Any conversation around private label quickly brings up an image of 1970s-era white labels with black type and the term “generic.” But that idea is as outdated as bell bottoms and feathered hair. Private labels and private brands are proving to be a powerful brand differentiator.

Come March, it’s time for executives to turn their attention to future tech investments. After spending hours listening to presentations at NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show, STORES Editor Susan Reda’s short list of technologies likely to have the most positive impact include artificial intelligence, conversational commerce and RFID.

STORES' annual Retail Industry Buying Guide, the retail industry's definitive buying guide, is now available! Take a look at the digital edition of this annual directory, designed to help retailers of all sizes and in all channels find the applications they need to run a successful enterprise.

In these days of data and choice overload, WARDROBE.NYC aims to make things simple with its edited collection of high-quality basics. The 16 pieces were chosen by Christine Centenera, Vogue Australia fashion director and stylist, and her longtime partner, Australian designer Josh Goot.

Lululemon, which began selling Athletic Propulsion Labs sneakers in a number of its stores last year, has joined APL in co-designing a three-style collection in colors specific to Lulelemon: cinder rose, black ombré and black all-reflective.

The digital edition of STORES includes must-read pieces, including the articles featured here. Read the current issue and browse the archives for issues you may have missed.

In this week’s episode of NRF’s Retail Gets Real podcast, NRF’s Director of Research and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen explains how the customer experience is evolving and why we can’t assume that Gen Z consumers are just like Millennials. Listen to the episode.

Data security is an issue for both retailers and their customers, which is why NRF advocates for security solutions that protect sensitive consumer information. NRF Vice President and Senior Policy Counsel Paul Martino outlines five key points that Congress should consider during consideration of the latest round of data breach bills. 

According to NRF’s annual St. Patrick’s Day survey, Americans plan to spend $5.9 billion on the holiday this year. That is the highest level in the survey’s 14-year history, up from last year’s previous record of $5.3 billion.

Levi Strauss & Co. announced Project F.L.X. (future-led execution), a new operating model that ushers denim finishing into the digital era. Developed by the inventor of the blue jean, Project F.L.X. digitizes the design and development of denim finishing and enables a responsive and sustainable supply chain at an unparalleled scale.

Butterfly, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in the food sector, has acquired Modern Market, a farm-to-table fast casual restaurant company.

Walmart has unveiled Allswell, a design-centric home brand, launching with its debut collection of luxe mattresses and stylish bedding. Allswell marks Walmart’s first homegrown digital brand aimed to deliver an elevated assortment and increasingly convenient shopping experiences for the company’s expanding base of customers.

Blueport Commerce, the leading ecommerce platform for big-ticket retail, today announced the launch of Lovesac’s new omnichannel website, Lovesac.com.

Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart Inc., and Instacart, the technology-driven, nationwide on-demand grocery delivery service, announced same-day delivery of groceries and everyday essentials to households in several markets across the U.S.

Marketing Evolution, leading provider of global AI-based marketing optimization and analytics software, announced a new relationship with DSW Inc., a leading branded footwear and accessories retailer. DSW will leverage Marketing Evolution’s person-centric insights to fuel right-time marketing decisions and drive increased return on investment.

ERI, the nation’s leading recycler of electronic waste and the world's largest cybersecurity-focused hardware destruction company, has teamed with Best Buy and The Clubhouse Network to develop the first Best Buy Teen Tech Center in New York City.

Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen, members of the Williams-Sonoma Inc. portfolio of brands, announced an exclusive home décor partnership with Lilly Pulitzer, the renowned label known for creating the fashion genre of American Resort Wear. Debuting in March 2018, the Lilly Pulitzer collection marks the first time that Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen will simultaneously release a coordinating collaboration to create a seamless look for every room in the home.

TSI Holdings, a Japanese company managing a portfolio of leading apparel brands, has partnered with PredictSpring, a mobile commerce leader, to launch a mini-mall mobile app for TOKYO STYLE. By integrating with PredictSpring and Salesforce Commerce Cloud, the TOKYO STYLE mobile app was able to go to market rapidly.

DHL Supply Chain announced its partnership with the No.1 skincare brand in the U.S., Rodan + Fields. The official announcement follows DHL Supply Chain reaching 100 percent of the U.S. network volume for Rodan + Fields from its facility in Lockbourne, Ohio, less than one year into operations. The partnership was spurred by Rodan + Fields’ explosive growth in recent years and need for a supply chain to sustain demand, increase efficiency and improve customer experience overall.