It’s been another week with far more retail news than there is time in the day. Below, we break down some things you may have missed during the week, and what we’re still thinking about.
From Gap teaming up with Dapper Dan to Chewy’s purrfectly adorable Santa Claus campaign, here’s our closeout for the week.
What you may have missed
Dick’s names private label chief
Dick’s Sporting Goods earlier this week announced Chad Kessler has become its executive vice president of vertical brandsaccording to a company LinkedIn post.
Kessler spent over eight years at American Eagle Outfitters holding a number of roles, including president of American Eagle premium brands, global brand president of American Eagle, and executive vice president and chief merchandising and design officer. Kessler also held leadership roles at Urban Outfitters, Coach and Abercrombie & Fitch.
As executive vice president of vertical brands at Dick’s, Kessler will be responsible for overseeing the company’s strategymanagement and execution of Dick’s private label organization, according to Women’s Wear Daily.
Amazon launches virtual healthcare for common ailments
Amazon may be behaving less and less like a retailerand now it’s more like a healthcare provider than ever. The e-commerce giant on Tuesday announced the launch of Amazon Clinica message-based virtual health service available in 32 states that offers care from licensed providers.
The clinicians can diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for more than 20 common health conditions, including acne, hair loss and allergies.
The service, which comes on top of Amazon’s recent acquisition of One Medical and its existing pharmacy business, is available round the clock, seven days a week through Amazon’s website and mobile app. Prices vary by provider, and Amazon Clinic doesn’t accept insurance, though prescriptions (which can also be filled at any pharmacy) may be covered by many health plans.
Dapper Dan partners with Gap on hoodies
Permission granted by Gap
Icon and fashion influencer Dapper Dan has once again partnered with Gap on a collection. The new Dap Gap hoodies come in four plaid colorways and retail for $128. The drop will be available on Nov. 29 at the Gap store on 125th St. in Harlem, New York. The apparel will be available widely on the Gap website on Nov. 30.
Retail Therapy
This one is for the Doggs
Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. is fulfilling his retail destiny. Snoop Dogg announced a brand new venture with the introduction of a pet accessory brand named — what else? — Snoop Doggie Doggs.
The collection of apparel, plush toys, bowls, leashes and more, was created in partnership with SMAC Entertainment and Little Earth Productions. It “pulls inspiration from Snoop’s lifestyle” and encourages shoppers to spoil their pets.
“If my dogs ain’t fresh I ain’t fresh. These dogs and their apparel are a reflection of Tha Dogg himself, so they gotta look the role of a Top Dog, ya dig?!?!” Snoop Dogg said in a statement.
The company wants you to drop it like it’s hot and grab one of its apparel products that range in size from XS to XL, or in a “big dog” size. Items cost between $14.99 and $99.99.
You can find Snoop Doggie Dogs on its namesake website and on Amazon.
To spread holiday cheer to pets, Chewy launches ‘Letters to Chewy Claus’
With the holidays around the corner, many are curating their wish lists of items they hope to receive this year.
But online pet retailer Chewy didn’t want humans to have all of the fun, so this week it launched its “Letters to Chewy Claus” initiative.
Courtesy of Chewy
The retailer created a “pet-friendly website” so pets can share their holiday wish lists for Chewy Claus to determine if they’ve been naughty or nice. Pets who submit their lists by Dec. 15 will receive their gifts by the new year.
“At Chewy, we know pets are a part of the family and we wanted to give them a way to truly participate in the holiday season this year,” Orlena Yeung, vice president of brand marketing at Chewy, said in a statement. “Through Chewy Claus, we are hoping to spread joy while recognizing the most important gift that keeps on giving — the love and companionship of our pets.”
And to extend the holiday spirit further, Chewy has pledged to donate one pound of food to one of its non-profit partners — up to 15,000 pounds — for every letter received.
