The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Sears Jumps After Deal to Sell Appliances on Amazon

In addition to offering Kenmore products on Amazon, Sears will integrate its smart appliances with Alexa, so air conditioners and other devices will respond to voice commands.

Bloomberg

20 July 2017

NEW YORK, United States — Sears Holdings Corp. climbed as much as 15 percent in early trading after announcing plans to sell its Kenmore appliances on Amazon.com, a reassuring sign for a retailer that's been rattled by e-commerce upheaval.

In addition to offering the Kenmore lineup on Amazon’s site, Sears will integrate its smart appliances with Alexa -- the tech giant’s speech-activated assistant. That means the company’s air conditioners and other devices will respond to voice commands. Terms of the agreement weren’t disclosed.

“The launch of Kenmore products on Amazon.com will significantly expand the distribution and availability of the Kenmore brand in the U.S.,” Sears Chief Executive Officer Eddie Lampert said in a statement.

The announcement sent the shares up as high as $10. The stock had been down 6.6 percent to $8.68 this year through Wednesday’s close.

By Nick Turner.

In This Article

Topics

Retail

Organisations

Sears

Location

New York, United States

Does America Need Another Fast-Fashion Brand? Uniqlo Thinks So

The Japanese apparel chain will be launching its sister brand GU in the US later this year, targeting younger consumers with lower prices and a curated selection of trendy wares.

Indie Brands Are Making This Fashion’s Biggest Olympics Ever

Canada, France and Ireland are among the countries working with home-grown fashion talent to create uniforms for their teams at this summer’s Olympic Games. For these small labels, it’s an unprecedented opportunity to capitalise on one of sports’ largest events.

Shein Steps Up London IPO Preparations Amid US Hurdles to Listing

The online fashion retailer plans to update China’s securities regulator on the change of the initial public offering venue and file with the London Stock Exchange as soon as this month, a person with knowledge of the matter said.

Op-Ed | How Macy’s Can Repel the Barbarians at Its Gate

The company, under siege from Arkhouse Management Co. and Brigade Capital Management, doesn’t need the activists when it can be its own, writes Andrea Felsted.