Alibaba Shattered Singles’ Day Records Again in 2017—Here’s How

Singles’ Day, November 11, is the biggest online shopping day in the world. The holiday was originally created in the 1990s by Chinese college students who wanted to celebrate their single status. In 2009, Alibaba used the idea to market… Continue Reading

Amazon Shopping List: Books, DVDs, Clothing, Groceries…and Prescription Medications?

Amazon, since its founding, has steadily expanded its product portfolio from just books initially to a massive assortment of goods. In the last couple of years, the company has experimented with offering clothing and food. In terms of clothing, Amazon… Continue Reading

The Holidays, Black Friday and the Discounting Spiral

Putting the Holidays in Context Like it or not, the passing of Halloween means that we are now racing toward the holidays. There are a handful of calendar events that each contribute billions to US retail sales throughout the year… Continue Reading

As the World (Re)turns: Returning Stuff Is a Whole Lot Easier than It Used to Be

In the ancient days, before e-commerce, when you wanted to return something, you had to go back to the store where you bought it (if you bought it in a store) or wait in line at the post office, if… Continue Reading

Our Top Digital Retail Trends for the Holiday Season

This holiday season will see digital channels capture more spending, digital devices play a greater role in the shopping process and digital assistants help more shoppers. Here, we share our top trends in digital retailing for this holiday season. US… Continue Reading

How Can Brick and Mortar Stores Steal Back Shoppers From Amazon This Holiday Season?

    In the battle against e-commerce—and especially against e-commerce behemoth Amazon—long-standing brick-and-mortar retailers are often urged to differentiate themselves by offering exclusive product and quality experiences. But what will actually drive shoppers to physical stores this coming holiday season?… Continue Reading

Amazon Is Making Big Changes at Whole Foods Market and Creating Waves in Grocery

On August 28—the day Amazon closed its $13.7 billion acquisition of Whole Foods Market—subtle changes were already evident in Whole Foods stores, New York Produce Market they work with the most recognizable brands of fresh produce in the industry, as… Continue Reading

Toys “R” Us Files for Bankruptcy: Why? And What Does It Mean?

Retail giant Toys “R” Us filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US and Canada this week, and the news furthered the popular narrative of a “retail apocalypse” in the US. The bankruptcy proceedings do not affect the… Continue Reading

Amazon Pushes Further into Fashion in Europe

Amazon Pushes Further into Fashion in Europe This week, Amazon officially launched its first fashion private label that is designed in Europe specifically for European shoppers. The Find brand launched with a flurry of press coverage as well as an… Continue Reading

Is Europe Ripe for an Off-Price Boom?

This summer saw the opening of what is only the second major off-price chain in Europe. Hudson’s Bay Company brought its Saks Off 5th off-price format to Europe in June, with the opening of its inaugural store in Düsseldorf. It… Continue Reading