Retail & Ecommerce

Physical stores remain a priority for retailers: Off-price, fast-fashion, and digitally native brands are ramping up expansion to capitalize on renewed demand for in-store shopping.

Pinterest and LinkedIn get top marks on social media trust report card: Research reveals users have low confidence overall in platforms’ ability to safeguard their information.

Next year, for the first time, more than half of US social network users will buy via social platforms.

Target rethinks its large-format stores: The retailer’s new format features backroom fulfillment space five times larger than at its previous large stores, as well as a broader selection of merchandise.

Nike and Apple eye opportunities in the metaverse: Nike is opening an online store and trading platform for digital sneakers, while Apple is reportedly working on its own virtual environment.

The early results are in: Foot traffic saw increases week over week between September 19 and October 16, suggesting the holiday season may have kicked off earlier in-store, per Placer.ai.

The company’s gross merchandise volume surged 62% YoY thanks to a boost in active customers and merchants.

FedEx says volumes are lower than expected going into the holiday season: But UPS anticipates a peak later in the year as shoppers return to stores and supply chain concerns fade.

Adidas’ new CEO Bjørn Gulden has his work cut out for him: The sportswear company lowered its outlook for the fourth time this year as it struggles to move forward without Yeezy.

Retailers focus on delivery certainty rather than speed: Saks Off Fifth is the latest retailer to offer shoppers a specific delivery date.

Consumers’ holiday shopping habits have changed: While 84% of shoppers say sales are a priority in gifting decisions, only 47% plan to shop on Black Friday.

On today's episode, we discuss what to make of the apparent turnaround in Amazon's online store sales growth, why Amazon's ad business stands out, and what to expect from the ecommerce giant in Q4. "In Other News," we talk about the secret to returns convenience and how much people will be shopping in stores this holiday season. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Andrew Lipsman.

Popularity with Gen Z isn’t enough to stop a US reorg at TikTok: With ad sales slowdown looming, the company is shuffling leadership and hoping social commerce moves pay off.

Denied credit due to low credit scores, many UK consumers are turning to more expensive options to weather the cost of living crisis.

A new tax rule, which requires digital payment apps to report business payments over $600 to the IRS, doesn't apply to Zelle.

Fifth Third Bank launches 1% Cash/Back card to attract consumers looking for interest-free lending: But it’s up against widely available 2% cash back cards in a highly competitive industry.