News

Exclusive: Retailers Need to Stop the Shipping Bloodbath
Recently an investment banking colleague from HT Capital Advisors mentioned to me that Bombfell, an online men’s clothing subscription service, received $1 million in venture capital funding. Under the business model, an online personal stylist personally selects each member’s items and sends them to the shopper, with free shipping. The shopper only pays for what he keeps (he has 10 days to decide) and then returns the rest, also with no shipping charge. On the heels of that chat, I read about MM.LaFleur, a similar model for women.
Gymboree aims for roaring sales
On the heels of the most successful Jurassic Park movie ever, Gymboree is looking to leverage the popularity of dinosaurs with a new collection inspired by a new dinosaur-themed series on Netflix.

Have an omnichannel holiday at Kohl’s

Menomonee Falls, Wis. – Kohl’s Department Stores is helping consumers have a very omnichannel holiday season.

The retailer will provide the option to buy items online and pick up in store at all stores nationwide with premier, designated parking for customers picking up their purchases.
Ex-Best Buy CEO to lead home services site

Now that retailers such as Amazon.com are entering the online services market, Angie’s List is looking to fortify its executive ranks by tapping a veteran retail e-commerce executive to run the company.<br style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; max-height: 100000px; color: rgb(54, 54, 54); font-family: open_sansregular, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; background-color: rgb(2
RILA: DOL overtime proposal creates enormous burdens for employers

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association issued a strenuous objection to what it called the Department of Labor’s “flawed” overtime proposal.
American Girl targets tweens and their parents

American Girl is targeting tween girls and their parents via a new partnership with a bestselling author and pediatrician.

The retailer is teaming up once again with Dr. Cara Natterson on a new go-to guide for moms and daughters. The new three-book set, "The Care & Keeping of Us: A Sharing Collection for Girls and Their Moms," according to American Girl, provides the tools to get the conversation going on topics most top-of-mind for growing girls: from body basics, hygiene and healthy habits to friends, social media, clothing and more.
Macy’s to close 35 to 40 stores

Cincinnati -- The ax fell at Macy’s on Tuesday.

In the name of optimizing its omnichannel approach, Macy's said it plans to close between 35 and 40 namesake stores in early 2016 even as its moves ahead with expansion of its new off price format, Macy’s Backstage.
Macy's to close as many as 40 stores

In the name of optimizing its omnichannel approach, Macy's said it plans to close between 35 and 40 department stores at undisclosed locations in early 2016 while moving ahead with expansion of its off price format.
Amazon primes appetite of Seattle customers

Seattle – Amazon is priming the appetites of customers in Seattle with a new feature of its Prime Now one-hour delivery service.

Members of the Amazon Prime paid loyalty program in Seattle can order delivery from participating local restaurants using the Prime Now mobile app.

Prime members can view participating restaurants, browse menus, place orders and track the status of their delivery in real time. Once an order is placed, Amazon delivery drivers pick up and deliver the food within an hour or less.
Ebay marks its 20th year with new innovation

Just as it did in the 1990s during the course of one Labor Day Weekend, eBay is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month by innovating.

The company is celebrating its 20th year by releasing eBay 4.0, a new app for iOS and Android, as eBay continues to innovate by creating an easier, more personalized way to shop and sell.