It’s been another week with far more retail news than there is time in the day. Below, we break down some things you may have missed during the week, and what we’re still thinking about.
From Sam’s Club choosing T-Mobile as its wireless provider to Lush releasing a Shrek collection, here’s our closeout for the week.
What you may have missed
Williams Sonoma gets lucky with Ina Garten
Williams Sonoma announced on Tuesday a four-city auditorium tour with Ina Garten to celebrate the launch of her new book, “Be Ready When the Luck Happens.”
Stops include Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Costa Mesa, California. Garten will discuss themes in her memoir including her childhood, meeting her husband, her job in Washington, D.C., and her journey to become a celebrated television cook and author.
Home Depot extends partnership with Google Cloud
Google Cloud and The Home Depot said Thursday they’ve extended their multi-year partnership. The companies have collaborated since 2015 on retail technology innovations meant to improve The Home Depot’s associate and customer experience. The partnership aims to accelerate Home Depot’s technology strategy.
The extended partnership with enable Home Depot to leverage technologies like machine learning, computer vision and generative artificial intelligence to enhance inventory management operations and improve supply chain efficiency. Home Depot said it wants deeper insights into customer preferences and needs.
"As one of the first major retailers to migrate our website to the cloud, Google has been a critical partner as we have built an interconnected shopping experience for our customers," Home Depot’s Chief Information Officer Fahim Siddiqui said in a statement. “Our technology team looks forward to continuing to work closely with Google to remove friction for our customers when they shop with us and to stay on the cutting edge of retail technology."
ZitSticka launches Dis-Patch SMS hotline for pimple emergencies
Skin care brand ZitSticka, which specializes in acne products, announced on Thursday the launch of the SMS driven Dis-PATCH Hotline.
To access it, users can text DISPATCH to 81093 in order to receive ZitSticka product recommendations based on their skin needs. Users will then be directed to Target to pick up the products in store or online.
“We're thrilled to launch our Dis-PATCH hotline, connecting with consumers and educating them on ways to treat their skincare concerns whether it be a deep cystic pimple, a stubborn whitehead, or body acne,” Nisha Karna, brand leader at Heyday, said in a statement. “Our mission is to provide innovative products and solutions for every stage of a zit.”
Retail Therapy
Somebody once told me this Lush x Shrek collection was gonna roll me
Twenty three years isn’t enough to dim the shine of “Shrek” collaborations — and this time, Lush is bringing self-care to the swamp.
A limited-edition line of (mostly green) bath products includes Shrek and Donkey bath bombs, a Princess Fiona-inspired shower gel, “Get Outta My Swamp” shower slime and a grass shower gel, among other items. A smiling Gingy bubble bar is still begging to keep his gumdrop buttons as he flounders above the water and Donkey still wants to make waffles — or at least make your bath smell like waffles.
“Inspired by Shrek and Fiona's journey from self-loathing to self-accepting ogres, explore seven limited-edition goodies straight from the swamp,” Lush’s website reads. “With more layers than an onion, this collection of bath, shower, and body products will have you embracing your inner ogre.”
While not specified on the product pages, we have to infer that “All Star” is required listening during this process. Get your bath on.
PetSmart's pawsitive tattoo contest
PetSmart upgraded its loyalty program on Tuesday and launched a tattoo redo contest, according to a press release. Through April 30, pet parents can apply to replace a tattoo they regret with one of their furry friend, paid for by PetSmart.
PetSmart’s revamped loyalty program includes new member tiers, personalized offers, early access to sales and new products, members-only in-store pricing, a free gift on their pet's “gotcha day” or birthday, salon rewards and more. Additionally, members who donate to PetSmart Charities earn 2x the Treats Rewards points.
What we’re still thinking about
50
That’s how many years the recently shuttered J.C. Penney anchor was in the Wayne Towne Center in Wayne, New Jersey. The department store has opened a new store across the street at the Willowbrook Mall in a space that was formerly occupied by Lord & Taylor.
The new space is owned by Brookfield Properties, which also owns J.C. Penney itself after entering into a deal with Simon Property Group to acquire the department store in 2020.
$65.4 million
That’s how much Rent the Runway’s subscription and reserve rental revenue was in Q4 — a decline of 4.4% year over year. Total revenue, which includes its advertising and resale business, was $75.8 million.
For the full year, the platform’s subscription and reserve revenue was $264.9 million, a decrease of 1.4% from the year prior. Net loss was $113.2 million compared to $138.7 million in 2022. Rent the Runway’s active subscribers fell 1% to 125,954.
What we’re watching
Sam’s Club chooses T-Mobile as wireless offering for members
Sam’s Club has chosen T-Mobile as its exclusive in-store wireless provider. As of Wednesday, club members will have access to T-Mobile products and services at almost all of Sam’s Club’s nearly all U.S. locations.
“T-Mobile’s offering aligns with our commitment to offer high-quality products and services at an exceptional value to our members,” Leslie Fletcher, Sam’s Club’s vice president of mobile and services, said in an announcement.
Sam’s Club Plus members who activate a new account on Go5G Plus or Go5G Next and buy a new phone with T-Mobile will receive a $60 Sam’s Club e-gift Card annually if they maintain their Plus tier membership and T-Mobile service. The offer is also available for club members who upgrade to a Plus membership within 90 days of a qualifying T-Mobile purchase and maintain their annual Plus memberships.
