Executive Summary

• This week’s note “From the Desk of Deborah Weinswig” discusses the recent bankruptcy filing by Toys“R”Us and the challenges that many brick-and-mortar retailers are facing.
• Kohl’s, which is opening some in-store Amazon shops, will start accepting returns for the online retailer at some of its stores in Los Angeles and Chicago starting next month.
• Amazon UK is trialing express delivery of on-trend clothing during London Fashion Week, partnering with Italian-Japanese fashion director Nicola Formichetti to deliver to shoppers’ homes within one hour.
• Natura Cosméticos, a Brazilian cosmetics company, has finalized its acquisition of The Body Shop from L’Oréal for an undisclosed amount—some speculation pegged the sale at close to $1 billion.