As the editor of Retail Dive, it’s my job to keep tabs on every piece of retail-related news—the good, the bad, and the silly. From James Franco's ode to McDonald's to some scandalous wedding gowns, here are some of the most interesting reads from the past week.
High tech heels
Anyone who has worn heels knows that it would take a rocket scientist to make them comfortable. Enter Dolly Singh and her new startup, Thesis, which is working from the heel up to create a foot-friendly high heel using high tech modern materials. Bloomberg takes a look.
An ode to McDonald's
McDonald's gave us McNuggets. McDonald's gave us the McFlurry. But most importantly, McDonald's gave James Franco hope. In an op-ed in the Washington Post, actor James Franco reflects on his days working for the fast food chain while still a struggling actor in LA:
“All I know is that when I needed McDonald’s, McDonald’s was there for me. When no one else was.”
The Dapper Draper
Reese Witherspoon joins Hollywood pals Gwyneth Paltrow and Blake Lively with the launch of her own lifestyle e-commerce site, Draper James. Under the guidance of C. Wonder’s former president, who is now CEO of the company, the site stocks handbags, home goods, and accessories – at price points that are (surprise!) actually accessible to the masses. We’re looking at you, Goop.
Communist consumerism
The AP reports that North Korea has launched its first online shopping website, Okryu, which runs on North Korea’s version of the Internet. Managed by the government, the website sells products from North Korean companies, though details about delivery and fulfillment remain unknown.
‘The be-boudoired bridal outfit’
Something old, something new, something blue, something… see through? As the Atlantic notes, couture wedding gowns are becoming increasingly risqué, featuring plunging necks, open backs, and lingerie-like lace that bares all.
