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Walmart launches on Salesforce; Rent the Runway debuts on Amazon

Author

Stephen Babcock
January 13, 2023

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Walmart is making in-store fulfillment and local delivery capabilities available to other retailers through a pair of releases on the Salesforce AppExchange. It’s an example of how the world’s largest retailer wants to take the omnichannel technology it built in-house, put it to work for others and build a new business line in the process. It is doing so through the Salesforce ecosystem, which is an undersung driver of B2B software.

In recent years, Rent the Runway expanded beyond its on-demand service to introduce direct sales of "pre-loved" rental merchandise and limited-edition collections from standout designers. Now, it will sell those items on Amazon. CEO Jennifer Hyman said it’s a move to extend the RTR brand. It also underscores a new openness to working with Amazon among digital natives.

Egrocery sales approached record levels in December, according to the latest data from Brick Meets Click and Mercatus. Mass retailers were the biggest gainers, as low prices amid inflation and improved pickup options helped attract shoppers. “Being able to more consistently execute at the store level is also helping to strengthen retention and engagement with existing customers,” said Brick Meets Click Partner David Bishop.

Ecommerce platform Moda Operandi started in fashion, then expanded into accessories and home goods. This week, it is debuting beauty products, with a curated and editorial-forward offering that is led by former Harper’s Bazaar beauty director Jessica Matlin. Adding a complementary category stands to increase order frequency and cart size, said CEO Jim Gold.

Advances in AI are showing up in stores and on ecommerce sites. At the NRF Big Show, Google Cloud will be rolling out new tools that are designed to help keep shelves from going empty, personalize online window shopping and provide product recommendations that balance customer satisfaction and revenue.

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