Today in Retail: Amazon to Tout Tech in Proposed Stores; Walmart Removes Digital Cross-Category Barrier

In today’s top retail news, Amazon plans to heavily integrate technology into its proposed department store-style stores, and Stitch Fix is hoping that moving toward more traditional apparel sales can calm its market volatility. Also, Walmart is integrating its grocery shopping experience with the rest of its eCommerce site, and Bed Bath & Beyond is expanding its partnership with DoorDash to provide on-demand delivery across the country.

Technology Front and Center in Proposed Amazon Department Stores

Amazon’s department store-style locations could open as early as next year, and will largely be a hub for the company to sell T-shirts, jeans and other items from its own labels and a mix of third-party sellers from Amazon’s marketplace. The stores are also expected to be decked out with technology, including QR codes to scan items customers want to try on and touchscreens inside fitting rooms to allow shoppers to request additional items.

Stitch Fix Relying on ‘New Ecosystem’ to Drive Consumer Spend

Online styling service Stitch Fix is rapidly expanding its offerings beyond its traditional “Fix,” wherein stylists choose products for clients without direct customer input, in an attempt to take a larger share of the apparel market and steady the company’s market volatility. In the fourth quarter, Stitch Fix had $571 million in net revenue, a 29% year-over-year increase, and nearly 4.2 million active clients.

Walmart Links Grocery Ordering to Cross-Category eCommerce Experience

Walmart is integrating the grocery shopping experience with its overall eCommerce journey, removing previous barriers that required consumers to place a same-day grocery order in a separate transaction from retail items. By joining the grocery ordering experience to all of Walmart’s other eCommerce offerings, the retailer has the opportunity to convert customers who have not been taking advantage of its food offerings to e-grocery shoppers.

Bed Bath & Beyond Expands DoorDash Partnership

Bed Bath & Beyond will offer on-demand delivery of home goods from more than 700 Bed Bath & Beyond stores and about 120 buybuy BABY locations through an expanded nationwide partnership with DoorDash. This makes Bed Bath & Beyond the first home retailer and buybuy BABY the first baby goods purveyor available on DoorDash’s app and website.

ThirdLove Adds Workout Line to Intimates Collection

Lingerie retailer ThirdLove is branching out into activewear with the launch of a workout line, including a selection of sports bras that have been in development for more than two years. The ThirdLove activewear line also includes leggings and women’s workout tops along with the sports bras, which have adjustable back straps and range in price from $45 to $70.