News

Retail
Walmart Debuts ‘Sequel’ to Refurbished Merchandise Program
July 31, 2023

Walmart has unveiled an updated version of its refurbished product program, aimed at both consumers and sellers. Announced Monday (July 31), Walmart Restored Premium follows last year’s rollout of Walmart Restored, which sells used products the company claims are like new. “Like any strong sequel, Restored Premium expands...

Retail
Etsy Sellers Organize Boycott Over Marketplace’s Withholding of Funds
July 31, 2023

Hundreds of Etsy sellers are reportedly organizing a boycott after the online marketplace withheld merchants’ money. This effort comes after the firm told hundreds of sellers that it is putting a hold of 75% of their earnings for 45 days, saying it is withholding the money for potential refunds,...

Retail
As Hybrid Work Impacts Urban Retail, London Looks to Offer Rent-Free Shops
July 31, 2023

During the pandemic, many fled the city to live the suburban life. Today, urban commercial real estate companies are struggling to fill their spaces with enticing retailers that will encourage consumer foot traffic.   Some, however, are willing to make bold bets by bucking the eCommerce...

Retail
Report: Malls Trapped in ‘Awful Cycle’ as Values Plummet
July 31, 2023

Seven years after their valuations peaked, America’s malls are on the ropes. As The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Monday (July 31), the country’s older and lower-end malls have seen their values plummet by more than 70% in some cases, with many defaulting on their debts. It’s...

Retail
What’s in a Name? Overstock CEO’s $21.5M Bet on the Power of an Iconic Brand...
July 31, 2023

In March 2023, Arthur Stark, the former president of Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY), discussed the company’s revival of its coupon strategy called the “big blue” approach. The tactic involved sending 20% discount coupons to millions of households and was an iconic part of the Bed Bath...

eCommerce
The Most Satisfied Shoppers Are Found in the UAE — How Other Countries Can Catch...
July 31, 2023

Consumers worldwide are increasingly using digital features to enhance their shopping journeys, but few markets have adopted digital as quickly as the United Arab Emirates. PYMNTS’ research finds that 94% of the UAE’s 3.1 million adult shoppers used at least one digital shopping feature during...

Security & Fraud
‘Rare’ Android Malware Uses OCR to Steal User Info
July 30, 2023

Security researchers have reportedly discovered malware that steals user data via optical character recognition. This malware, known as CherryBlos and uncovered by security firm Trend Micro, has been embedded into at least four Android apps available outside of Google Play, particularly on sites promoting money-making scams, Ars Technica reported Friday...

Retail
Report: Shein and Temu Fight Two-Front Battle for Fast-Fashion Market
July 30, 2023

Earlier this month, Chinese fast-fashion brand Temu sued rival Shein, accusing it of “intimidation.” That suit followed an earlier one filed in federal court in March in which Shein accused Temu of copyright and trade violations. But behind these court battles, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)  reported Sunday...

Retail
Luxury Retailers Say Slowdown Is a Sign of ‘Normalization’
July 30, 2023

After going “bonkers” during the pandemic, the luxury retail sector is returning to its baseline.  For years, luxury retailers enjoyed a post-pandemic boom thanks to shoppers in China and the U.S. But as the Financial Times (FT) reported Sunday (July 30), there are indications the sector has...