Hello Omni Talk Fans!
In today’s Retail Daily Minute:
- Kroger expands its DoorDash partnership, leveraging DashMart Fulfillment Services to deliver groceries and household goods from over 100 warehouse locations nationwide.
- Gap Inc. launches a creator affiliate program across Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, recruiting micro-influencers to strengthen cultural connections and combat AI-driven marketing fatigue.
- Google expands its try-on tool to shoes and rolls out to Australia, Canada, and Japan, using AI to help shoppers visualize footwear and clothing before purchasing.
- And, my “One Big Thought” for the day on micro-influencers.
Plus, a quote from a film in which Dennis Quaid gets microscopic.
👇 Listen now
Today’s Top Headlines
1. Kroger Partners with DoorDash’s DashMart Fulfillment Services for Expanded Delivery
Kroger will partner with DoorDash’s DashMart Fulfillment Services to offer grocery delivery through DoorDash’s network of delivery-focused stores nationwide. This expands their existing partnership and could help Kroger reach areas without its own stores. The move comes as Kroger’s e-commerce sales grew 16% but remain unprofitable. (Read More)
2. Gap Inc. Launches Creator Affiliate Platform Across All Brands
Gap Inc. launched a creator affiliate program for Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, targeting US creators with 1,000+ followers. The platform offers commissions, product access, and content collaboration as part of its “Fashiontainment” strategy, marking a return to micro-influencer marketing amid growing consumer skepticism toward AI-generated content. (Read More)
3. Google Expands AI Try-On Technology to Shoes and New Markets
Google’s AI-powered try-on technology is expanding to shoes, allowing shoppers to visualize footwear on themselves using full-length photos. The feature, which accurately perceives shapes and depths, is also rolling out to Australia, Canada, and Japan. U.S. users have enthusiastically embraced the technology, sharing try-on images more than standard listings. (Read More)
4. NYC Expands Free Delivery Locker Program to Combat Package Theft
NYC’s Department of Transportation is expanding its LockerNYC program by adding 36 free public delivery lockers, totaling 70 locations. The initiative combats package theft and reduces truck traffic. Since launching in April 2024, users made over 15,000 reservations. This represents the pilot’s final phase before next summer’s evaluation. (Read More)
5. IKEA Retailer Ingka Group Acquires AI Logistics Firm Locus to Transform Delivery
Ingka Group, Ikea’s largest retailer, acquired U.S.-based AI logistics company Locus to enhance delivery capabilities and gain greater control over its fulfillment chain. Part of Ingka’s digital transformation strategy, the acquisition brings advanced route optimization and real-time tracking technology in-house while Locus remains operationally independent. (Read More)
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Be careful out there,
— Chris, Anne, and the entire Omni Talk team
Omni Talk® is the retail blog for retailers, written by retailers. Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga founded Omni Talk® in 2017 and have quickly turned it into one of the fastest growing blogs in retail.