The Week in Retail: June 21, 2024 edition

Welcome to The Week in Retail, a weekly roundup for marketers from Quad Insights that covers the latest must-know news surrounding the retail space.

Aldi just announced a contest that will connect its customers with expert grillmasters this summer to ensure their meat and seafood “will be done well, not well-done,” per a brand statement. Aldi shoppers purchasing fresh meat or seafood from the grocer via DoorDash through July 2 (using the promo code GRILLMASTER) will be entered for a chance to have a local grillmaster prepare food for them in their own backyard — a prize that includes a $250 credit for items including meat and seafood, seasonings, grilling utensils and more. Winners will be selected and notified on July 10. The promotion comes on the heels of a 25% year-over-year increase in fresh meat sales for the discount grocer.

Previously: “Aldi announces spoof ‘membership program’ called ALDI+,” from the April 12 edition of this column.

H&M just announced the launch of a new collection that celebrates artist Jean-Michel Basquiat’s legacy, as well as “his impact on young Black creatives,” per a company statement. The late art icon’s work will get new life through H&M’s collaboration with New York fashion designers Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore, known for their distressed pieces and upcycled denim. Featuring prints, embroidery and patches of Basquiat’s artwork, Basquiat x Ev Bravado x Téla D’Amore x H&M “merges Basquiat’s iconic imagery and rarely seen artworks with Bravado and D’Amore’s stained glass motifs and expressive designs.” The 30-piece collection includes jackets, T-shirts, pants, a skirt, corset top and accessories. All will be available starting July 18 at hm.com and in select stores.

Previously: “H&M opens new SoHo location featuring secondhand shop-within-a-shop, high-tech features,” from the Feb. 9 edition of this column.

Amazon just announced a partnership with WPP’s GroupM to develop original shoppable content for Amazon Live’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel on Prime Video and Amazon Freevee, per a company statement. Designed to “merge entertainment with branded experiences,” the content will make it easier for marketers to integrate their products and messaging into shows aimed at specific target audiences. Amazon Live’s “shop the show” feature is designed to offer a seamless experience for viewers, as they can easily shop featured products directly from their phones without pausing the program they’re watching.

Previously: “Amazon debuts new shoppable ad formats with direct checkout capabilities,” from the May 10 edition of this column.

IKEA has introduced a new line of textiles, called Tyg, “designed to be used by customers to create either clothing or home décor,” Fashion Dive’s Howard Ruben reports. Available in all U.S. IKEA stores starting in July, Tyg (the Swedish word for fabric) will launch with 16 patterns. The collection was created in partnership with 13 designers and is “about unleashing creativity with the minimum means,” an IKEA spokesperson told Ruben. Tyg will be sold in 10-foot segments with prices per piece ranging from $9.99 to $14.99.

Previously: “IKEA launches first-ever Plan and Order Point store format in Texas,” from an earlier edition of this column.

Retail trends:

• “US consumers don’t trust Temu, but still shop there: report” (Fashion Dive)
• “Frozen Food Aisle Sees Growth of Store Brands” (Progressive Grocer)
• “Online Grocery Shopping a Hardy Trend, Per New Research” (Consumer Goods Technology)

Retail operations and expansions:

• “Instacart is betting on YouTube to turbocharge its $871M ad business” (Modern Retail)
• “Tractor Supply automates enterprise pricing” (Chain Store Age)
• “Amazon aims to remove all plastic air pillows from deliveries by year-end holidays” (Packaging Dive)
• “CVS goes self-service with ads, joining other retail media networks” (eMarketer)
• “Amazon Pharmacy expands $5 monthly subscription to Medicare patients” (Reuters)
• “JCPenney automates sorting in $40 million distribution center upgrade” (Chain Store Age)
• “With brands like Dyson, Walmart is giving its beauty assortment the luxury treatment” (Glossy)
• ICYMI: “Kohl’s Expands Return Services for Additional Brands and Retailers” (Retail TouchPoints)

Retail launches and partnerships:

• “Here’s a look at Ralph Lauren’s opening, closing ceremony team uniforms for USA” (USA Today)
• “Kellanova to make Cheez-It crackers with regenerative wheat for East Coast grocery stores in unique pilot” (Food Dive)
• “Netflix Shares Locations of First Two Permanent Brick-and-Mortar Stores” (Retail TouchPoints)
• “Save A Lot now on Uber Eats” (Supermarket News)
• “Nordstrom and Salomon Team Up on Two Sneaker Styles” (Footwear News)
• “Music act: Lucky Brand and Dickies launch band collections” (Rivet)
• “Office Depot targets college students with new partnership” (Chain Store Age)