Today In Retail: Peloton Subpoenaed Over Treadmill Injuries; Amazon, Walmart Remain Neck-and-Neck For Retail Lead

In today’s top retail news, Peloton has been subpoenaed by the federal government over its handling of dozens of reported injuries caused by treadmills, and PYMNTS data show that Amazon has held onto its front-runner status over Walmart for the third quarter in a row, though neither company gained or lost much ground. Also, Gap has acquired eCommerce startup Drapr to help remove the friction of finding the right fit online.

Peloton Subpoenaed By DOJ, DHS Over Reporting Of Treadmill Injuries

Connected fitness giant Peloton has been subpoenaed by the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security for documents and information related to how the company reported injuries caused by its treadmills. The matter is also being investigated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission over the injuries, and the Securities and Exchange Commission is looking into public disclosures made on the subject.

AMZN vs. WMT Weekly: Retail Giants Remain In Dead Heat For Top Spot

So far, projections that Amazon was going to pull away from rival Walmart and never look back have proven to be premature, as the big-box retailer’s investment in omnichannel capabilities has kept it in the race, with the two essentially tied — at least for now. Between the two retail titans, the share of consumer retail spending remained relatively unchanged between April and July, with Walmart gaining nothing and Amazon losing only one-tenth of a percentage point.

Gap Tackles ‘Fit Friction’ With Acquisition Of Virtual Try-On Company Drapr

Gap Inc. has acquired eCommerce startup Drapr as part of the company’s increasing focus on digital sales, an initiative that helped boost the San Francisco-based apparel retailer to its best second-quarter sales in over a decade. Drapr allows customers to create 3-D avatars and virtually try on clothing to help find the best clothing size and fit for their style and body type.

Allbirds Unveils Atlanta Shoe And Apparel Store

Footwear and apparel retailer Allbirds has opened its 30th global location in Atlanta’s Ponce City Market. The 3,000-square-foot outpost includes a retail store and community center, and joins other locations across North America, Asia and Europe.