WALMART, TARGET, KOHL’S LOOK TO CUT AMAZON’S APPAREL LEAD

With Macy’s due to provide an update tomorrow, after Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s set the tone last week, businesses of all sizes are attempting to narrow Amazon’s growing moat in the vital retail apparel area. As he attempts to correct the ship in severe seas, the action is fast and fierce. When we compare PYMNTS data to earnings releases and associated news from the big retailers in recent weeks, we notice that the Amazon-Walmart slugfest continues, with Amazon maintaining its position as the leading power in clothes. Walmart+ Weekend in June and Prime Day in July provided an insight into the respective strengths of these two carefully watched competitors during an earnings season dominated by inflationary warnings.

With Macy’s likely to deliver an update tomorrow, following the lead established by Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s last week, businesses of all sizes are striving to shrink Amazon’s widening moat in the critical retail apparel space. The action is rapid and intense as he seeks to correct the ship in rough seas. When we compare PYMNTS data to recent earnings releases and related news from the top retailers, we see that the Amazon-Walmart slugfest continues, with Amazon maintaining its position as the dominant force in clothing. During an earnings season marked by inflationary warnings, Walmart+ Weekend in June and Prime Day in July provided insight into the different strengths of these two well regarded competitors.

“Amazon’s range of clothing and accessories may not be more extensive than Walmart’s, but the variety of brands available allows Amazon to appeal to a broad demographic,” that report noted. “Amazon owns more than 50 in-house fashion labels and counts Zappos and ShopBop among its retail brands.” As Walmart tries shoppable videos and influencer marketing, the report points to “Walmart’s recent partnership with online thrift giant thredUP allows consumers to browse thousands of items online and get free shipping on orders above $35” as an example of its innovation. Facing pressures of their own, others in the Amazon and Walmart competitive set are making moves in beauty, apparel and fashion-adjacent categories as virtually all retailers struggled with discounting overstocks that failed to move during the first half.