Ecommerce
DTC brands, marketplaces, and unit economics.
How H&M, Chobani, UrbanStems and Teleties are refining their partnership strategies
Brands like UrbanStems, H&M and Chobani are refining partnerships to match audiences, drive cultural relevance and unlock new growth. Here's more on how execs from these brands say their approach to partnerships has changed over the years.
Target builds digital-twin platform to improve inventory availability
Target has unveiled a new technology play as it continues to work to improve inventory levels in stores.
Big-Box Briefing: Who’s in, who’s out in major retailers’ C-suites
This year has been a big one for executive transitions throughout big-box retail. Sometimes, it feels like there's a new leadership appointment on a weekly basis. In this week's Big-Box Briefing, we break down how these new appointments, promotions and exits have shaped out so far in 2026.
Anthropologie is giving its beauty business a makeover
Anthropologie is upping its beauty assortment and creating in-store beauty installations as it sees more demand for the category.
What it takes to succeed as a DTC brand today
At the most recent Modern Retail+ and Glossy+ Town Hall, editorial staff and subscribers gathered to discuss the future of DTC. Hot topics included: what distribution channels make sense for burgeoning brands and where young startups should spend their precious marketing dollars.
How Stanley 1913 is adapting its marketing for the AI search era, without losing a ‘human touch’
Adapting to AI search is a muscle memory problem, not a hacking problem — at least that's how Stanley 1913 sees it. The brand is trying to increase how often it is mentioned by AI search engines, without resorting to hacks and easy wins.
Five holiday advertising lessons for brands planning for Black Friday now
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have evolved into a weeks-long shopping event. That makes early planning more critical than ever. Drawing on insights from brands like Bylt, Tecovas, Manscaped and Bearbottom Clothing, these five key findings help marketers sharpen their holiday ad strategies. Sponsored by Tatari.
Walmart-backed gaming publication lays off editorial team
In December 2024, Walmart did something perhaps out of character: It helped start a video gaming news website. But the publication's editor-in-chief said she has been laid off alongside the "entire editorial team."
Frida aims to solve personal care gap with new product line for older kids
Frida is getting into the kids personal care and hygiene category as its core demographic raises older children.
Brands Briefing: More brands are on the hunt for a head of TikTok Shop as they try to define a social commerce strategy
Harry's, Jool Baby and Stila Cosmetics are among a growing group of companies recruiting for TikTok Shop directors. But the candidate pool also remains tricky.
Inside Best Buy’s push to sell shoppers on a new generation of TVs
One of Best Buy's big priorities this year is pushing a new generation of RGB LED TVs to consumers. The hope is that customers will find the technological improvements convincing enough to make an upgrade, six years after many of them bought a new TV during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Walmart finally lets advertisers exclude certain search terms
Walmart's advertising platform is giving brands more control over where they show up in searches, marking a significant change in how their ad budgets are spent.
TikTok Shop is increasingly attracting brands selling high-ticket items
TikTok Shop is increasingly drawing higher-priced home and lifestyle brands due to increased user trust, effective creator content and improvements in logistics.
Missile strikes on warehouses are threatening Ukraine’s consumer brands
A Ukrainian apparel startup is rebuilding after losing its entire latest collection in a recent Russian missile attack on a logistics facility.
What’s driving frozen yogurt’s second act, as 16 Handles and Go Greek experience a renaissance
Social media and wellness trends are fueling frozen yogurt's comeback. Now, established players like 16 Handles and Go Greek are seeing a surge in growth, and startups like Coconut Cult and Benefiber are looking to ride the trend through fun pop-ups.
The wellness M&A hot streak shows no signs of slowing down
P&G's $3.8 billion acquisition of Thorne is yet another strong signal that large CPG conglomerates are increasingly seeking out science-backed, high-growth brands to add to their portfolios as consumer priorities shift.
Foot Locker invests in more long-form content as it continues its turnaround
Foot Locker is dialing up its long-form digital content as part of its new brand platform, "It Will Always Be Foot Locker."
How Once Upon a Farm is shaking up the baby aisle with coolers
This week's episode of the Modern Retail Podcast features a conversation with Once Upon a Farm Chief Marketing Officer Katie Marston about how the company has sought to shake up the baby aisle with coolers. Marston shares what she's learned over the years about what it takes to get retailers on board with a new way of merchandising products.
Tarte faces backlash for Snatch Sticks marketing mirroring plastic surgery
Tarte Cosmetics is under fire for ways in which it's marketing its new Snatch Stick, with some social-media users accusing the company of "rage baiting" its audience.
Inside the New York Liberty’s year-round merch machine
Merch is proving big business for the New York Liberty, with sales up double-digits and "selling like hotcakes." The team is now creating more products year-round, as it works to become a full lifestyle brand.
Cyclospora fears threaten Sweetgreen’s turnaround plan
During its second-quarter earnings call on Thursday, Sweetgreen lowered its full-year guidance as cyclospora concerns hurt foot traffic — even though the chain hasn't been implicated in any outbreaks. Here's how consumer concerns around fresh produce could hurt Sweetgreen amid a critical inflection point for the company.
Big-Box Briefing: This back-to-school season is all about low prices and social trends
For major brick-and-mortar retailers, back-to-school season this year is largely about a race to the bottom in price and a push to offer the most popular products seen on social media.
Cole Haan launches luggage, positioning itself as a travel brand
Cole Haan says it's getting "more intentional" about its travel offerings as it solidifies its place as an everyday lifestyle brand.
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