TECHNOLOGY

The bright spot in the apparel industry is…
Consumers are putting their best foot forward when it comes to spending.
Attention retailers: Affluent shoppers like coupons, too
Think wealthy folks are averse to using coupons? Think again. A new study by intelligent media delivery firm Valassis found that coupon use among the affluent is strong despite their six-digit annual incomes. Consumers collectively saved $3.4 billion by redeeming coupons in 2015, according to NCH data, and affluent shoppers were no exception. Valassis’ research illustrates an opportunity for marketers to reach this group via integrated print and digital promotions.

Survey: Technology needs helping to drive back-to-school spending

Consumers’ increased confidence in their own financial situation bodes well for back-to-school spending. At least that’s according to Synchrony Financial’s Back-to-School survey, which found that clothing, shoes and electronics represent the majority of back-to-school spending for most families surveyed and more than a third expect to spend more in both categories this year. Longer supply lists and more technology needs are among the drivers of increased spending.
Online kid’s apparel brand makes retail debut with subscription model

A new start-up is looking to take the hassle out of shopping for kid’s clothing and accessories.
Survey: Consumers like omnichannel features, but have data concerns

Consumers know what they want: seamless shopping between online and offline. But they are worried about sharing the data that allows retailers to fully implement it.
Department store retailer strengthens ties with J.Crew brand

Nordstrom is doubling down on its partnership with J.Crew Group’s Madewell brand. The department store chain plans to expand the brand to an additional 20 stores this fall. It’s the third distribution expansion since the initial launch of the partnership in March 2015, and will result in the retailer carrying Madewell goods in a total of 76 locations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as on Nordstrom.com.
Study: Digital revolution transforming shopper marketing

Online marketing is sparking radical changes — and growth — in shopper marketing. That’s according to a new report from the ANA (Association of National Advertisers), conducted in partnership with market research firm GfK, which finds that shopper marketing, long considered an in-store discipline, is evolving into an omnichannel approach designed to reach shoppers at all touchpoints.
GameStop has big plans for virtual reality

Augmented reality mobile game Pokémon Go has given a big sales boost to GameStop.
Unilever buys Dollar Shave Club in megadeal

Consumer goods giant Unilever is paying a reported $1 billion to buy an online retail start-up that has yet to turn to profit. Unilever PLC announced it is buying Dollar Shave Club, the razor delivery subscription service known for its irreverent brand positioning and viral You Tube videos. Terms of the deal were not announced, but The New York Times and other media outlets reported Unilever is paying $1 billion in cash for the scrappy company, which has yet to turn a profit but expects to do so by yearend.
Study: Book retailer shows brand strength

A familiar chain has been named the most powerful retail brand of 2016. According to the 2016 Top 100 Most Powerful Brands report from brand marketing firm Tenet Partners, Barnes & Nobile is the most powerful retail brand, and 32nd most powerful brand overall, of the year. This is the second straight year Barnes & Noble ranked highest among retailers.