TDC: Walmart's beauty accelerator is supporting these 5 brands

Author

Stephen Babcock
August 24, 2022

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As brands and retailers grow their own ecommerce channels, AI and automation capabilities are helping them find efficiencies at scale. At Levi’s, a new machine learning engine is helping to ensure the selection offered by ecommerce lines up with inventory and fulfillment. Meanwhile, Dick’s Sporting Goods is partnering with Metrical to help move carts to checkout.

While it was a late entrant, Pinduoduo has enjoyed a meteoric rise in China, now accounting for 13% of the country's online retail. Its growth has been fueled by social commerce, so the expansion may prove to be a flashpoint in the debate over whether the success of homegrown online shopping practices from China can be replicated in the US.

In this week’s On the Move, the season of CEO transitions continues in retail. Meanwhile, leadership teams are going through restructuring at Starbucks and Bath & Body Works, while Arhaus is hiring its first COO.

Under the test, sellers on Amazon’s third party marketplace will have to offer UPS service for returns, allowing customers to drop off items at a nearby store. This would be in addition to the cheaper USPS offering many currently use. Running from Sept. 5- Oct. 2, Amazon said it’s a move to “understand buyer behavior.” Judging by the reaction to the announcement, the seller community has plenty of questions, as well.

Walmart’s new accelerator offers connections to business-building resources, and the opportunity to launch products at the nation’s largest retailer. The businesses selected for the first cohort include data driven haircare, press-on nails and an alternative to luxury perfumes.

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