Macy's announced that it will be testing free same-day delivery in 30 markets for orders of $75 or more starting on Oct. 1. Though the department store first began offering same-day shipping in 2017, the pilot is the first time Macy's will ship orders for free, allowing shoppers to bypass the $8 fee. Orders placed…
Joe Keenan
Walmart said Monday it’s relaunching the once-beloved trendy New York fashion brand Scoop NYC on its website and in select stores. Scoop shuttered all 16 of its stores in New York City three years ago, having gained famed with its chunky black-and-white logo appearing across episodes of “Sex and the City” and on the arms…
In episode 213 of Total Retail Talks, Executive Editor Joe Keenan interviews Brian Venuti, vice president of loyalty and CRM at Luxottica, a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of fashion, luxury and sports eyewear. Listen as Venuti discusses the loyalty programs across all of Luxottica's brands, the company's efforts to streamline leadership and…
A team of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigators has begun interviewing small businesses that sell products on Amazon.com to determine whether the e-commerce giant is using its market power to hurt competition. Several attorneys and at least one economist have been conducting interviews, according to three merchants. All were asked what percentage of revenue their businesses derive from Amazon vs.…
Last month, Foot Locker announced the launch of its “We Live Sneakers” digital campaign, celebrating the launch of the athletic brand's exclusive “Evolution of the Swoosh” footwear and apparel collection. Foot Locker and Nike have been at the forefront of the growth of sneaker culture, enabling self-expression and a sense of belonging from youth to adulthood. In an exclusive…
Discount retailer Fred’s announced Monday it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closing all of its stores. The company said liquidation sales at retail locations will be completed over the next 60 days. The bankruptcy is a sign that cost-cutting measures such as the shuttering of hundreds of unprofitable stores and inventory clearance sales couldn't save the retailer.…
In episode 212 of Total Retail Talks, Executive Editor Joe Keenan interviews Kimberley Brennan, director of enterprise and customer loyalty at Petco. Listen in as Brennan discusses why she recently joined the Petco team, what challenges and opportunities she sees in loyalty in the pet category, and why she values her time spent at CRMC. In…
Nordstrom, which opens two “Nordstrom Local” concept stores in Manhattan this month, will accept product returns from rivals like Macy’s and Kohl’s in the new small-format locations, regardless of whether Nordstrom carries the same item. Returns can be a pain point for both the customer and retailer, and shoppers want a convenient way to drop…
In episode 211 of Total Retail Talks, Executive Editor Joe Keenan speaks with Jonathan Clarkson, managing director of loyalty, partnerships and products for Southwest Airlines. Listen in as Clarkson discusses Southwest's Rapid Rewards loyalty program, how the program differentiates from other airlines’ rewards programs, and the fundamentals of its revenue-based earn-and-burn points system. He shares Southwest Airline's…
Target's same-day curbside pickup service, Drive Up, has now reached all 50 U.S. states, the retailer announced last week. The service allows consumers to shop online then pull up to designated spaces at their local store to have their order delivered to their car by Target staff. Drive Up has rolled out to Target stores at…
Aaron’s, an Atlanta-based retailer of furniture, consumer electronics and appliances that are available for sale or lease to own, is a rapidly growing company with more than 1,600 stores across 47 states and in Canada. However, Aaron's needed to take the necessary steps to improve upon its digital operations in order to be a truly…
Forever 21 Inc. is preparing for a potential bankruptcy filing as the fashion retailer’s cash dwindles and turnaround options fade, according to people with knowledge of the plans. The company has been in talks for additional financing and working with a team of advisers to help it restructure its debt, but negotiations with possible lenders have so…
As part of Total Retail's recently released 2019 Retail Technology Report, we surveyed retail executives on a variety of technology-related topics, including the processes within their organizations for investing in new technology. We wanted to know, among other things, how long the buying process takes, on average; how many service providers they're considering for a…
Nordstrom announced last Friday that it has launched Sustainable Style, an online shopping category that consists entirely of responsibly made products. The featured items are sustainably sourced, manufactured in factories that meet higher social or environmental standards, and/or give back. The category includes more than 2,000 items from 90 brands, including Nordstrom-made Treasure & Bond, Patagonia, Reformation,…
In episode 210 of Total Retail Talks, Executive Editor Joe Keenan interviews Daren Hull, chief customer officer of Vera Bradley, a women's quilted luggage, backpack, and accessories retailer. Listen in as Hull discusses why Vera Bradley has recently invested in a customer data platform (CDP), his goals to democratize access and utilization of customer data throughout…
