Any brand partnership today brings speculation of potential “wins” — especially so when it comes to tactics for driving in-store traffic and competing with Amazon. Sometimes, though, the deal appears to be on another playing field altogether. And that can draw a whole host of curious onlookers, watching for the next move.

Stacey Boyd's most recent project, Olivela, is an example of “philanthropic retail,” a pioneering business model that sits at the intersection of luxury retail and philanthropy. Olivela is designed to improve the lives of at-risk children through the online purchase of luxury designer goods.

There’s a challenge in loss prevention that’s as old as the retail industry itself: How to balance the need to reduce theft without making customers feel like potential felons. Reading, Pa.-based Boscov’s has found its own solution to the problem.

2018 Hot 100 Retailers
Hot retailers come in all sizes and formats, as witnessed by STORES Magazine’s 2018 Hot 100 Retailers report. Nine of the 10 top businesses represent different retail segments, indicating that growth owes more to management and strategy than any kind of tide lifting boats in any particular category.

Robotics may never have been tastier. Reis & Irvy’s robotic frozen yogurt kiosks are enjoying rapid growth as customers continue to visit “Planet Froyo.” The franchised kiosks can dispense up to 60 cups of frozen yogurt or ice cream per hour.

Adidas and digital agency Grow pulled off a feat this spring almost as impressive as a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Working together, they created a customized video for each of the more than 30,000 runners in this year’s event within 24 hours.

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.

Julie Averill has been at lululemon athletica for just over a year and is still impressed by how innovative and entrepreneurial the 20-year-old company is. She discusses her role as chief technology officer and opportunities for women to rise to top tech positions on NRF’s podcast Retail Gets Real.

Retail companies are increasingly seeking to hire recent college graduates with computer science backgrounds. As retailers move into bold tech initiatives, their tech talent needs are beginning to rival those of Silicon Valley. There are thousands of tech job openings, the pay is good and the jobs are much cooler than you think.

Retail industry employment in July increased by 66,000 jobs over the same time last year, showing on-going industry growth. There were gains in general merchandise, clothing and accessories, and food and beverage stores.

ReposiTrak Inc., the industry leader in compliance, food safety and risk management for the retail supply chain, announced that Nugget Markets and Gelson’s Markets are each deploying the ReposiTrak Compliance & Risk Management Solution. The move will completely automate compliance documentation at corporate, facility and item levels, and streamline each retailers supplier approval process, eliminating tedious and time-consuming paperwork.

Tulip, a mobile application provider focused on empowering workers in retail stores, announced British luxury brand Mulberry has selected the Tulip platform to further enhance the in-store customer experience. Tulip will provide Mulberry’s sales associates access to the complete extended digital product catalogue with a single view of stock across the business, support for advanced customer engagement and clienteling and the latest in mobile, iPad-powered point of sale.

Self Point, the leading digital commerce partner for supermarkets and specialty food retailers, announced upgrades to online and mobile shopping for Gourmet Garage, the Manhattan grocer that invites customers to "Shop Like a Chef.” Self Point’s ecommerce technology supports Gourmet Garage locations in New York’s Uptown Lincoln Square Center area and Downtown with a location serving Tribeca and SoHo. Gourmet Garage’s customers now enjoy greater convenience online, access to specials, digital shopping lists, easy reorders of favorite meals and more.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. announced its integration with Venmo on its top-rated consumer apps. Beginning Aug. 7, Venmo will be among the payment options in the customer's shopping bag on both the Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister iOS and Android apps. A&F Co. is the first specialty retailer to offer customers the ability to purchase products directly though their Venmo account.

Vector Security, the fourth largest provider of security and smart automation services to homes and businesses in the United States with local presence in Raleigh, N.C. and authorized dealer relationships across North Carolina and South Carolina, announced a multi-year sponsorship agreement with the Carolina Hurricanes. Vector Security will receive in-arena sponsorship exclusivity in the home and business security categories and is named the “Official Security Partner of the Carolina Hurricanes” through the 2020-21 season.

Amazon and Whole Foods Market announced the launch of grocery pickup beginning in Sacramento and Virginia Beach, with more cities to come throughout 2018. Prime members can now shop Whole Foods Market’s selection of fresh and organic produce, bakery, dairy, meat and seafood, floral and everyday staples and pick up their order in as little as 30 minutes, all without leaving their car.

Checkpoint Systems, a leading global supplier of electronic article surveillance, RFID solutions and Alpha High-Theft Solutions for the retail industry, announced that its StrapLok solution is helping the largest DIY retailer in Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) to protect its high-end range of faucets and tools.

C.H. Guenther & Son Inc. has acquired Cookietree Bakeries, a leading producer of premium thaw-and-serve cookies, bake-and-serve cookie dough, brownies and scones. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

REEDS Jewelers and Synchrony expanded their long-standing relationship by launching a new loyalty program for in-store and online purchases. Jewelry enthusiasts can now earn REEDS Rewards points when shopping at any REEDS Jewelers location and online.

FOCUS Brands Inc. and Jamba Inc. announced that the companies have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which FBI will acquire Jamba for $13.00 per share in cash, in a transaction valued at approximately $200 million.