What: Fashionphile expanded its footprint with the opening of a 60,000-square-foot authentication center and showroom in the West Chelsea neighborhood of New York City.

Why it is important: The space will allow customers to shop the retailer’s collection of high-end handbags and accessories while getting an inside look into how the authentication process works.

The space also contains a high-security and climate-controlled storage area called “The Cage,” which holds about 15,000 handbags and accessories, including the largest Hermès Birkin bag collection in the world.

Neiman Marcus acquired a minority stake in Fashionphile in 2019 and appeared on Neiman Marcus’ gift list last year. Offering the chance for shoppers take a first-class flight to Fashionphile’s headquarters to buy vintage pieces.

Fashionphile to bring the luxury resale buying and selling experience to New Yorkers

What: Shopify unleashed a slew of features and updates for its merchants, in a blitz of platform enhancements it is calling Shopify Editions.

Why it is important: Despite the whip-fast development cycle, the changes represent a significant expansion of the Shopify platform, with business-to-business services, NFT support, more integrations with major tech platforms and access to custom back-end code for tailored commerce experiences.

Connect-to-consumer, c-to-c, is next. It describes this new era of commerce as an evolution of direct-to-consumer, where merchants have full control to create personalized and meaningful experiences everywhere, whether online or in stores.

A crucial part of the effort is embedding b-to-b into the heart of the platform. The change allows merchants to sell wholesale to other businesses using the same system they use for retail sales, with no need to wrangle a distinct matrix of complex details across multiple spreadsheets or databases.

Outwardly, the online store experience is similar to the consumer version, but optimized for buyers buying in bulk. Shopify pointed to payment flexibility at checkout as an example. Merchants can set customer-specific prices at fixed rates or as a universal discount on retail prices.

A new era apparently calls for new technologies as well, so the company is also launching support for NFTs in the form of so-called “Tokengated Commerce.”

Tokengated Commerce allows merchants to give NFT owners exclusive access to products, benefits and experiences. Once customers connect their crypto wallets to a Shopify e-commerce store, their NFTs become their access passes to the perks — whether online via computers and phones or in physical stores, if equipped with a supporting POS system.

Other changes bring new integrations with major technology platforms, including a Twitter sales channel, an iPhone tap-to-pay feature and local inventory integration with Google.

Other changes span dozens of new or upgraded tools for marketing, cross-border commerce and more, including selling plans for features like try-before-you-buy and preorders.

Merchants have to contend with new forms of digital retail, in addition to the traditional challenges of the business. But if Shopify Editions and this c-to-c strategy must go into more complicated territory as a result…well, that’s prime territory for its annual Shopify Unite developer conference to explore.

Shopify unveils new features

What: Shein offers more and more physical relays to get in touch with its fans.

Why it is important: In France, after having recently set up pop-up stores in Toulouse and Montpellier, it is in Paris that the maligned fast fashion site has temporarily set up a showroom, from June 24 to July 10.

The temporary window of Shein takes place at 11, rue des Déchargeurs, in the district of Châtelet. An event designed in partnership with Klarna. Customers who push the door will not be able to buy products directly but will select looks to order them immediately online. Also on the program, style and make-up workshops, a coffee and ice cream stand, a tattoo bar, a DJ, as well as a system for exchanging used clothes. And of course, a 15% off voucher for everyone, with Shein being the bargain price specialist all year round.

At the end of May in the center of Toulouse, the pop-up of the platform generated endless queues hindering traffic. In Montpellier at the end of June, in the Polygone shopping center, more than 9,000 people were expected each day, with a real crowd at the opening. During the two events, climate activists demonstrated against the methods of Shein, who has been singled out for several years for practices that are harmful to the planet and humans. Faced with these accusations, Shein announced in May that it would allocate a budget of 50 million dollars to the creation of a fund supposed to finance initiatives for the management of textile waste.

After its Paris stopover, Shein will continue to host pop-ups in other major European cities this summer, again in partnership with Klarna. He will move to Barcelona from June 30 to July 10, then to Berlin and Rome from July 21 to August 7. A fifth city is soon to be announced.

Shein multiplies their pop-ups (in french)

What: Priorities are shifting for retailers with a  focus on learning how to properly leverage data to continue business growth and customer retention.

Why it is important: According to a survey conducted by CommerceNext, sixty-five percent of retailers cite data management as the biggest problem they face in trying to leverage first-party data.

The survey was completed by asking 114 retail executives spanning brand types and verticals to understand the progress and current trajectory of the retail industry, with a particular focus on today’s top challenges and priorities.

The report also claims 66% of direct-to-consumer companies and 54% of traditional retailers note increasing customer acquisition costs as their greatest challenge to achieving 2022 goals, making it imperative for brands to effectively use first-party data to better maintain customer relationships and personalize experiences.

Brands are now focusing on further investing in digital. Traditional acquisition tactics no longer have a grip on budgets, while retailers focus investments on retention.

Retention is considered the most critical strategy for retail growth. Retailers' focus now is on building customer loyalty and bringing in more first-party data to increase personalization and re-engage lapsed customers. To continue acquiring and retaining customers, retailers are creating more customer-centric experiences to drive engagement.

Diversifying marketing channels appears to be the current answer on how to handle customer acquisition, so businesses better start mobilizing that data.

Retention and leveraging of data: the new focus of retailers

What: The store's largest collection of exclusive designer collaborations will central to the celebration.

Why is it important: Bloomingdale’s team is organizing new kinds of shopping experiences, exclusive luxury product collaborations, pop-ups and special events revolving around its milestone, beginning in September and running through the 2022 holiday season.

With the 150th campaign, Bloomingdale’s aims to sustain its momentum of the last several seasons.

Among the upcoming components of the 150th anniversary campaign:

• A Bloomingdale’s 150th anniversary collection of limited-edition designer collaborations, its biggest to-date, including more than 300 exclusive products and styles developed in partnership with top brands and designers, including special luxury selections, across women’s and men’s fashion, accessories, beauty, home, fine jewelry and other categories.
• A series of private and public events, pop-ups and original shopping experiences at locations across the country.
• Dedicated 150th anniversary branding integrated into consumer experiences including limited-edition anniversary merchandise collections, and a digital experience.
• Partnerships with organizations, landmarks and institutions to give back and support communities.

Bloomingdale’s celebrates 150 years with a birthday blowout

What: Amazon’s luxury fashion vertical, first introduced in the US in September 2020, is now available in the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, the company announced June 8.

Why is it important: Shoppers can browse ready-to-wear pieces online via the Amazon website or the mobile app,  from luxury fashion and beauty labels such as Christopher Kane, Dundas, Mira Mikati, Rianna+Nina and Altuzarra.

Luxury Stores customers in the UK and Europe will benefit from free shipping on their orders. Participating brands will sell their inventory directly to buyers, independently determining assortment and pricing on the platform.

Amazon launches ‘Luxury Stores’ platform in Europe 

What: Fashion aesthetics such as “coastal grandma” and “coconut girl” can rise and fall in a matter of weeks on TikTok. Brands looking to be a part of the next big trend must move quickly, but carefully.

Why it is important: Searches for linen pants increased 66 percent in May on Poshmark, thanks to “coastal grandma,” while searches for pleather bodysuits spiked 83 percent on Google during late March, just as videos featuring “fetishcore,” flooded TikTok.

Keeping up with TikTok fashion can feel impossible. Trends move at lightning speed, and while some terminology becomes a permanent fixture in fashion’s evolving lexicon, others disappear with a swipe.

But with a user base of nearly 1.8 billion, designers and merchandisers at all sorts of brands feel compelled to pay attention to what’s trending on the platform.

Many digital-first brands have built their entire business model on churning out TikTok-inspired styles. Legacy labels, however, are still figuring out their own ways to incorporate TikTok aesthetics into their merchandising and marketing.

Brands should evaluate which trends already work with their own DNA and incorporate them into the faster-moving parts of their business, like social media marketing.

TikTok trends run in “90-day cycles,” with a life span of six months at most. Crucial to keeping up with trending TikTok aesthetics is understanding their nuances and why shoppers are flocking to the look. The key is remaining consistent.

Keeping up with TikTok’s trend cycle

What: All 14 restaurants set to open in Printemps Doha will be supervised by a seasoned executive from the hospitality sector.

Why it is important: This appointment results from a double need to connect the F&B offer to the rest of the store features (especially in terms of systems) while also making sure that all points of sale are coherent with the general concept in terms of level of service.

Printemps Doha has announced the appointment of Paolo Alabiso as head of F&B, overseeing all 14 restaurants that will open in the store.

Alabiso has a track record in hospitality and is also credited with brining in global brands such as Pierre Marcolini to Middle East.

Printemps Doha appoints an hospitality executive to manage F&B 

What: Macy’s chief merchandising officer, Nata Dvir, discussed Macy’s priorities and objectives, as the retailer navigates challenges in the supply chain and shifting consumer shopping behaviors at the Jefferies Annual Consumer Conference.

Why it is important: Dvir started out stating that, Macy’s strengths in gifting, whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day; tailored clothing, and dresses, though she also cited strides in refined sportswear and the more casual sides of the business.

During the pandemic, part of what Macy’s sharp on was how they thought about inventory productivity. A lot of this was in flight, but the pandemic was an opportunity to think through what the sell-through of an item might be, what is the life cycle of a product. It has really taught Macy’s to think differently about every receipt dollar they spend, but also about making it easier for the customers to shop.

Macy’s is also so excited about so many things that are starting to check. Customers are going back into everything, events, working, and real life. Every moment now feels like a special occasion. Whether they are going up a size, or down a size, they have to really replenish their wardrobe.

Macy’s is conservatively forecasting that sales will be flat to up 1% for the full yea, but has been on a roll the last few quarters including reporting a net profit of USD 286 million in the first quarter this year, up from USD 103 million in the year-ago period, on a comparable sales gain of 12.4%.

It’s expected that among the categories that will be bolstered or will be new to the assortment are toys, pet supplies and technology. Both Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s will be growing their digital businesses by launching marketplace formats next August. Retailers operating online marketplaces procure merchandise through a few business arrangements including revenue-sharing agreements, commissions, wholesaling and drop shipping.

Macy’s is embarking on a sweeping overhaul of its private brand business, which accounts for just under 20% of the total business.

Macy’s CMO on shifting priorities, challenges and shopping trends

What:  Stockmann celebrates its 160th birthday with a nationwide exhibition.

Why it is important: The company has undergone some serious issues in 2019 – 2021, with a bankruptcy process and the sale of almost all its real estate, in addition to the war in Ukraine which has had some consequences on its partnership with the Stockmann Russian operator. It is therefore key to relay positive messages.

Stockmann, which celebrates its 160th birthday, has opened an exhibition showing the history of the company (which has become a stapple for all Finns) in the Helsinki department store. The exhibition will then be touring Finland in 5 other company’s stores.

The exhibition features memorabilia as well as historical pictures.

Stockmann opens a touring history exhibition in its department stores 

What: GMG has launched a new Nike concept store in Hong Kong as part of its plans to ramp up its investment in Asia.

Why it is important: This investment comes at a time when the business is especially difficult in Hong Kong. This could explain why Nike is not operating directly according to its global DTC startegy.

The store, which spans over 2171sqft in the East Point City shopping mall in Hang Tau district, sells sportswear for men and women in various categories including running, training and basketball.

GMG has partnered with Nike since 1982 in other markets. The company entered Asia in 2020 after buying Royal Sporting House, a leading multi-sports retailer and recently bought Nike retail stores from SUTL Corporation, expanding its presence in Singapore and Malaysia. The group currently operates more than 25 Nike stores in Asia, including 11 stores in Hong Kong, and represents 120 brands across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, including Under Armour and Timberland.

GMG sees Asia as a significant potential market, with Hong Kong’s sports and outdoor category predicted to reach 2.3 million consumers during the next three years.

Deputy chairman and CEO at GMC explains that “Asia is propelling the retail industry forward, generating a substantial portion of global growth in the sector and offering immense potential and expansion opportunities for GMC.”

“The opening of our new Nike store in a key market such as Hong Kong, the first in two years, further signifies the recovery of a post-pandemic economy while allowing us to strengthen our physical retail presence in Asia and empower even more people to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle.”

Nike concept store opens in Hong Kong 

What: South Korea’s duty-free shops are starting to see their long-awaited business recovery with a growing number of group tours.

Why it is important: According to a Lotte Duty Free official, some 150 tourists from Malaysia shopped at the Myeongdong branch for an hour on Tuesday before returning to their country.

Some 170 Thai tourists flew in on Monday to Jeju Island and shopped at Lotte and Shilla Duty Free shops. Jeju and Yangyang International Airports have resumed the visa-waiver program that has been suspended for over two years due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Shinsegae Duty Free said approximately 30 tourists from Vietnam visited its Myeongdong branch on May 27.

Amid growing expectations for a revitalization of the group tour business, which accounts for 80% percent of total duty-free sales, stores are rushing to make renovations.

Lotte Duty Free Myeongdong recently installed three additional elevators exclusively for duty-free customers. Shinsegae Duty Free Myeongdong has completed renovation work of stores that sell electronic appliances and food products.

The South Korean government will lift a seven-day quarantine mandate for unvaccinated arrivals from overseas. It will also normalize the number of international flights and scrap the curfew for late night and early morning flights at Incheon International Airport.

Tourism: group tours to resume?

What: The new 12,000 sqm store in Liverpool will open on June 23.

Why it is important: This unit, which bears the name of a retailer but is operated by an hospitality operator, will be as much about retail than leisure and entertainment.

The new Flannels store in Liverpool is scheduled to open on June 23. We already reported the partnership with Barry’s here, on a total surface of 700 sqm, out of a total 12,000 sqm surface for the entire store.

More partnerships are announced, with the opening of a series of restaurants, which makes sense as the operations are held by Zanna Hospitality Group, which owns a dozen or so of F&B concepts.

The new Flannels Liverpool store has an opening date 

What: Joining other retailers investing more in augmented reality, Walmart announced this week that it will release two new app-based AR tools for at-home and in-store shoppers.

Why it is important: The new “view in your space” feature, which will be rolled out to all customers by early July via the iOS app, allows shoppers to view select furniture and decor items in their spaces. This will initially be available for 300 items but Walmart will expand the offering to back-to-college items in the coming months.

The other feature – which does not have an anticipated launch date and is still in development – is an in-store AR app feature to personalize product information. Shoppers and employees will be able “to simply point their mobile device camera at our store shelves via the Walmart app to filter our assortment based on your personal preferences,” per the post.

Walmart to release at-home and in-store AR tools

What:  GDR pays a visit to the newly opened Wow Concept store in Madrid.

Why it is important:  Experience and visual impact are supposed to be the magic key to attracting millennials… but spectacular stores also have to be profitable, which is another story.

GDR paid a visit to the new WOW Concept store which former El Corte Inglés CEO Dimas Gimeno just opened in Madrid in March over 5,500 sqm. Interestingly, they draw some conclusions that are not in line with the promises made in the press release of the company.

The reporter mentioned that the visual aspect of the store was astonishing, with a strong and impactful visual merchandising. For him, this is the proof that stores, if inspiring, are here to stay, but between the lines he also wonders if many of the visitors were really buying something or taking pictures.

The omnichannel approach is at the heart of this concept, by asking customers to buy on digital screens (there are no checkouts). This allows to present more brands online 250 than actually physically displayed (150). One may wonder however the efficiency of this setup knowing that it is difficult to sell something that is only presented online (as the article suggests that different products are presented online, not just simple color variations of products on display).

Finally, to keep the buzz, the store has also been designed to be always exciting through a permanent popup approach (just like Showfields), the possibility to also navigate in the metaverse, and the opening of a social space dedicated to local communities in order to foster conversations. Since the store is not fully functional yet, the reporter did not have the possibility to make himself an opinion.

A visit at Wow Concept store in Madrid 

What: Bernstein expects luxury demand to go back to an even keel and growth trajectory in China.

Why is it important: China’s strict COVID-19 restrictions led to a 6.7% year-over-year decline in retail sales of consumer goods in May, to 3.35 trillion renminbi.

The contraction in May was better than in April, which logged an 11.1% dip from the prior year. In the period between January and May, China’s retail sales of consumer goods were 17.17 trillion renminbi, down 1.5% from the same period in 2021, when the country enjoyed relatively robust growth while other economies struggled due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

In the past month, the Chinese government has been adjusting its dynamic-zero COVD-19 policy and announced a broad package of economic support measures to stimulate the economy.

A Bernstein report published Thursday predicts that the luxury and beauty industry will bounce back quicker than those catering to the mass market in China. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Dior were among the first to recover. Local media reported that long lines formed outside their stores in Shanghai’s luxury shopping mall Plaza 66 on the first day they reopened on May 29, after the city came out of the lockdown.

It’s also been reported in the local media that luxury brands in Shanghai were coming up with creative ways to entice high-spending customers during the lockdown, such as sending fancy takeaway meals and putting rare bags worth more than 100,000 renminbi on delivery platforms.

Companies with robust China supply chains like L’Oréal and Proya are gaining share during disruptions, while companies with supply chains disrupted by Shanghai lockdowns, including Estée Lauder and Shiseido, may see slow shipment recovery in the second quarter, despite strong online sell-through.

With regard to the broader apparel and footwear sectors, Bernstein suggests there will be a bounceback as restrictions ease, led by e-commerce, as China distribution centers and last-mile delivery are back on track, while in-store recovery will be slower as people remain nervous about going back to stores until mass testing eases.

China’s demand for luxury is back 

What: Walmart is testing its new store concept prior to rolling it over its home territory.

Why it is important: They are making the most of the learnings made during the pandemic ( in terms of social distance and feeling of comfort) and taken a new approach to merchandising and store organization. This might bring a new approach in physical grocery stores that could expand over the US.

Walmart released the first of its 50 remodels it is planning in Texas, in the Dallas Fort Worth area where it owns ¼ of the grocery market share and 35% when including Sam’s Club.

The new concept is all about improving navigation and ease of usage:

• Simpler titles and numbering to have alleys better identified,
• Wider aisles, with improved brand signage,
• Shopping carts with phone and drink holders,
• Grab-and-go section with individual snacks at the entrance of the grocery section,
• Dollar shop section at the entrance of the general merchandise entrance,
• Electronic section reorganized along long display tables, including proximity stocks to avoid having customers waiting for the products to come,
• News services such as free barbecue assembly at home,
• More checkout personnel and self-checkout lanes, including a Walmart-plus dedicated one aiming to convey the advantages of being a member of the loyalty program.

Walmart releases its new concept in Texas 

What: Shein's Adam Whinston spoke of the company's sustainability plan covering supply chain, carbon emissions and droves of customer data.

Why is it important: Leaning heavily into Shein’s data, head of sustainability, Adam Whinston, aimed to lay to rest some misconceptions about the company. Speaking to Shein’s small batch production (only 50 to 100 pieces) and real-time feedback loop from customers, Whinston argued the model is a “transformative” approach that “reduces our overall production and creates less waste.”

Shein styles have a 98% sell-through rate. Referencing customer data including a 15,000-person survey, only 1% of Shein customers are only wearing their Shein pieces once. Along with a 7% return rate, the company also found evidence of its customer engaging in circular habits despite the alleged quality indifference of fast fashion goods.

Whinston addressed the mission to expand Shein’s “EvoluShein” capsule line, which is a sustainably-billed line using recycled polyester, into the company’s broader sustainability aims. One goal is to convert its entire viscose base to CanopyStyle sourcing standards.

Along with improved auditing standards, Shein is “exploring on-shoring,” and already counts on a new Indiana warehouse to reach the land-locked U.S. consumer.

Shein’s head of sustainability sets company record straight

What: Lotte Shopping reported a net profit of 69.1 billion won ($54.2 million) in the first quarter, beating market expectations of 37.9 billion won,

Why it is important: Profit rose as footfalls increased at Lotte Department Store branches with the easing of restriction rules. Department stores sales in Korea rose 9.8% on year to 726 billion won.

Lotte Shopping Q1 results

What: Chanel’s 2021 revenues rose 23% over pre-pandemic levels to USD15 billion. The brand now plans to open private stores for top clients as rapid growth risks overcrowding its stores.

Why is it important: Chanel’s sales grew far faster than the wider luxury market, and roughly one-third slower than rival leather goods powerhouse Hermès. Growth was driven by a “balanced” mix of price increases and higher volumes.

As sales continue to surge, the company remains committed to maintaining a tight store network, it presently has only 250 fashion boutiques. The company plans to boost customer service by hiring more than 3,500 new employees, including many sales associates.

Chanel also plans to open separate, private boutiques dedicated to serving top-spending clients, starting with locations in key Asian cities by early 2023.

Chanel to open dedicated boutiques for top-spending clients

What: Hudson’s Bay hired Nadira Singh as its new CFO.

Why is it important: Singh will report to Wayne Drummond, president of Hudson’s Bay.

HBC has been shifting its physical and digital operations over the past year. In June, the company announced it would separate Saks Off 5th’s digital arm from its brick-and-mortar stores after receiving USD200 million from Insight Partners and other investors. About two months later, the company made the same decision for Hudson’s Bay and dubbed its online business The Bay. The moves illustrate the parent company’s attempt to manage its real estate holdings as the retail industry shifts toward e-commerce.

Hudson’s Bay appoints CFO

What: Ulta Beauty unveiled a retail media network that leverages data from a rewards program with 37M rewards members.

Why is it important: The new UB Media platform draws on consumer profiles linked to the brand’s Ultamate Rewards. Advertisers using UB Media can tap into that data to inform campaigns spanning display, video, social media and influencer marketing, along with on-site sponsored product placements on Ulta-owned properties.

Ulta is also providing “closed-loop” campaign reporting services that share insights into how advertising efforts are resonating. Retail media networks continue to gain traction, including with specialty retailers that can offer brands a more tailored audience and potentially greater marketing precision.

The digital ad market has had an impressive run of growth that’s been bolstered, in part, by the retail media explosion. Brands are flocking to the concept as they contend with the deprecation of third-party cookies and try to align their marketing messages closer to the point of sale using first-party shopper data.

Ulta unveils media network powered by data 

What: To celebrate Earth Month, Neiman Marcus announces new initiatives, partnerships, and in-store activations that will further the organization's continued progress against its Environmental Social Governance (ESG) strategy.

Why is it important: As part of its efforts to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 50% by 2025 and procure 100% renewable energy use by 2030, this month, NMG partnered with Trane to replace natural gas-powered chillers with two new 500-ton water-cooled chillers at their Bergdorf Goodman's Women's Store in New York City.

Neiman Marcus stores across the U.S. are driving progress toward the company's goal to partner with customers to raise an additional $3,000,000 for Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation grantees through point-of-sale fundraising. Proceeds from the campaign will fund creating a new NMG x FSF scholarship for students aspiring to careers in sustainable and ethical fashion.

Neiman Marcus also announced the upcoming launch of the new 'Fashioned for Change' and 'Conscious Curation' edits at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. They will identify items with preferred product attributes made with sustainable materials, including bio-based vegan leathers, as well as products that are responsibly manufactured, give back philanthropically, are made by diverse-owned brands, or promote enhanced transparency through digital product passports from groups like EON.

They will be hosting and sponsoring a variety of speaking events throughout the month to socialize the efforts above with associates, customers, and the broader fashion industry. To continue educating and amplifying the call for sustainable practices in the broader industry, NMG will sponsor the Women's Wear Daily Sustainability Summit and the Sustainable Fashion Forum fireside chat

Neiman Marcus Group celebrates earth month with events reinforcing its 2025 ESG Goals

What: Walmart’s sales growth slowed in the first quarter, and the retailer’s U.S. operating income took a USD1 billion haircut. Comparable sales in the U.S. rose by 3% and were up 9% from 2020.

Why is it important: Inflation took a toll on the company’s top and bottom line, with fuel, container, storage, and other costs spiking. At the same time, customers pulled back spending on high-margin general merchandise to compensate for rising food prices.

Walmart’s Q1 is another sign that consumers are changing their purchases to adapt to inflation. Along with pulling back on general merchandise, which as a category fell by low single digits at Walmart U.S., to account for price hikes in grocery, executives said that customers were trading out name brands for lower-priced private labels.

 Walmart’s profits take a hit