Rithum’s retail roundup is a monthly collection of noteworthy news and events happening around the world of retail.
The Latest News
Saks launches personal styling service
In an effort to provide a more personalized experience to customers shopping online, Saks has teamed up with Wishi, a styling technology company, to create Saks Stylist, a personal stylist service on Saks.com and their mobile app. After shoppers take a brief quiz, Saks will match them with a personal stylist and provide them with tailored recommendations within a day.
7-Eleven introduces subscription delivery service
“Faster and more efficient delivery is going to continue to be in demand, especially for younger generations,” according to Anne Mezzenga, co-founder of Omni Talk. So, 7-Eleven is making delivery through its 7Now app even better with the introduction of its 7Now Gold Pass subscription delivery service. For $5.95 per month, subscribers can get access to over 3,000 items including hot food, drinks, household items and groceries for delivery in about 30 minutes tracked in real-time in the 7Now app.
How Walmart GoLocal plans to stand out among delivery businesses
Walmart GoLocal is disrupting the crowded delivery-as-a-service space with a precise white-label delivery focus that expands fulfillment options to categories beyond food. Delivering a wider array of products is expected to bring more revenue and increase last-mile efficiency. Walmart GoLocal is currently working with The Home Depot and Chico’s and expects to add other local firms in the future.
Ralph Lauren uses metaverse to target young shoppers
With the goal of attracting younger shoppers, Ralph Lauren has joined the metaverse. Ralph Lauren offers digital apparel and virtual visits — including virtual coffees — at its flagship store on Madison Avenue and is considering whether to invest more heavily in the virtual world that brings together e-commerce, gaming and social media. Currently, it’s participating in metaverse platform Zepeto and gaming site Roblox, where shoppers can dress their avatars in Ralph Lauren clothing.
Neiman Marcus promotes new supply chain, technology leaders
Neiman Marcus is in digital growth mode promoting key executives to new positions in support of their digital initiatives. Amanda Martin has been named SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer and Vijay Karthik has been named SVP, Chief Technology Officer. The retailer also announced investments that include more than $90 million in supply chain upgrades to enhance its systems and distribution facilities, and $200 million in technology for projects including the retailer’s Connect platform, the acquisition of Stylyze and new digital labs.
Upcoming Retail Events
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The 2022 ShopTalk event will bring together more than 8,000 retail change makers to discuss the latest technology trends and the state of retail innovation. Being held March 27-30, 2022 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada, ShopTalk is back and better than ever.
Rithum will be at Booth #4088—we hope to see you there!