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Walmart and the DTC Brand Unwind
The curious case of Walmart's venture into creating a stable of hot startup DTC brands has come to a close, with the 2023 sales of Moosejaw, Bonobos and Eloquii in quick succession. So it's a fitting
Consumer Data Privacy on the March
The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), an amendment to the 2018 CCPA, went into effect Jan. 1, requiring publishers/advertisers to comply with new consumer data privacy guidelines. Other states inc
Compostable Apparel: A Conversation with Eric Liedtke of Unless Collective
Unless Collective, a Portland, OR startup creating plant- and mineral-based footwear and apparel, is one of a handful of companies making a difference by its conscious choice of materials and manufact
Sizing Up Consumer Trends in 2023 with S&P
With a month of 2023 behind us, everyone in retail is wondering how consumer trends will play out this year in the face of ongoing (but lessening) inflation and a tricky macroeconomic picture, to say
Gig Workers Change Considered by DOL
Last month, the Department of Labor proposed a change to the way it determines the classification of independent contractors. If it eventually becomes law, the rule change would have a lasting effect
How Alen Expanded from DTC/Ecomm Onto Lowe’s Shelves
For 16 years, Alen has been selling its a top-rated air purifiers on Alen.com and Amazon. Now the company has expanded into retail, with product in 300+ Lowes stores, with potential for expansion. Al
Ocean Shipping Reform Act: Rework Container Fee Assessment
The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 is intended to promote U.S. exports and make ocean transport more competitive, efficient and economical. But a requirement that invoices list the date of containe
One Broker’s View: Let’s Lift OT Exemption for Truckers
Companion bills in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate aim to amend the 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act, removing the overtime exemption for truckers. Predictably, it's opposed by shippers and rail carriers,
Putting Kroger and Albertsons in Context
Last week Kroger announced it was acquiring Albertsons for $24.5B, a major deal on the order of Amazon buying Whole Foods in 2017 that immediately reshaped the power structure in grocery. Neil Saunder
Kroger’s 84.51° Labs: Pushing the Boundaries of Data Science
Kroger and its data arm, 84.51, have launched a Science and Technology Solutions team. The focus is on delivering science and technology solutions that revolutionize customer engagement in retail. An