TECHNOLOGY

Report: Wal-Mart in talks to buy Amazon competitor, Jet.com
Wal-Mart Stores is in talks to buy start-up Jet.com, an online retailer that has styled itself as a challenger to Amazon, the Wall Street Journal reported. The acquisition would give a big boost to Wal-Mart’s digital efforts, as well as its efforts to compete with Amazon. At the company’s annual shareholders meetings in June, Wal-Mart CEO Doug said the discounter planned to become more aggressive in growing its online business.
Westfield, R/GA accelerator program seeks to redefine retail experience
A diverse mix of retail tech start-ups have been selected to participate in a program aimed at enhancing retail innovation.

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.
Beauty giant to launch branded credit-card program

Ulta Beauty is expanding its popular Ultamate Rewards loyalty program. The retailer is partnering with Alliance Data Systems Corp. Alliance will develop and manage the Ultamate Rewards Credit Card, which is designed to enhance the benefits of the chain’s loyalty program. Alliance will provide private-label and co-branded credit card services for Ulta, the largest beauty retailer in the United States, operating 886 stores nationwide.
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.