Executive Summary

• This week’s note “From the Desk of Deborah Weinswig” discusses the current state of UK retail, which has seen a steady stream of store closure announcements despite growing consumer demand.
• Walmart is planning to open a fulfillment center in the Bronx to test same-day grocery delivery in New York City for Jet.com, which it acquired roughly two years ago.
• European department store chains Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt are likely to form a joint venture. Kaufhof owner Hudson’s Bay Company confirmed that it is in talks with Karstadt’s parent company, Signa.
• Alibaba’s Tmall B2C marketplace and trade show organizer Eurovet have teamed up to help industry players sell lingerie, swimwear and activewear in China.