With all eyes on Paris for the Olympics, many brands made sure to open flagship stores this year ahead of the arrival of millions of tourists during and after the games.

Analysis

Zombie brands, fire sales & quiet closures are plaguing the DTC world

July 10, 2024

What founders decide to do with stagnant zombie brands is proving to be the defining issue of the DTC space in 2024.

Amazon’s reported Temu-like discount store likened to ‘slap in the face’ by sellers

July 01, 2024

After reports that Amazon plans to launch a discount store akin to the likes of Temu and Shein on its website, third-party sellers on Amazon said the move threatens to erode their market share.

Other news to know

  • Walmart’s advertising arm, will begin selling in-store ads to brands not on store shelves like financial companies, auto brands and restaurants.
  • Iowa-based Casey’s General Stores plans to expand its presence in the South, agreeing to buy CEFCO Convenience Stores owner Fikes Wholesale of Texas for $1.1 billion in cash.
  • WHP Global, which acquired Toys ‘R’ Us in 2021, will open up shops for the brand in Navy Exchange stores beginning this fall.
2,900
Casey’s General Stores' total store count after acquiring Fikes Wholesale
Top Stories Jul 29

Amazon’s NBA deal raises the stakes of its media ambitions

July 29, 2024

Amazon revealed that it closed a deal to make it one of three partners of the NBA, adding to the tech giant’s burgeoning sports business. It’s all part of Amazon’s ambition to turbocharge its highly lucrative and rapidly growing advertising business.

Why more founders are buying back stakes in their startup brands

July 29, 2024

More startup founders are buying out their investors to regain control of their brand. Here's what's behind the trend.

Modern Retail Rundown: Kroger & Albertsons pause merger, L Catterton interested in Mattel & the rise of ‘Amazombies’

July 27, 2024

On this week's Rundown: Kroger and Albertsons merger is halted, L Catterton approached Mattel with an acquisition offer & "Amazombies" invade Staples and UPS.

‘A fun playground for brands’: How brands like Figs & Pampers are getting creative with Olympic campaigns

July 26, 2024

Brands are battling for attention in Paris, and with so many eyes on the Games, some are finding out-of-the-box ways to stand out.

Limited Series
The modern brand's guide to doing more with less

It’s a strange time to be operating a consumer brand. Shoppers are more selective about what they spend and brands are struggling with how to interpret signs of conflicting consumer behavior. While many brands were recentlyswimming in cash, VC funding has now dried up and high interest rates make vehicles like debt less palatable. In this series, Modern Retail looks at the scrappy ways companies are continuing to build their brands and wow shoppers in this strange new operating environment

Podcasts

Technology

‘A long-game move’: Why Coach is entering Roblox to win over younger shoppers

July 26, 2024

Luxury brand Coach made its first moves in the gaming world as it works to appeal to younger, digital-focused shoppers.

Amazon Briefing: What Google’s cookie reversal means for Amazon’s ad pitch 

July 25, 2024

Amazon has been shoring up its highly lucrative ad business for a post-cookie world for years. Despite Google’s sudden announcement that it plans to keep third-party cookies, after all, Amazon still stands to seize on Google’s share of digital advertising.

How QR codes help brands meet consumer expectations for sustainability

April 09, 2024

Katherine Ryan, vice president, brand marketing, Bitly From trending resale programs at top brands like Lululemon and REI that make sustainable shopping more accessible to scrutiny over Taylor Swift’s private jet carbon dioxide emissions, demand for sustainable shopping experiences and transparency is at an all-time high. Consumers have more access to information than ever, and […]

Marketing

Why telehealth service Mistr is giving away free HIV tests at select Walmart stores

July 25, 2024

Customers will be able to get free HIV test kits at seven Walmart locations in Georgia, a target jurisdiction for federal plans to eradicate HIV.

Nostalgic brands like Limited Too are trying to make room for both millennials and Gen Alpha

July 24, 2024

After much buzz online, Limited Too began selling a collection of girls’ skirts, v-neck sweaters and other products at Kohl’s this month. But some diehard fans say the brand’s revamp will be too limited if it doesn’t offer items for adults. Here’s what Limited Too had to say.

College bookstores add more dorm decor after Bed Bath & Beyond closure

July 23, 2024

College bookstore operators like Follett Higher Education and Barnes & Noble college are hoping more students will buy dorm decor right on campus.

Operations

Pink-purple shelves with soda cans and glass bottles of various colors on a dark blue background

As big-box retailers cut prices, CPG startups are also facing pressure to lower costs

July 25, 2024

Food and beverage startups are receiving feedback to reduce on-shelf prices, as retailers seek to win back inflation-weary shoppers.

Purple handbag balloon on purple background with white clouds

Recent luxury earnings highlight tumultuous times for high-end brands

July 24, 2024

High-income shoppers are pulling back on spending, as indicated by earnings on Tuesday from luxury conglomerate LVMH.

How advertisers are leveraging Roundel’s best practices to maximize retail media spend

March 20, 2024

Renee Doerre, senior director of strategy and enablement, Roundel Creating impactful e-commerce strategies begins and ends with the consumer experience. From websites to apps to in-store experiences and third-party platforms, shoppers can connect with brands at many touchpoints. Consumers want a convenient and personalized shopping experience and advertisers must create lasting ways to capture and […]