At a time when retailers usually try to lure shoppers with festive music and decorations, the luxury department store has amped up its website and — in a very out-of-character move — plans to drive traffic through flash sales.

The social media platform says that by selling products directly on their feeds, brands can meet customers where they spend time and reduce the clicks required to convert ad impressions into sales. But brands and consumers aren't fully sold on the idea yet.

This week, renowned journalist Robin Givhan expands her role at The Washington Post, while Bastien Renard joined Rihanna's LVMH-owned Fenty brand as its new managing director.

The American e-commerce giant has been trying to lure luxury fashion brands to its platform for years. Now, it’s new, mobile-only ‘Luxury Stores’ launch aims to adapt the successful template set out by Alibaba’s Tmall for its customers.

Oscar de la Renta is the first and only brand so far, though the company says more are expected to join in the coming weeks.

One thing’s for sure, appointments and digital videos do not a fashion week make. But for now, let’s make the most of it and reconnect as a community, writes Imran Amed.

In a polarised country, dressing political figures can boost brand awareness and sales, but it can also backfire.

Consumers have flocked to services that allow them to pay for their online orders over a period of weeks, months or even years. Brands hope these plans will encourage customers to spend more — but a looming recession could test the business model.