Executive Summary

• This week’s note “From the Desk of Deborah Weinswig” looks at the nascent but fast-growing use of wearable technology in retail. 
• In the US, Seattle-based Flexe raised $43 million to expand its capabilities. The company operates like Airbnb but for warehouse space, matching empty space to retail clients needing it.
• Sephora will launch its first outlet in Korea in October, in the capital city’s upscale Gangnam district. Sephora plans to launch five more physical stores and an online store in Korea by next year.
• Walmart Chile announced the company plans to invest $260 million to build more than 20 new stores. The company will also invest $36 million to remodel existing stores.