TECHNOLOGY

Michaels and Pinterest are merging crafts and digital promotions to get artisans’ creative juices flowing.   The two companies are teaming up to sell a kit that can inspire newbies or the most experienced crafter to create one of the most trending projects on Pinterest. The co-branded Make It Kits were developed using Pinterest insights and trends, along with Michaels’ product expertise and e-commerce capabilities, according to Michaels.  

Think of it as an Airbnb for temporary spaces.    Appear Here, a British-based online marketplace for short-term retail space, has launched in the United States, with its initial expansion starting in New York City.  

Global companies agree that innovation is critical to survival but not enough projects are successfully driving growth and increasing revenue.   Specifically, two-thirds (66%) of global organizations said innovation is crucial to their longevity, but only 28% are seeing returns on their investments (ROI), according to “Innovation Matters,” a report from PA Consulting Group. The report tapped 821 senior executives across C-level, senior VP, board and director level positions.  

Orchestra is entering the United States, both online and off.    The 23-year-old French children’s and maternity fashion brand has launched its first English language website. The retailer will make its U.S. brick-and-mortar debut, opening newborn/children's clothing store at King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, Pa.  

Amazon’s newest win could expand its foothold in the private-label apparel category.    The online giant won a patent on Tuesday, April 18, for an on-demand apparel manufacturing system. The solution includes a textile printer, textile cutter, and a computing device that will work in concert to design apparel once customers place an order.  

Native advertising is significantly spurring in-store traffic — at a more cost-efficient rate — compared to traditional display advertising.  

Walmart hit the century mark in terms of training academies.   The retailer on Monday celebrated the grand opening of its 100th U.S. training academy, in Frontage, Edmond. The academies were first introduced in 2016 and have expanded to 40 states.  

To the key to omnichannel success is having access to synchronized, and up-to-date business information.   Mattress Firm is partnering with Visionet Systems to create a centralized information repository that integrates all business information across retail channels in near real-time — a move that will improve operational efficiency enterprise-wide.