research,threads

Kanye West signed a ten-year deal with Gap, a collaboration that likely won’t resonate with streetwear fans or revive the struggling retailer

research,threads

Snapchat provides beauty brands with a proxy for in-store experiences, a tool that could help brands in other sectors expand their virtual offerings

research,threads

Lululemon’s acquisition of Mirror could signal a new frontier for experiential retail—your living room.

research,threads

Luxury brands are turning to China to drive sales, but failing to adapt to shifting consumer expectations puts them at risk.

research,threads

Legacy retailer Walmart provides a blueprint for DTC brands planning for the post-COVID-19 world

research,threads

Instagram hashtags pressure brands to fight racism but now it’s time for companies to take the reigns

research,threads

Simon Property Group and Authentic Brands Group will purchase Brooks Brothers if it files for Chapter 11, but the move won’t save the mall.

research,threads

National retailers pledge more shelf space to black-owned brands, signaling a greater commitment to fighting systemic racism.

research,threads

The sharing economy is rebounding slowly in China—a sign that the industry could suffer permanent damage on a global scale.

research,threads

Wellness-oriented food and beverage products are now a key beauty category, presenting another challenge for legacy beauty brands.

research,threads

MasterClass raised $100 million—proof that education technology and entertainment is a winning combination.

research,threads

Baked goods, a new sales driver for Etsy, combine the best aspects of the marketplace but could benefit from more intentional marketing.

research,threads

Consumer brands are relying on sensors to maintain social distancing, but a lack of effective sanitation processes could keep customers away.

research,threads

Amazon might buy bankrupt JCPenney, a partnership that could benefit everyone involved.

research,threads

IKEA plans to open full shopping malls in the U.S., capitalizing on retail vacancies and correcting for American malls’ lack of innovation.

research,threads

Amazon launched a digital store to help fashion designers impacted by COVID-19—a misaligned partnership that won’t make the tech giant more fashionable.

research,threads

Retailers are reopening stores but not fitting rooms, which ensures safety but risks devaluing physical stores.

research,threads

Retail stores reopened in Paris, but luxury brands won’t understand how shopping patterns have changed until tourists resume travel.

research,threads

Brookfield launched a retail revitalization program, which likely won’t solve the problems of retailers and malls alike.

research,threads

Apple reopened stores in select U.S. locations and its focus on tech support instead of product sales will impact how it measures store performance.

research,threads

The shift to content-driven texting has the potential to build community, but risks overwhelming consumers with too many messages.

research,threads

With their traditional marketing strategy in question, alcohol brands are turning to delivery platforms and digital ads, which promises long-term growth.

research,threads

Retailers are turning to podcasts to connect with employees during COVID-19, which will boost internal communication going forward.

research,threads

Macy’s released a reopening plan for its 775 stores, but it won’t change the department store’s outdated business model

research,threads

J.Crew files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after thriving in one era and failing to adapt to the next one.

research,threads

Coca-Cola is cutting its ad spend to make up for lost sales, but its radio silence will hamper the company’s branding once it resumes business post-COVID.

research,threads

Professional baseball returns to Taiwan—proof that live streaming events is better than no events at all.

research,threads

Companies reliant on in-store experiences are turning virtual, illustrating that they can adapt their business models for online.

research,threads

More brands are partnering with resellers to drive sales but risk diluting their brand image in the long term.

research,threads

Amazon’s focus on essential items is leaving a gap for its competitors to capture some of the demand for non-essential products.

research,threads

Retailers extended their return policies because of COVID, which is convenient for customers but less so for retailers.

research,threads

Neiman Marcus will file for Chapter 11—a sign that legacy department stores can no longer rely on their physical presence to stay in business.

research,threads

Chinese brands are relying on niche influencers to drive sales via short-video platforms—proof that bite-sized content is gaining traction.

research,threads

StockX is operating as normal during COVID-19 in order to capitalize on the resale of vintage items with long term value.

research,threads

Humans are becoming less resistant to robots and automation as social distancing is the new normal.

research,threads

Brands and retailers are offering discounts to make up for lost sales, which could have negative long term effects on their reputation and value proposition.

research,threads

China’s digital supply chain enabled factories to operate semi-remotely, which hurt traditional suppliers who have not invested in digitizing their operations.

research,threads

Disney doesn’t know when it will reopen its parks and cruises but it’s using the downtime to emerge as a leaner and more customer-focused organization.

research,threads

Walmart suspended its affiliate programs, which will hurt digital publishers and decrease its website traffic.

research,threads

COVID-19 is forcing Amazon to improve its relationship with warehouse workers who are demanding better conditions as orders surge.

research,threads

Livestream shopping took off in China during the pandemic, proof that interactive virtual shopping shows no signs of slowing even as stores reopen.

research,threads

Custom apparel brands are scrambling to create virtual fitting rooms as COVID-19 is forcing this age-old industry to adapt.

research,threads

Everlane and Rent the Runway laid off retail workers, but how they communicate with employees will impact their ability to rehire post-crisis.

research,threads

Increasing demand for touchless technology proves that all retailers need to maintain hygienic environments in order to survive when the pandemic is over.

research,threads

Nike developed a Coronavirus playbook from its dealings in China, but there is no guarantee that it will translate to the U.S.

research,threads

Abercrombie will launch an occasion clothing collection for millennials, which won’t help it stand out in today’s competitive landscape.

research,threads

Burlington will close its ecommerce site, which will only make it harder for the retailer to drive traffic to its stores.

research,threads

Target launched the Game Room in San Francisco to cater to gamers, which could risk alienating its core customers.

research,threads

Starbucks will launch fully recyclable cups by 2022, a move to be more eco-friendly but doesn’t address the real problem, consumer behavior.

research,threads

Drugstore cosmetic brands are losing market share to skincare and digitally-native brands, a signal that classic brands need to scale back instead of trying to compete.