‘Pandemonium’: Retailers are already riddled with out-of-stock products

New data offers a glimpse into how well-documented supply chain challenges are already translating into stockout notices -- not just of a few specific product types but across entire categories. According to the report, the categories seeing the highest out-of-stock rates are those that depend on customization and variation, including apparel and baby products.

Foot Locker’s renewed focus on apparel is driven by data

Despite mainly dealing in sneakers, Foot Locker is betting on clothing to broaden its customer base after witnessing signs of growth in the category. On its second quarter earnings call, Foot Locker said its apparel business increased double-digits year-over year, driven by gains of over 20% in the men’s, women’s and kids segments. 

Retailers are using early product access as a loyalty program perk

Early access is the hottest new rewards perk. This holiday season, both Walmart and Best Buy announced that they'll offer their loyalty members earlier shopping hours and exclusive access to sought-after gifts, such as game consoles, smartphones and TVs.

‘Chefs are the new athlete’: Made In’s Chip Malt on how the cookware brand taps culinary influencers

One of the ways direct-to-consumer cookware brand Made In has grown was through its connection with chefs. That idea has been core to Made In's growth, according to co-founder and CEO Chip Malt. Malt was the most recent guest on the Modern Retail Podcast -- his interview was recorded live at the Modern Retail Summit, held in Palm Springs last week.

After a year hiatus, retailers are preparing for an in-person Halloween

The Nation Retail Federation predicts record Halloween sales of $10.14 billion this year with candy and costumes, in particular, growing 20% and 28%. Still, while in person shopping opens up alongside an in-person holiday, Halloween e-commerce continues to thrive in 2021. And retailers are preparing accordingly.

Modern Retail Research: Most brands haven’t let supply chain concerns influence their holiday promotions

As the supply chain’s problems have grown into a clear obstacle for many brands and retailers, that shift hasn’t been enough to drastically change the holiday promotion strategies for a majority of brands, according to new Modern Retail research.

How Lowe’s is trying to get ahead of supply chain issues with its holiday campaign

Lowe’s said its "nimble" supply chain maneuvers helped the company to secure inventory for its early holiday sales drive. The DIY giant is kicking off its holiday campaign on October 20th with its largest selection of artificial Christmas trees, more seasonal home decor, a bigger assortment of gifts, and weekly deals on power tools.

Retailers are inking more deals with same-day delivery partners as the holidays approach

Retailers are once again ramping up same-day delivery as they battle shipping delays in time for the holiday season. This month, companies like Sephora, The Body Shop and Home Depot, among others, have begun to offer same-day delivery. As a result, platforms like Instacart -- as well as smaller regional services -- are receiving more interest than ever before.

‘Modern outdoors’: How Teva approaches product collaborations

One-off product collaborations have now become a staple in outdoor sandals brand Teva's lineup for each season, in order to drum up excitement among existing customers and recruit new ones. Yesterday, Teva unveiled its latest collaboration, a limited-edition jacket and slip-on shoe that it designed in partnership with fellow outdoor brand Cotopaxi.

Why children’s apparel growth is outpacing men’s and women’s wear

Children's apparel growth has outpaced women's and men's wear in growth over the past two years and, this year, U.S. sales are predicted to reach $40 billion. Children's apparel startups told Modern Retail that parents in 2021 are particularly focused on their kids after the pandemic and searching for new styles.

‘There are only so many leases available’: How shop-in-shops got a 2021 facelift

Over the past year alone, almost every major American retailer -- Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom amongst them -- has invested in a shop-within-shop store concept. Modern Retail looked at three reasons brands and retailers are approaching shop-within-shops today: revitalization of stale retail floors, bringing back shuttered brands and speedy brick-and-mortar expansion of trending categories.

Gaming products are infiltrating home goods retailers and brands

Growing demand from consumers is spurring more retailers to offer gaming furniture within their home goods assortments. Walmart, Best Buy, Wayfair and Argos all cater to gamers with specialist products such as ergonomic chairs, desks, storage space and accessories. Retailers and brands cite gaming as a growth category that allows them to target a broad range of consumers, from teens to millennials to parents.

How retail store teams are helping brands tackle supply chain issues this holiday season