Product Sourcing

Target announced earlier this week that it would be stocking its shelves with more products priced under $10 as it tries to appeal to more cost-conscious consumers dealing with once-in-a-generation inflation. The retailer has shifted its focus to selling more food and lower-priced items under its higher-margin private-label brands including Favorite Day, Good & Gather,…

Nordstrom has teamed with The Folklore Group as part of the retailer’s commitment to build a more equitable marketplace and reduce barriers to access for diverse suppliers, reports Yahoo. Through The Folklore Connect platform, Nordstrom’s merchants will be better able to identify and engage with wholesale fashion and lifestyle brands founded by Black, Latinx, Asian and other people…

Maurice Contreras is founder and CEO of Volcanica Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster that imports 150-plus exotic coffees from volcanic regions around the world. While at the National Retail Federation Big Show in New York City earlier this week, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan spoke with Contreras about the company and his career background, the online shopping…

A differentiated merchandise assortment is one of the top ways retailers can remain competitive in an economic downturn. Retailers that offer unique, exclusive or sustainable products become differentiated shopping destinations unto themselves. However, as consumers demand more authentic, responsibly made products that either improve communities or better the planet, retailers need to expand their wholesale…

When it comes to luxury goods, the perception of exclusivity and premierness are two very important elements. However, the truly paramount aspect of luxury items that allows for the high price point associated with them is their absolute authenticity. If the authenticity isn't absolute, then it's not luxury. Would it be OK if you were…

As consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands and retailers strive to strengthen their relationship with the consumer, particularly in a retail climate increasingly affected by inflation and supply chain issues, there are two converging trends to consider — enriching the omnichannel shopping experience and meeting specific consumer need states in new ways.  These aren’t new trends, but…

Endless articles and news coverage about the supply chain have surfaced over the last six months, so what's left to be said about the topic? Actually, a lot. The real issue with the supply chain begins at the source and, sourcing, at most companies, rarely has a seat at the proverbial table. Much like the…

J.C. Penney announced on Monday that it's adding Forever 21 to its portfolio of national fashion brands. Shoppers will be able to find Forever 21 products at 100 of the 650 J.C. Penney stores across the nation, as well as on the retailer's website. Apparel items that will be available include tops, bottoms and dresses. The…

Rapper Kayne West filed a lawsuit against Walmart on June 24, alleging that the retailer is knocking off one of his latest shoe designs, Yeezy Foam Runners. According to documents obtained by TMZ, West’s team filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, citing California’s Unfair Competition Law, which prohibits deceptive business practices. The lawsuit also claims that Walmart…

The pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated the shift to e-commerce by half a decade, with more people than ever before opting to shop online for items like groceries that have always dominated traditional brick-and-mortar retail. Now that customers have experienced the convenience of shopping online for products they never imagined, it’s unlikely that they’ll return to…