted by foreign currency translation and exchange losses.
Staples moves beyond office supplies with new licensing efforts

Staples is getting into the licensing game as a means of expanding its brand. It’s first target — document storage.
The North Face, New York City

The North Face is targeted urban adventurers at its new global flagship on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. The two-level, 20,000-sq.-ft. store offers an immersive brand experience that includes an interactive climbing wall, community seating and a custom embroidery service called “Lot, Stock and Barrel” that allows shoppers to personalize garments by selecting from 20 designs.
Walmart amps up online strategy in China with three new initiatives

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.
Target’s next limited edition collection to feature another big name

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.
Report: Consumers take new measures to ward off online fraud

Online payment security is a top concern for merchants and consumers — but shoppers are leading the charge when it comes to protection.
Report: Smartphones drive overall m-commerce growth

The role of smartphones in the evolution of mobile commerce has hit an epic status. Mobile e-commerce, through both apps and browsers, jumped 60% in 2015 to reach $120 billion. More importantly, smartphones alone are generating $0.70 for every $1 made in mobile commerce, according to “Mobile Online Retail Payments 2016: Reinventing Shopping in a Mobile-First Era,” a report from Javelin.
Lifestyle and home décor brand expanding

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.