Today In Retail: Williams-Sonoma Selects Capital One To Be Issuing Partner; Best Buy Grows Into Travel, Outdoor Living

Williams-Sonoma Taps Capital One To Be Issuing Partner For New Credit Cards

Capital One has made a deal with Williams-Sonoma to become the “exclusive long-term issuing partner” for the merchant’s new co-brand and private-label credit card program. The relationship will involve Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Teen, Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm and Mark & Graham. “Our partnership with Capital One will allow us to also provide enhanced rewards to our cardmembers, enabling them to earn and redeem across our family of brands,” Williams-Sonoma President and CEO Laura Alber said in a press release.

Best Buy’s Delivery And Service Model Guides Easy Expansion Into Outdoor And Travel

Best Buy, the electronics and appliance merchant, revealed plans to grow its product offerings into the travel and outdoor living categories. “During the pandemic, many of us turned our focus to our homes, whether that meant moving, renovating or simply redecorating — and that trend isn’t slowing down,” the company said in an announcement. “With the official kickoff to summer just around the corner, it’s time to focus on our decks, patios and backyards.”

Amazon Takes Battle To Thwart Fake Reviews To Social Media Peers, Regulators

Amazon is requesting that social media firms and consumer protection watchdogs do more to safeguard unwitting buyers and well-intentioned sellers from an increasing state of fraudulent activity in the retailer’s continuing fight to stamp out bogus product reviews and earn customers’ trust. Even though the retailer said it stopped over 200 million bogus reviews before they were seen by shoppers, and 99 percent of review enforcement was fueled by its own proactive detection, it needs help from beyond the firm’s walls to finish the job.

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