US retail sales unchanged in June, beating forecasts for slight drop at Reuters. “Economists polled by Reuters had forecast retail sales…falling 0.3% after a previously reported 0.1% gain in May.” Read more

 

Walmart retools its young adult clothing line in pursuit of fashion credibility at AP. “The company plans to relaunch its 30-year-old brand for teenagers and young adults on Tuesday with a new 130-piece fall collection aimed at Generation Z. The retooling of the No Boundaries label…includes of-the-moment styles like baggy jeans, cropped T-shirts, faux leather corsets and bomber jackets. Most items cost $15 or less. Some pieces are made from recycled fabrics to appeal to a generation that values sustainability. The size range was expanded to run from XXS to 5X to be more inclusive.” Read more

 

Amazon sold a used diaper. The review from a mom tanked the mom-and-pop business at Bloomberg/Orange County Register. “The Barons told Amazon repeatedly that they weren’t at fault and that the review should be taken down. Yet it remains on the site…The couple says they’re $600,000 in debt…Paul Baron: “Shoppers might think returning a poopy diaper to Amazon is a victimless way to get their money back, but we’re a small, family business, and this is how we pay our mortgage.” Read more

 

Gym Bags, Trunks, Back Doors: How Stealth Shoppers Hide Purchases at WSJ. “Nearly two-thirds of people who live with a spouse or significant other hid a purchase from their partner over the past year, according to a survey…“It delays the fight—because you can have two fights,” said the 63-year-old, who lives in Bedford, N.Y. “One when you bring the shopping bag into the house and one when the bill comes.” WSJ subs. 

 

Macy’s, Inc. Terminates Discussions with Arkhouse and Brigade Press release

 

Amazon sellers lose coveted buy box ahead of Prime Day after Target discount snafu at CNBC. “Target began running discounts across its site on July 7, as part of its Circle Week promotional event…this year, instead of listing his item as 25% off, Target showed the item’s actual sale price. That meant it was indexed by Amazon’s pricing algorithms, Fishman said, causing him to lose the buy box.” Read more

 

Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel and 70 team members rang the Nasdaq opening bell yesterday Press release

 

Home Depot to pay $750K for violating California law on gift cards at CBS News. “…the retailer has been ordered to program registers to automatically cash out gift cards with balances under $10, to train employees about redeeming gift cards and to place notices in stores and on their website about the law.” Read more

 

New Balance partners with the WNBA as the brand looks to grow in women’s sports at CNBC. “New Balance joins Adidas, Nike, Puma and Under Armour as a league partner. The WNBA does not have an exclusive footwear partner, but only league sponsors are permitted to display their logos on court.” Read more

 

Some teens under 18 may have have access to TikTok Shop, despite adults-only policy at TechCrunch

 

Burberry CEO is out after company warns about its profit at CNN. “There is a sense that Burberry has been on the back foot and that Jonathan Akeroyd’s revitalization plans have largely failed to stop the rot,” Saunders told CNN. “A course correction has been needed for some time and Burberry is hoping a new CEO can deliver this.” Read more

 

…Burberry must end emphasis on shock factor and focus on being loved again at The Guardian. “In recent seasons Burberry has taken the audience deliberately outside their comfort zone, with shows staged in huge tents in London parks with utilitarian stuffed bench seating and dark lighting. The vibe is one part explorers’ base camp, one part festival dance tent. The emphasis is on the shock – rather than the feelgood – factor.” Read more

 

WalMex, India’s PhonePe grow ecosystems inside Walmart International at Talk Business

 

Fewer than 4% of grocery stores have applied for Ontario’s new alcohol license — here’s why many don’t want one at Toronto Star. “Convenience stores are snapping up Ontario’s new alcohol-retailing licences in droves. Grocery stores? Not so much…Grocery industry insiders say the biggest reason is a requirement that any stores selling alcohol under the new licenses also have to accept bottle and can returns for recycling.” Read more

 

Whole Foods Market Explains the Impact of Real Estate Trends on Grocery Stores at Progressive Grocer. Christina Minardi Q&A

 

Lowe’s and Home Depot finished second and third in radio ad plays last week at Radio Ink

 

Fake Patrick Mahomes At Walmart Prank YouTube :34 video

 

…Struck earlier this year at Kansas City mall at The Kansas City Star