Best Buy tests robot at New York store by Kavita Kumar at Star Tribune. “In just a half-minute, Chloe can scoot around and pick out a customer’s request from rows of about 15,000 DVDs, CDs, video games and even some tech accessories, such as Beats headphones and chargers. Customers at that store in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood can make a purchase without ever having to interact with a person.” Read more / See Chloe in action

 

Aldi announces it will launch online next year by Chloe Rigby at Internet Retailing. “Aldi today said it would sell via ecommerce from next spring. The discount supermarket said it would first launch the sale of wine by the case, and follow that with sales of non-food items. Deliveries will be made to the home or can be collected from third-party locations.” Read more

 

Retailers Scale Back After Big Inventory Buildups by Paul Page at WSJ. “Some major retailers say they still are trying to pare down inventories from big buildups earlier this year, potentially dampening prospects for a surge in shipping heading into the holiday season.” Read more (Subscription)

 

Ex-Walmart/Bass Pro CFO: Nice guys don’t have to finish last by Daniel P. Smith at UIC News. “Although he was initially fearful of Walmart’s corporate enormity, (Michael) Fung found a company dedicated to its communities and customers. “You don’t last at Walmart if you think it’s about you,” he says.” Read more

 

Walgreens pharmacies’ computer problems fixed by Kim Janssen at Chicago Tribune. “Friday evening, Walgreens spokesman Jim Cohn said that the problem had been fixed.” Read more

 

Luxury-Perfume Makers Turn to Wal-Mart, Target by Serena Ng at WSJ. “The Wal-Mart display is striking because the companies that make these designer fragrances don’t supply them to the world’s largest retailer…A Wal-Mart Stores Inc. spokeswoman said the retailer works with “well-respected suppliers”…She declined to discuss sourcing of specific brands. A Target Corp. spokesman said all its fragrances are authentic and legally purchased and sold.” Read more (Subscription)

 

Walmart CMO Stephen Quinn Hosts Instagram Presentation Read the release

 

This Is Macy’s Idea of a Millennial Wonderland by Kim Bhasin at Bloomberg. “Selfie walls! Wearables! 3D printers! The newly renovated basement at Macy’s massive flagship store in New York City’s Herald Square is full of millennial buzzwords. It’s called One Below, and the department store wants it to be a destination for young shoppers.” Read more / See the in-store pics

 

NY Times: Brands Woo Millennials With a Wink, an Emoji or Whatever It Takes by Sydney Ember. Read more

 

Why I Work for Amazon: A Response by Maria Renz at Amazon via Recode. “I wouldn’t describe myself as outspoken. However, in the wake of the recent New York Times article about Amazon’s culture, I felt the need to contribute my voice to the conversation…” Read more

 

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Eye-on-Retail Tipsheet is created early every weekday morning and read by retail merchants and executives worldwide. We love data, earnings reports, executive presentations and stories off the beaten path that get at what’s really happening in the world of retail. See our website at www.eyeonretail.net