From Nike to Amazon to new store concepts, here are the big stories everyone was talking about.
Hot Topics
Nike’s big gamble – risky, brilliant or a nothing burger?
Nike got everyone’s attention with their campaign for the 30th anniversary of the “Just Do It” tagline. Featuring controversial football player-racial justice advocate, Colin Kaepernick, the ad definitely got people’s attention. The ad was polarizing – either you loved it or started burning your Nikes. Nike’s stock dipped, but quickly recovered. What will be the long-term impact, if any?
The launch
The reaction
The reality
Nike earned $164M in media exposure - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/06/nikes-colin-kaepernick-ad-created-163point5-million-in-media-exposure.html
After brief stock dip, shares rebound - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/11/nike-is-trading-back-up-to-its-pre-kaepernick-sell-off-level.html
Online sales surge 31% - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/07/nikes-online-sales-surge-in-days-after-kaepernick-ad-debut.html
Despite beating earnings estimates, shares fall. Any Kaepernick impact won’t be felt until next quarter - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/25/nike-q1-2019-earnings.html
Amazon hits the big $1 TRILLION mark. What’s next?
Amazon became the 2nd company (after Apple) to pass the $1T mark in market cap. What’s next for the eCommerce giant? How long before they hit $2T? They made some provocative moves that have significant potential disruptive impact on new industries.
Amazon hits the big $1T - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/04/amazon-hits-1-trillion-in-market-value.html
J. Crew and Amazon partners as Amazon moves more and more into apparel -https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/05/j-crew-sets-up-shop-on-amazon-with-new-dedicated-online-shop.html
Amazon Go confirmed for NYC - https://nypost.com/2018/09/10/amazon-opening-checkout-free-go-store-in-nyc/
Amazon taking delivery into their own hands - https://www.retaildive.com/news/amazon-20000-vans-mercedes-benz-delivery-last-mile/531747/
Amazon considering 3K+ cashierless convenience stores - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/19/amazon-is-reportedly-planning-up-to-3000-cashierless-stores-by-2021.html
Amazon tries new retail foray for top rated products- https://www.chainstoreage.com/store-spaces/amazon-4-star-is-coming-to-nyc/
Retail Earnings
Following the parade of strong earnings in August, more retailers reported to the street. Value brands are excelling and big box specialty retailers are up against a wall to innovate.
Five Below Soars after strong earnings - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/07/five-below-soars-to-52-week-high-after-strong-sales-numbers.html
Bed Bath & Beyond misses earnings, despite opportunity to gain additional baby share with Toys ‘R Us demise - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/26/bed-bath--beyond-falls-15percent-after-earnings-miss.html
Comings and Goings
Some interesting new concepts and digital brands making forays into brick & mortar, while tech brands are accelerating growth.
Dirty Lemon opening 1st store to bring beverage closer to the people - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/13/beverage-brand-dirty-lemon-is-opening-its-first-store-ever-in-new-york.html
Good Housekeeping partners with Amazon on experiential holiday pop up shop, featuring products that have been bestowed “Good Housekeeping seal” - https://www.retaildive.com/news/amazon-good-housekeeping-prep-mall-of-america-holiday-shop/532281/
With store base up almost 19% YOY, Five Below is planning another 50 stores this quarter - https://www.retaildive.com/news/five-below-plans-50-stores-for-q3-amid-physical-expansion/531825/
Macy’s partners with Facebook on in-store pop ups - https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/17/macys-teams-up-with-facebook-to-add-more-tech-to-stores.html
AT&T announces plan to open 1000 stores across the country - https://www.chainstoreage.com/store-spaces/att-to-open-1000-stores/
More retail real estate will be available soon…but the river of closings seem to have shrunk to a stream.
Henri Bendel to shut down after 123 years - https://www.retaildive.com/news/l-brands-shuttering-henri-bendel/532388/
What story was most impactful this month? What did I miss?