L.L. Bean boots feature

L.L. Bean Expands Omnichannel Approach

| Mike O'Brien

L.L. Bean, looking to expose more shoppers to its iconic, century-old mix of outdoor apparel and gear, is expanding its wholesale partnerships, opening new stores in the U.S. and Canada and launching a French-language website north of the border as well. The retailer has signed wholesale partnerships with Moosejaw and Dillard’s, adding 66 storefronts, plus four new owned locations.

IAB retail media networks buyer's guide logo feature

Retail Media Networks Buyer’s Guide Released by IAB

| Mike O'Brien

Given the explosion in retail media networks, and the vast potential of their rich first-party data insights, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has released a buyer’s guide that explains the market and the players, helping brand advertisers more intelligently build media planning and buying strategies. Kroger and Walmart talk about the power of data science in their media networks.

curbside pickup sign omnichannel

Pandemic Highlights Omnichannel Shortcomings

| Mike O'Brien

The ability to delivery a high-quality omnichannel experience has never been more critical than during the post-pandemic era, but most brands aren’t prepared to meet consumer expectations, according to a report from NewStore. Not surprisingly, providing safety and convenience were atop the list of winning practices cited.

Sizing Matters: How Tech, Standards Are Working to Solve Apparel Returns

| Mike O'Brien

Issues with sizing and color conventions have probably been an issue since the invention of clothes. And with so much shopping now driven online by the pandemic, combined with generally liberal return policies, apparel returns have exploded. New technology solutions and industry standards are both working to solve the problem.

holiday packages at the door feature

3 Strategies to Help Retailers Avoid Super Peak Holiday Issues

| Erik Morton

This holiday season retailers will not only have to contend with decreased carrier capacity due to the pandemic but also the anticipated influx of mail-in election ballots – all of which could result in a “super peak” holiday nightmare for retailers. Now is the time to implement strategies to ensure they can keep up with demand.

Nordstrom Sales Fall but Ecommerce Inches Up, Diversification Continues

| Mike O'Brien

Luxury retail bellwether Nordstrom saw ecommerce growth of 5% to more than $1 billion in the first quarter of 2020, while overall sales dropped nearly 40% as COVID-19 locked down its retail side, the company reported. Nordstrom is also evolving its model to focus more on off price locations and ecommerce than mall stores.

Roundup: Retail, Malls Reopen Slowly, Midsize Players Get Fed Relief

| Mike O'Brien

Retail was a mixed bag this week, as over a dozen states have begun to slowly reopen, working to come out the other side of the COVID-19 shutdown. Some retailers and malls are doing the same, hoping that enough returning shoppers and their pent-up demand for goods will help with massive cash flow and viability challenges.

consumer data privacy mobile device feature

Amazon Competition, Data Privacy Top 2020 Ecommerce Priorities

| Douglas P. Clement

Competing with Amazon, addressing privacy issues linked to collection of data by third-party technologies and improving site speed to boost sales are top priorities identified in a new study from ecommerce platform provider Yottaa. The report suggests Prime-style free same-day shipping will become widespread among brands in 2020.