News Briefs

Participants in the Walmart Scintilla supplier platform have a wider set of customer data for analysis.

Walmart introduced the Scintilla platform, which provides a unified picture of category performance and consumer trends at scale, under the name Luminate in 2021 and then updated it to Scintilla earlier in 2025.

[READ MORE: Walmart expands, renames Luminate data platform]

Now, the discount giant is adding 15 new metrics to the Scintilla Digital Landscapes offering, which leverages anonymized, aggregated insights from Walmart’s e-commerce site and app to help users better understand the customer journey. 

New metrics include:

• Traffic data showing where Walmart shoppers begin their journey, such as external sites, Walmart.com, Walmart mobile app, or search and non-search browsing.
• Conversion data demonstrating the percentage of visitors making a purchase and how effectively marketing drives action. This capability can show why a product may be underperforming, whether it could use imagery improvement or is missing information.
• Digital basket data shows what products customers add to their carts and which ones they abandon.
• Search data reveals what keywords customers use to find products to help suppliers evaluate keyword trends, gauge keyword share, and gain clearer insights into shopper pre-purchase behavior patterns. 

Walmart Scintilla is available to suppliers in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Suppliers that are members of the Walmart Connect retail media network can integrate Digital Landscape data with their ad targeting efforts.

"By understanding what resonates with our customers, we’re not just meeting their needs—we’re anticipating them," Linda Lomelino, head of product & design, Walmart Data Ventures, said in a corporate blog post. "Whether it’s helping a supplier uncover a viral moment, refine their ad targeting, or ensuring customers can easily find the products they love, these insights are fueling a better, more connected shopping journey." 

Consumer sentiment weakened in August amid ongoing concerns about inflation and the economy.

The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 55.4 in September, a four-month low, down from 58.2 in August, according to preliminary results.  

The index for current economic conditions inched down to 61.2 in September from 61.7 in August. The consumer expectations index fell to 51.8 from 55.9, and is down 30.4% year over year.

“This month’s easing in economic views was particularly strong among lower and middle income consumers,” stated Joanne Hsu, surveys of consumers director, University of Michigan. “Consumers continue to note multiple vulnerabilities in the economy, with rising risks to business conditions, labor markets and inflation.”

Trade policy remains highly salient to consumers, Hsu noted, with about 60% of consumers providing unprompted comments about tariffs during interviews, which is little changed from last month.

Year-ahead inflation expectations held steady at 4.8%, unchanged from August. Long-run inflation expectations moved up for the second straight month to 3.9% in September, lower than the 4.4% seen in April. 

In other findings, buying conditions for durables improved, while all other index components fell.

A leading apparel retailer is partnering with a new flexible payments provider.

Gap Inc. will now offer Klarna’s suite of payment options to U.S. shoppers across Gap Inc.’s portfolio of brands, including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, creating the option to access Klarna’s flexible and interest-free payment options online.

With the Pay in Full option, customers can pay immediately for items with Klarna’s payments experience. With Pay in 4, guests can split the cost into four equal interest-free installments. 

"We are excited to offer our customers more choice, convenience and control by offering a variety of payment options across our portfolio of brands," said Kevin Meiners, head of loyalty & payments at Gap Inc.   

The launch with Gap Inc. builds on Klarna’s growing U.S. footprint of over 26 million active U.S. customers and more than 724,000 global merchants.

"Gap Inc. is a household name with a portfolio of beloved brands that are woven into the everyday lives of American consumers," said David Sykes, chief commercial officer at Klarna. "By offering Klarna at checkout, Gap Inc. is giving millions of shoppers the flexibility to shop how and when they want, while also supporting a personalized way to pay." 

[READ MORE: Gap Inc. entering beauty — starting with Old Navy; expanding accessories business]

As of the quarter ended May 3, 2025, Gap Inc. operates approximately 3,500 store locations in over 35 countries, of which 2,496 were company operated.

Skechers operates approximately 5,300 stores. Its products are also sold in  approximately 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores.

JCPenney is turning up the glam this fall.

The department store retailer has launched "Mackie," an exclusive limited-time collection from legendary designer brand Bob Mackie, whose starry list of clients ranges from Cher to Taylor Swift. Available as of Sept. 11 at select stores and JCPenney.com, the line is built on the idea that every woman can be an icon, the company said.

The collection features an array of styles, including mini and long dresses crafted from luxe materials, bold jewel-toned cocktail dresses, modern takes on classic silhouettes, and a sequin gown with ruched detailing. Every item is priced under $300 and available in sizes 2-24. 

"At JCPenney, we’re redefining what it means to be iconic,” said Michelle Wlazlo, CEO, JCPenney. “Partnering with the Bob Mackie brand allows us to merge the extraordinary with the everyday, offering customers runway-worthy fashion at unbeatable value. This collection is an invitation to say ‘yes’ to self-expression, glamour, and confidence, no matter who you are.”

[READ MORE: Buyer pays a near-billion dollars for 119 JCPenney stores]

The initiative is part of Penney’s new brand campaign, "Yes, JCPenney!"

Lowe’s is continuing its expansion in the Lone Star State.

The home improvement retailer will open two new stores in Texas in November, both in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Lowe’s of Midlothian and Royse City will be the chain's fourth and fifth stores to open in the state this year. The new stores are part of Lowe's ongoing expansion in the fast-growing Sunbelt Region.

The new Texas locations will each feature approximately 94,000 sq. ft. of retail space and approximately 30,000 sq. ft. of outdoor garden space. They will include an updated store layout and enhanced assortments in flooring, kitchen and bath, appliances, workwear and pet, according to Lowe’s. Each location will employ more than 100 associates.

Lowe’s says it is on track to open up to 10 stores nationwide this fiscal year.

[READ MORE: Lowe’s makes $8.8B acquisition; grows Q2 profits and sales]

“Texas’ population is booming and Lowe’s is investing in rapidly growing areas,” said Lowe’s regional VP Michael Lackey. “We are strategic about meeting our customers where they are and positioning our stores to meet our communities’ needs. We’re excited to expand our footprint and continue to provide helpful customer service from our red-vest associates to our neighbors in North Texas.”

Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's operates over 1,700 home improvement stores and employs approximately 300,000 associates.