Today In Retail: Caleres’ eCommerce Sales Rise; Stimulus Helps Fuel Ulta Beauty’s Net Sales

In today’s top retail news, footwear company Caleres reported a rise in total company-owned eCommerce website sales, while Ulta Beauty attributed a rise in net sales to consumer confidence, government stimulus and the relaxation of pandemic restrictions. Plus, Google is furthering its open commerce ecosystem for shoppers and merchants.

Caleres’ eCommerce Sales Climb As Famous Footwear Harnesses Omnichannel

Caleres, whose roster of brands includes names such as Dr. Scholl’s Shoes and Famous Footwear, reported that total company-owned eCommerce website sales increased by 21.4 percent in Q1 2021. Moreover, the footwear firm reported that direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales composed almost 75 percent of total net sales for the quarter.

Consumer Confidence, Stimulus Help Power Ulta Beauty’s Net Sales                                

Ulta Beauty, which has roughly 1,300 retail locations, reported that net sales increased by approximately 65 percent to $1.9 billion in Q1 fiscal 2021. The beauty and cosmetics merchant said that the net sales increase was mainly due to positive impact domestically from enhanced consumer confidence, government stimulus funds and the easing of pandemic restrictions.

Google Advances Its Open Commerce Ecosystem For Shoppers And Retailers

At Google’s recent yearly I/O conference, the search firm made its intention clear to more fully connect with the world of commerce, revealing an expanded collaboration with Shopify to make their integration more in-depth. And, on Thursday (May 27), Google announced it’s taking that multiple steps further as merchants on Square, GoDaddy and WooCommerce will have the ability to integrate with Google in the near future simply and for free.

To Mall Or Not To Mall, That Is The Question Facing Retailers And Consumers

The evolution of eCommerce sales and omnichannel selling is seeing the physical footprint plans of two marquee merchants at a minimum go in different directions. Even though Gap and Costco both pointed to sizable growth in eCommerce sales in their newest quarterly results, the way in which the apparel firm and warehouse club approach that migration is telling and distinct.