In today’s top retail news, Ulta Beauty is trying to build the “digital store of the future,” while Shopify is set to help Spotify artists sell merchandise through a new partnership with the streaming music company. Also, global beauty brand Mary Kay has launched a new shopping app, and Walgreens and Google are working together to bring drone delivery to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas.
Beauty Brands Invest to Power ‘Digital Store of the Future’
As sales of beauty products continue to recover from the lows seen at the height of the pandemic, Ulta Beauty’s investments in new tools and omnichannel capabilities suggest that the future of cosmetics is very dependent on digital infrastructures. Among the new initiatives announced earlier this week at Ulta’s investor day is a partnership with Google that will see the beauty retailer’s GlamLab virtual try-on tool for lipstick and eyeshadow integrated within Google Search and YouTube.
Shopify to Help Spotify Artists Sell Their Merch
Shopify has launched a new Spotify channel that will allow artists using the music streaming platform to engage with listeners and market merchandise directly from their Spotify artist page. Shopify says the partnership will give artists the freedom to go beyond music and traditional merchandise to create a “fully realized business.”
Mary Kay App Provides On-Demand Beauty Shopping Experience
Global beauty brand Mary Kay has launched a new app in partnership with Bottle Rocket Studios, giving shoppers an easier way to connect and shop based on the advice of Mary Kay’s independent beauty consultants. Customers can access special offers from their beauty consultants and opt-in to notifications of new product announcements and promotions. Those who don’t have a Mary Kay consultant can also connect with one through the app.
Walgreens, Google Team up to Offer Drone Deliveries in Dallas-Fort Worth
Wing, a subsidiary of Google parent company Alphabet, is partnering with Walgreens pharmacies in Texas to offer drone delivery service of items. The collaborative effort will initially involve making deliveries from one Walgreens store to the city of Frisco and the town of Little Elm, according to a report from The Verge.
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