Potential UPS strike is "kryptonite" for supply chains

Welcome to this week’s Retailist Roundup - your premier source for fresh news, career prospects, and insights into e-commerce, retail, and DTC brands, handpicked by our editorial team. We've combed through the clamor to curate the most significant news, innovative trends, and bold forecasts:

New from Retailist

Convenience Redefined: The Impact of Micro Markets on the Vending Industry

By offering a wider variety of products and a more personalized shopping experience, micro markets are able to meet the evolving needs of today's consumers. As more companies and public spaces adopt this new vending model, the future of the industry looks bright.

[Sponsored] Looking Sharp: Fashion Reseller Saves £320K in Three Months With Inventory Planner

“The time savings are incredible! Previously, I could spend 40 hours a week, all month long, working on ordering and replenishing. Now I can do it in two or three Mondays.” – Marco Valle, COO, Sharp Attire

Have an exclusive scoop on a retail story? Click here to email us.

In the News: This week’s top headlines

Uncertainty around potential UPS strike is “kryptonite” for supply chains, RILA warns. On Wednesday, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued a statement indicating their unease about the ongoing labor contract discussions between UPS and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who represents 340,000 workers. If these negotiations fail to yield results, a strike involving UPS workers could commence on August 1st. [Sourcing Journal]

Skims achieves $4B valuation. Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand has achieved a valuation of $4 billion after a $270 million funding round. The brand has plans to expand into activewear and to launch physical brick-and-mortar stores. [Yahoo Finance]

Zales and Rocksbox partner on jewelry rental. Jewelry retailer Zales has partnered with Rocksbox, a jewelry rental subscription company, to offer customers the option to rent fine jewelry for special occasions. The rental program is available by appointment at select Zales stores in 50 markets. [Retail Dive]

Amazon celebrates its “biggest ever” Prime Day. Data from Adobe Analytics revealed that Amazon.com's Prime Day event led to a 6.1% increase in U.S. online sales, reaching $12.7 billion. This surge was largely due to Americans grappling with inflation and seeking bargains on the e-commerce platform. [Reuters]

Ross moves closer to 100 store openings goal. Discount retailer Ross Stores has moved closer to its goal to open approximately 100 new stores during this fiscal year with its recent unveiling 27 new locations across 14 U.S. states. [Nasdaq]

Il Makiage owner Oddity starts trading at a higher share price than expected. The direct-to-consumer platform behind the Il Makiage and Spoiled Child brands saw its stock close at $47.53 per share on Wednesday after pricing its IPO at $35 per share Tuesday night. [CNBC]

Barbie Buzz. Retailers are tapping into Barbie buzz as they try to get thrifty consumers to spend. In an effort to fight the dip in non-essential merchandise sales, Bloomingdale’s, Gap, Aldo, Crocs, and others are tapping into the buzz surrounding the new Barbie movie by launching Barbie-themed merch and promotions. [CNBC]

Palm-scanning payment method debuting to all Whole Foods by year’s end. Amazon has confirmed that by the end of the year, its palm-scanning payment mechanism, Amazon One, will be installed across all Whole Foods stores. The technology, first launched in 2020 as a contactless payment solution, will see its most significant rollout yet, reaching over 500 Whole Foods outlets by the close of 2023. [Fast Company]

Job Board: This week’s Top Openings in DTC, RetailTech, and more

Want to submit a role to our talent board? Email [email protected].

• Customer Experience Assistant, Retail Sales (Dallas, TX) BRILLIANT EARTH– more here

• Sr. Business Intelligence Analyst - Retail Execution Organization (Remote) KRAFT HEINZ – more here

• Retail Consulting Senior Manager – Remote EPAM SYSTEMS – more here

• Global Retail Merchandising Manager SQUARE (San Francisco, CA or Remote) – more here

• Head of Retail Accounts (Remote) HOWL – more here

• Associate Creative Director (LA) REFORMATION – more here

Job Board: This week’s Top Openings in DTC, RetailTech, and more

Want to submit a role to our talent board? Email us at [email protected]

ABOUT RETAILIST

Retailist Magazine is an outlet focused on modern commerce as it relates to digital innovation. The publication examines our culture’s ever-evolving relationship with marketing, commerce and traditional retail. Our goal is to connect our audience to quality content and award programs for retail brands to tell their story of innovation. The publication was launched in Summer 2020 with overwhelming support from thought leaders across the globe.

These experts stand at the helm of their niche in retail and provide readers with real-time, trending insights to ensure you remain on the bleeding edge of commerce innovation. Contributing thought leaders include C-suite executives from Hubspot, Wix, Printful, Global-e, Zapaygo, TradeGala, Birdie, Inurface Media, and more.