Simplr® CXLife Today artwork

Simplr® CXLife Today

147 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 31 ratings

A weekly briefing on CX today. This roundup includes top-tier updates on consumer trends and business news that directly impacts the consumer, retail and digital space. Hosted by Madison Huffman of Simplr.

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Episodes

Handling Customer Experience During a Pandemic: Data and Personalization - 7/18/20

July 18, 2020 07:00 - 7 minutes - 6.47 MB

Introduction Most things look different these days. How employees work, how we visit the doctor, even how we grocery shop. There’s no doubt the pandemic has reshaped how we operate on a daily basis. Customer experience is no exception to those changes. So how do you handle customer experience when the ultimate unexpected happens? In this second installment of Customer Experience During a Pandemic, we’ll dive into personalization and customer data. First, here are the latest headli...

Handling Customer Experience During a Pandemic: Speed and Empathy

June 08, 2020 16:25 - 6 minutes - 5.93 MB

Welcome to Simplr® CXLife Today, a resource for staying up to date on the latest consumer trends, as well as retail, e-comm, and consumer technology headlines. I’m Madison Huffman with this week’s news. Curve, a banking platform that lets you consolidate all of your bank cards into one Curve card and app, has been quietly testing its planned “Klarna rival”. Buying used clothing is a trend that has skyrocketed within the past few years, with major players like The RealReal and thre...

Interview with Julie Hogan from Drift - 5/16/20

May 16, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MB

In this episode, I sat down with Julie Hogan, the VP of Customer Experience at Drift.  She shared some incredibly insightful answers about what she's learned about CX during the pandemic, the trends she's seeing, and examples of her own personal experiences with delivering great customer experiences during this time. "When you're in an environment like a virtual panel, everybody's face is condensed to the exact same size and screen and you see the personal touches of where this pe...

Shopify Pushes Into Mobile Commerce With Shop App - 5/2/20

May 02, 2020 10:00 - 4 minutes - 4.39 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your weekly briefing.   Opening Welcome to Simplr® CXLife Today, a resource for staying up to date on the latest consumer trends, as well as retail, e-comm, and consumer technology headlines. I’m Madison Huffman with this week’s news. Shopify has continued to perform well, becoming Canada’s second-most valuable stock on the market just last week, according to Bloomberg. Now it’s pushing into the crowded mobile commerce space with ...

NBCUniversal Ventures Into Shoppable Commerce With NBCUniversal Checkout - 4/25/20

April 25, 2020 18:22 - 4 minutes - 3.72 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your weekly briefing.   Opening Welcome to Simplr® CXLife Today, a resource for staying up to date on the latest consumer trends, as well as retail, e-comm, and consumer technology headlines. I’m Madison Huffman with this week’s news. NBCUniversal is making its push into the shoppable commerce space. The company debuted its shoppable e-commerce platform, NBCUniversal Checkout, on Thursday. First, here are the latest headlines. S...

Grocery Delivery Services Adapt To Keep Up With Demand - 4/18/20

April 18, 2020 07:00 - 3 minutes - 3.55 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your weekly briefing.   Opening Welcome to Simplr® CXLife Today, a resource for staying up to date on the latest consumer trends, as well as retail and e-comm headlines. I’m Madison Huffman with this week’s news. In an effort to improve current systems to keep up with a spike in demand, Instacart has rolled out two new features to add speed and flexibility for customers. First, here are the latest headlines. Bed Bath & Beyond Se...

A Report Reveals Mobile Apps Saw Record Spending In Q1 - 4/11/20

April 11, 2020 07:00 - 3 minutes - 3.56 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your weekly briefing.   Opening This is Today in Five with Madison Huffman, for today, Saturday, April 11th. Here are this week’s headlines. According to a report from App Annie, consumers spent over a whopping $23.4 billion dollars via app stores in the first quarter, becoming the highest quarter ever for consumer spending in that area. The App Annie report adds further context to how consumers are adjusting their media consumpti...

COVID-19 And Its Impact On E-commerce - 3/30/20

March 30, 2020 18:14 - 4 minutes - 4.04 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Opening This is Today in Five with Madison Huffman, for today, Monday, March 30th. Here are today’s headlines. The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected brick-and-mortar retail, but what about e-commerce? Some retailers are relying on digital sales to make up for lagging brick-and-mortar performance, but data shows even e-commerce has slowed for companies. Here are the latest headlines. Joann Stores O...

How Large Retailers Are Responding To COVID-19 - 3/23/20

March 23, 2020 21:28 - 4 minutes - 4.07 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five with Madison Huffman, for today, Monday, March 23rd. Here are today’s headlines. Large retailers are making dramatic changes in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Companies like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have taken steps like increasing employee wages, hiring more employees, and providing paid leave as the economic landscape and consumer demand changes rapi...

Coronavirus and the Impact on Retail - 3/19/20

March 19, 2020 10:49 - 4 minutes - 4.15 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five with Madison Huffman, for today, March 19th. Here are today’s headlines. There’s no escaping the dramatic effects of COVID-19 as it spreads across nations around the world. It’s changing the retail landscape dramatically as companies scramble to put safety measures into place, including shuttering stores temporarily to help flatten the curve. Here are the latest headlines....

Walmart Created Its Answer To Prime, Subscription Program Walmart+ - 3/2/20

March 02, 2020 18:59 - 5 minutes - 4.87 MB

Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of Today In Five. I’m your host, Madison Huffman, and I’m reporting on the latest headlines on digital disruption. Today’s Quick Headlines: Wayfair’s losses continue to grow despite the online home goods retailer’s continued sales growth. Shortly after selling a majority stake in its Victoria’s Secret brand, L Brands has big plans for its Bath & Body Works business. Panera launched an unlimited-coffee subscription last week that costs $9 ...

Amazon Opens Cashierless Supermarket In Latest Grocery Push - 2/28/20

February 28, 2020 18:51 - 5 minutes - 5.02 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five with Madison Huffman, for today, Friday, February 28th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Amazon has debuted Amazon Go grocery this week, a cashier-less grocery store that further pushes the giant into the industry.   First, here are the latest headlines. Disney CEO Iger Steps Down Disney CEO Bog Iger has stepped down. The change will take effect immediat...

Victoria’s Secret To Be Taken Private After Deal With Sycamore Partners- 2/25/20

February 25, 2020 18:35 - 4 minutes - 4.03 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   L Brands has reached a deal to sell a controlling stake of Victoria’s Secret to Sycamore Partners. The deal will see longtime CEO, Les Wexner, step down from the company. “I have decided that now is the right time to pass the reins to new leadership.” Quick Headlines: Banana Republic announced a new partnership with Postmates, introducing on-demand delivery in select markets.   Gap Inc. is the latest retail...

2/22/20 - Weekend Edition: Tim Nybo, Vincero Watches

February 22, 2020 15:50 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

Tim is a co-founder of Vincero, a rapidly growing direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand based in San Diego. Vincero designs and manufactures modern accessories that elevate your look, last a lifetime and don't cost a fortune. Head to vincerowatches.com to find incredible watches and an incredible customer experience waiting for you. 

Apple Warns It Won’t Meet Quarter Revenue Expectations Because Of Coronavirus Epidemic - 2/18/20

February 18, 2020 18:47 - 3 minutes - 2.64 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Opening This is Today in Five with Madison Huffman, for today, Tuesday, February 18th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. The coronavirus epidemic has had a dramatic global impact, even on the global economy. Apple’s warning that it wouldn’t meet revenue expectations underscores those far-reaching effects.   First, here are the latest headlines. Rent The Runway Chooses Amazon Exec for Chief ...

Shopify COO Says DTC Is “No Longer A Fad” - 2/17/20

February 17, 2020 20:47 - 4 minutes - 4.37 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five with Madison Huffman, for today, Monday, February 17th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. DTC has been a rapidly growing trend in the age of online shopping. According to Shopify’s COO, direct-to-consumer retail is more than just a fad, it’s here to stay.   First, here are the latest headlines. Stitch Fix Shop Your Looks Feature Out of Beta The new Stitch...

Weekend Edition: Karin Dillie from The RealReal -2/15/20

February 15, 2020 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MB

We had the pleasure of talking to Karin Dillie from The RealReal. She is the Director of Trusts and Estates at The RealReal. She advises professional fiduciaries, lawyers and wealth managers on the sale of estates, trusts, and single-owner collections.     Karin started her career at Sotheby's in the Valuations and Estate Management Department, where she oversaw the appraisal of art and home decor for high net worth clients. At Sotheby's, she then proceeded to oversee the sale of ...

2/13/20 - What Harry’s And Brandless Mean For DTC Disruptors

February 13, 2020 17:00 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five with Madison Huffman, for today, Thursday, February 13th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Harry’s and Brandless both suffered major setbacks this week, revealing the limits and struggles direct-to-consumer disruptors are facing. First, here are the latest headlines. Goop and Banana Republic Launch Co-Branded Collection Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop brand is la...

2/12/20 - How Strip Malls Are Becoming A Prime Location For Retailers

February 12, 2020 20:40 - 4 minutes - 3.97 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Wednesday, February 12th. I’m your new host, Madison Huffman, reporting on the latest developments in the modern business world. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Strip malls, once historically ignored by some retailers, are now becoming a valuable alternative to traditional malls. First, here are the latest headlines. Brandless Shutting Down ...

2/8/20 - Weekend Edition: Dr. Josh Axe, Founder of Ancient Nutrition

February 08, 2020 13:09 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MB

On this weekend edition of "Today in Five", host Vincent Phamvan sits down with Dr. Josh Axe, the Founder of Ancient Nutrition (AncientNutrition.com) and DrAxe.com. He's a Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine, a Doctor of Chiropractic and Clinical Nutritionist with a passion to help people get healthy by empowering them to use nutrition to fuel their health. He's also the best-selling author of Keto Diet and Eat Dirt as well as the upcoming Collagen Diet book.   Dr. Josh Axe has be...

2/5/20 - The FTC Sued To Block Harry’s Acquisition By Edgewell

February 05, 2020 21:11 - 5 minutes - 4.59 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Wednesday, February 5th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. The Federal Trade Commission announced they sued to block the $1.37 billion dollar acquisition of Harry’s by Edgewell Personal Care. The complaint against the deal was that the merger would eliminate one of the most important competitive forces in a shaving industry long controlled by two...

2/3/20 - Kim Kardashian’s Expansion Into Nordstrom Is A Sign Of The Changing DTC Times

February 03, 2020 20:52 - 5 minutes - 4.59 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Monday, February 3rd. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Is Kim Kardashian’s move into wholesale with Nordstrom a sign of the changing DTC times? In this episode, we explore how Kim, who has an impressive social media following and online presence, still needed Nordstrom to expand and grow her SKIMS brand. First, here are the latest headlines. F...

1/31/20 - Amazon Reports Sales Boom After The Rollout Of One-Day Prime Delivery

January 31, 2020 21:14 - 4 minutes - 4.43 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Friday, January 31st. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Amazon has reported a sales boom, one that executives say was caused by the roll-out of one-day free shipping for Prime members. First, here are the latest headlines. UPS and Waymo Piloting Autonomous Package Pick Up UPS and Waymo, a self-driving vehicle company, are partnering to launch ...

1/29/20 - Apple Emerges From Sales Slump With Record Revenue

January 29, 2020 20:06 - 4 minutes - 4.53 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Wednesday, January 29th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Apple reported a jump in revenue after experiencing slowing iPhone sales the prior year.   First, here are the latest headlines. Pinterest Introduces AR-Based Service Pinterest is introducing a new augmented reality-based service called Try On. Customers can open the Pinterest camera i...

1/27/20 - Homeland Security Is Cracking Down On E-Commerce Counterfeits

January 27, 2020 20:35 - 5 minutes - 5.34 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Monday, January 27th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. With the rise of e-commerce has come the rise of counterfeit goods. The U.S. is now vowing to crack down on those counterfeit goods. First, here are the latest headlines. David's Bridal Introduces Digital Wedding Planning Tools David’s Bridal introduced a series of digital wedding plannin...

1/24/20 - Macy’s And Zola Team Up As The Department Store Retailer Switches Up Its Strategy

January 24, 2020 19:53 - 4 minutes - 4.25 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Friday, January 24th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Macy’s has partnered with wedding website, Zola, as the department store retailer tries to balance brick-and-mortar and e-commerce sales. First, here are the latest headlines. NYC Council Bans Cashless Retail and Food Establishments The New York City Council passed a ban on cashless retai...

1/23/20 - Netflix In The Age Of The Streaming Wars

January 23, 2020 17:50 - 4 minutes - 4.21 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Thursday, January 23rd. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Netflix is feeling the effects of fierce competition in the streaming space. As players like Disney Plus and Apple TV+ enter the space, Netflix is seeing slower growth in subscriber numbers.   First, here are the latest headlines. Tesla First $100 Billion Publicly Listed U.S. Carmaker T...

1/22/20 - Amazon Files Trademarks For Amazon Pharmacy

January 22, 2020 19:59 - 4 minutes - 4.08 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Wednesday, January 22nd. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Amazon has filed trademarks for Amazon Pharmacy, signaling the potential for the retail giant to move into selling prescription drugs outside the U.S.   First, here are the latest headlines. Payless ShoeSource Emerges from Chapter 11 Payless ShoeSource has emerged from Chapter 11 bankr...

1/20/20 - Rent The Runway Expands Partnership With Nordstrom Through New Pilot

January 20, 2020 17:46 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Monday, January 20th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Rent the Runway is continuing to expand its partnership with Nordstrom. The companies are piloting a new Rent the Runway service at select Nordstrom Rack locations.   First, here are the latest headlines. Facebook Will Not Sell Ads on WhatsApp Facebook is backing off its plan to sell ads ...

1/17/20 - Gap Inc. Nixes Plan To Spin Off Old Navy

January 17, 2020 18:58 - 4 minutes - 3.86 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Friday, January 17th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Gap Inc. announced it no longer plans to spin off Old Navy brand following softer business performance and abrupt departure of two top company executives. First, here are the latest headlines. Smart Speaker Ownership Growing in U.S. According to a December 2019 survey by NPR and Edison Re...

1/16/20 - Los Angeles Taxis Try To Get With The Ride-Hailing Times

January 16, 2020 11:53 - 6 minutes - 6.22 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Thursday, January 16th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft have waged a not so silent war on taxis. The effect can especially be felt in Los Angeles, but now the city and taxis are trying to evolve to compete with the ride-hailing services.   First, here are the latest headlines. Retailers Rediscovering ...

1/15/20 - H&M Utilizes Innovation For Sustainability Initiatives

January 15, 2020 19:54 - 4 minutes - 4.48 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Thursday, January 16th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. H&M debuted two new innovative recycling bins for shoppers to drop their unwanted clothes and see the difference they’re making. First, here are the latest headlines. Visa Buying Plaid In a deal worth a whopping $5.3 billion dollars, payments giant Visa is buying start-up Plaid the comp...

1/14/20 - Amazon Reportedly Planning Its Own Luxury Apparel Platform

January 14, 2020 20:16 - 4 minutes - 4.53 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Tuesday, January 14th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. According to Women’s Wear Daily, Amazon is working on its own luxury apparel platform. The move would be a far cry from the current trajectory for the retailer, who has mostly sold generic brands through third-party sellers. First, here are the latest headlines. PVH Planning to Sell Nike ...

1/13/20 - Proctor & Gamble Plans To Acquire DTC Disruptor Brand, Billie

January 13, 2020 19:15 - 5 minutes - 4.91 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Monday, January 13th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Proctor & Gamble announced its plans to acquire DTC grooming startup, Billie. The acquisition is the latest in a string of P&G snapping up younger DTC brands and could help the company reach a younger audience of consumers.   First, here are the latest headlines. Lululemon Name Chief Brand...

1/10/20 - West Elm Forms Partnership With Plant Startup Bloomscape

January 10, 2020 13:02 - 5 minutes - 5 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Friday, January 10th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Bloomscapes has formed a partnership with West Elm, marking its first partnership with a major retailer. According to a company press release, Bloomscape products will be available on West Elm’s U.S. website.   First, here are the latest headlines. Forever 21 Relaunching International Onli...

1/9/20 - The Rise of Instagram as a Shopping Destination for Consumers and Brands

January 09, 2020 11:00 - 4 minutes - 4.34 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Thursday, January 9th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. As social commerce grows, Instagram is starting to establish itself as a shopping destination through new features and capabilities. Will 2020 see the rise of Instagram as one of the top shopping destinations for consumers and brands? First, here are the latest headlines. Goop Products Be...

1/8/20 - Ikea To No Longer Sell On Amazon Marketplace In The U.S.

January 08, 2020 12:32 - 4 minutes - 3.87 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Wednesday, January 8th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Ikea is the latest in a string of retailers who will no longer sell on Amazon.   First, here are the latest headlines. New Study Underscores Importance of Customer Wait Times Buy online, pick-up in-store services are becoming a popular method for consumers in a hurry and an increasingly...

1/7/20 - SmileDirectClub Inks Exclusive Deal With Retail Giant, Walmart

January 07, 2020 11:52 - 4 minutes - 4.53 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Tuesday, January 7th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. SmileDirectClub is starting off 2020 strong with a new partnership with Walmart. As part of the deal, SmileDirectClub will debut a host of products across Walmart’s more than 3,800 U.S. stores. First, here are the latest headlines. Bed Bath and Beyond Selling Some of Its Real Estate Bed B...

Tech Giants Look To New York City For Space And Talent - 1/6/20

January 06, 2020 20:16 - 5 minutes - 5.01 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Monday, January 6th. Here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Tech companies are increasingly looking to establish their presence in New York City, creating job openings and drawing in top tech talent to the city.   First, here are the latest headlines. Walmart Media Group Unveils Self-serve Ad Portal Walmart Media Group, the advertising arm of the r...

1/3/20 - Ulta Beauty, Influencer Marketing, and The Rise of E-Commerce

January 03, 2020 17:08 - 5 minutes - 5.1 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Friday, January 3rd. Here are today’s latest headlines in digital disruption. Once the leading force in the beauty market, department stores have lost their footing to Ulta, the rise of e-commerce, and influencer marketing. First, here are the latest headlines. It's Return Season It’s officially return season. According to a company press release, UPS expects...

1/2/20 - A Look Back at 2019

January 02, 2020 16:56 - 4 minutes - 4.03 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Thursday, January 2nd. Today we’ll take a look back at the biggest trends and headlines of 2019 as we start the new year. 2019 was a big year for the retail and e-commerce industries. Between record-breaking holiday sales, tariff concerns, CEO departures, and more, there’s a lot to cover. So here are a few of the things we thought were noteworthy in 2019.   Bla...

Disney and Target Join Forces In A Winning Partnership -12/26/19

December 26, 2019 08:00 - 4 minutes - 3.99 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Thursday, December 26th, here are today’s headlines in digital disruption. Over the summer, Target announced it was opening mini Disney theme shops within some of its stores, as well as a Disney digital experience in the Target app. With movie-based toys increasing in popularity, this is a winning partnership for the two companies. First, here’s what’s making h...

Digitally-Native Brands Struggle While Private Labels Thrive -12/20/19

December 20, 2019 08:00 - 4 minutes - 3.82 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Friday, December 20th, Here’s today’s headlines in digital disruption. There’s a lot of buzz around digitally-native brands, but while direct-to-consumer brands struggle to reach profitability, private labels are thriving. First, here’s what’s making headlines.   Hibbett Sports Gets New CEO Former CEO of City Gear will be stepping into the CEO role at Hibbett...

Amazon Drives Fulfillment Network Expansion -12/19/19

December 19, 2019 08:00 - 6 minutes - 5.65 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Thursday, December 19th. Here is today’s headlines in digital disruption. While many blame Amazon for driving high consumer expectations, it also seems to have clear benefits for retailers trying to keep up by driving businesses to create new resources and fulfillment networks for smaller retailers. First, here’s what’s making headlines.   Third-Party Delivery...

Disney Adapts To The Evolving Entertainment Industry -12/18/19

December 18, 2019 09:45 - 5 minutes - 5 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing. Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Wednesday, December 18th. Here's today’s headlines in digital disruption. As we enter a new era of entertainment where streaming services online is becoming a more popular alternative to cable subscriptions, Disney has made key strategic moves to stay at the top of the market. But is it enough to compete with players like Netflix and Amazon? First, here’s what’s ...

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Craze Drives One Retailer’s Business -12/16/19

December 16, 2019 08:00 - 4 minutes - 4 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction This is Today in Five, for today, Monday, December 16th, I'm Vincent Phamvan with today’s headlines in digital disruption. The ugly Christmas sweater craze is more than a tradition for one retailer, it’s their entire business. Ugly Christmas Sweater.com has found success selling bizarre and fun holiday sweaters online.   Hulu Launches Ad Experience Targeting Binge-Watchers Hulu launched a new ...

Digitally-Native Brands Find Profitability In Traditional Brick-And-Mortar -12/13/19

December 13, 2019 08:00 - 4 minutes - 4.12 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction With your Retail E-Commerce Briefing for today, Friday, December 13th, I'm Vincent Phamvan. As you’ve seen in the past few months, the lines between retail and consumer services are quickly fading. Next week, we’ll be rebranding this podcast as Today in Five, a daily briefing on all things digital disruption. Unilever acquired Dollar Shave Club for $1 billion dollars over three years ago and th...

Walmart Partners With Nuro To Test Autonomous Grocery Delivery -12/12/19

December 12, 2019 09:12 - 3 minutes - 3.59 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction With your Retail E-Commerce Briefing for today, Thursday, December 12th, I'm Vincent Phamvan. Walmart has partnered with robotics company, Nuro, to test driverless grocery delivery in Houston. Autonomous grocery delivery is still in its early stages, but as big players like Walmart pilot the new technology, it could see a wider rollout in the coming years. First, here are some retail headlines....

Facebook Considers Big New York Office Expansion -12/11/19

December 11, 2019 08:00 - 4 minutes - 4.04 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction With your Retail E-Commerce Briefing for today, Wednesday, December 11th, I'm Vincent Phamvan. Facebook is in talks to lease a building in Manhattan, a deal that would make it one of New York City’s largest corporate tenants. First, here are some retail headlines.   Uber May Extend Delivery to Most Retailers In a statement from the CEO of Uber, the popular ride-hailing company could extend it...

A Look Inside Rent the Runway’s New Partnership -12/10/19

December 10, 2019 16:26 - 5 minutes - 5.31 MB

From the Simplr studios in San Francisco, this is your daily briefing.   Introduction With your Retail E-Commerce Briefing for today, Tuesday, December 10th, I'm Vincent Phamvan. Rent the Runway just formed a partnership with W Hotels to create a unique clothing rental experience. The company has embraced partnerships as they’ve continued to grow and it’s since influenced how traditional retail players innovate.   First, here are some retail headlines.   IKEA Buys Majority Stag...