Retail & Ecommerce

The company launched an AI-powered optimization engine to help merchants maximize efficiencies and savings in the payments flow

On today's episode, we discuss the implications of the Federal Trade Commission thinking Amazon tricked customers into signing up for automatically renewing Prime subscriptions, whether it makes sense for companies to force livestream shopping on Americans, if speciality stores really work, the impact of Facebook and Instagram restricting news access in Canada, whether reduced inflation can save the day, what a real work-life balance looks like, and more. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Suzy Davidkhanian, vice president of Briefings Stephanie Taglianetti, and analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf.

Bed Bath & Beyond is back (in digital form): Overstock will soon use the bankrupt home goods retailer’s banner for its digital presences after buying the company’s intellectual property.

H&M will sell more third-party brands to head off competition from Shein: The fast-fashion company is the latest in a long line of retailers to turn to marketplace sales for growth.

Despite inflation, US consumers are traveling this summer: While cutting back on goods such as luxury purchases, American are willing to shell out on European vacations.

Nike’s Q4 revenues benefited from strong growth in China and D2C: But the company’s inventory struggles continued to weigh on profits.

JPMorgan’s Max Neukricken discussed the importance of keeping up with payments innovation to ensure customer satisfaction

Businesses want the same ease of consumer payments for business payments, Bank of America’s Alexandra Johnson said at Fintech Connect North America

Shein made an unforced error: Its attempt to improve its public image by inviting influencers to its 'innovation center' only drove more scrutiny as it pursues an IPO.

Walgreens Boots Alliance to close 450 stores as part of its latest cost-cutting measures: The pharmacy chain will shutter 300 locations in the UK and 150 in the US in a bid to shore up its expensive healthcare venture.

Some 22% of beauty retail sales worldwide will take place online this year, the most of any sales channel, per McKinsey. Physical specialty stores, such as Sephora and Ulta Beauty, will come in a close second (20%), while department stores will rank last (8%).

DoorDash adjusts its business model: The company will offer drivers the option to be paid an hourly wage at the same time that it makes several updates to its app.

General Mills posts mixed Q4 as retailers look to save on inventory: The company missed revenue expectations as sales volumes continued to fall in response to price hikes.

Leaning into festival culture helps Forever 21 connect with Gen Z consumers. Abercrombie & Fitch uses generative AI to speed up the product design process. And Solo Brands embraces the changing definition of the D2C model.

AI selects 70% of what Hungryroot’s customers buy: The technology was key to the online grocery and meal delivery company’s 50% growth last year.

The tie-up highlights the provider’s growing competitiveness in the biometric payments space, which Amazon dominates

X1 will bring its income-based credit card and associated investing platform to Robinhood’s offerings