Executive Summary

• This week’s note “From the Desk of Deborah Weinswig” discusses the adaptive clothing and footwear market, which represents a $47.3 billion opportunity in the US.
• Canada-based retailer Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) is set to close all 37 of its Home Outfitters stores in Canada this year. The retailer is also considering closing up to 20 of its 133 Saks OFF 5TH stores in the US, following a strategic review of the business.
• The UK’s Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Ocado Group announced the creation of a 50/50 joint venture that will see M&S acquire a 50% share of Ocado’s UK retail business for up to £750 million ($997.5 million).
• Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com is collaborating with Japan’s Rakuten to develop unstaffed delivery options in Japan. Under the partnership, Rakuten will use JD’s drones and autonomous robots for delivery.