The future is looking increasingly electric, with both Amazon and Walmart announcing major investments in their electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. As part of the White House’s new EV Acceleration Challenge, Amazon has announced an expansion in its efforts to electrify its fleet of delivery vehicles, while Walmart said it plans to have its own fast-charging…
The National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Retail & Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC) are teaming up to improve retail cybersecurity. The two industry-leading organizations will be combining their efforts in intelligence and threat monitoring. The goals of this partnership, announced in January 2023, include enhancing access to cybersecurity news, guidance, education and…
Rite Aid has partnered with Afterpay to offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) services for its customers at more than 2,000 locations. The pharmacy joins other recent Afterpay partners, including Boden, Fresh, Lulu and Georgia, Quince, Swarovski and Wolverine Worldwide in launching or expanding payment over time choices. “Expanding our partnership with Afterpay allows more…
Just in time for Earth Day, Ikea is broadening the reach of its As-is resale offering by bringing it online. Ikea Family members can now browse the selection of gently used products at their local store and reserve items for in-store purchase and pickup. While the As-is section has long been an Ikea mainstay, it…
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) has made a binding offer to purchase Boardriders’ iconic brands, including Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, DC Shoes, RVCA, Element, VonZipper and Honolua. The Boardriders portfolio generates $2.9 billion in retail sales annually through more than 500 owned retail stores, 7,000 wholesale accounts and ecommerce in 35 countries. “As an early believer in…
A former Bed Bath & Beyond manager is reportedly suing the company over allegations that the retailer didn’t treat workers fairly during the layoff process that accompanied the closure of all Harmon locations, according to Top Class Actions. Plaintiff Michael Palmeri filed the lawsuit against both Harmon and Bed Bath & Beyond in New Jersey…
ICSC has launched ICSC Marketplaces IQ, a centralized platform designed to help retailers search commercial and retail properties for lease or sale, perform market research and conduct analyses. The platform was created in partnership with Realtors Property Resource and is available to ICSC members at no additional cost. Marketplaces IQ is designed to aggregate information…
GNC will revamp its brick-and-mortar stores to make them into “home bases” where its tech-driven omnichannel experience will be launched. Each store will continue to operate in its traditional retail capacity but also will empower associates to enhance the digital experience through the introduction of a new selling tool and mobile POS system. GNC has…
Walmart plans to introduce automation at nearly two-thirds of its stores and aims to have approximately 55% of its fulfillment center volume move through automated facilities by the end of fiscal 2026. The move could help unit cost averages improve by approximately 20%, and Walmart expects to maintain or even grow its associate count through…
Consumers and retailers are turning to resale more than ever amid economic uncertainty, according to ThredUp’s 11th annual Resale Report, conducted by GlobalData. The study found that more than half of U.S. consumers (52%) shopped secondhand apparel in 2022. In fact, one in three apparel items bought in the last 12 months in the U.S….
