Executive Summary

• This week’s note “From the Desk of Deborah Weinswig” looks at the abundance of technology pouring into retail stores.
• In the US, Allbirds is expanding into apparel — starting with socks.
• In Europe, Zara is launching a new online customization feature, which allows shoppers to personalize any items in a newly released 28-piece collection.
• In Asia, Alibaba Group will offer a bigger range of benefits to the members of its paid loyalty program, 88VIP.
• In Latin America, Gap has opened its first Argentinian store.