This week, Amazon launches a platform for small and medium-sized businesses, while virtual influencers challenge the status quo of the modelling industry.

This week, Instagram is tapping into e-commerce with a new platform, while Amazon is projected to overtake Walmart as the number-one retailer of apparel in the US.

This week, retail design is adapting to an internet age, while luxury e-commerce platforms launch initiatives to highlight young talent.

This week, Google is reported to soon be signing the lease on its first permanent store, while merchandising in retail continues to evolve with the integration of analytics and digital solutions.

This week, Farfetch registered to take the company public, while Walmart has applied for two US patents that signal towards a VR strategy in retail.

This week, H&M turns to tech to build a stronger business and drive operational efficiencies, while a new wave of modelling agencies offer brands virtual models.

This week, WeChat's advanced-feature offering experiences rapid growth, while artificial intelligence is helping advance the sustainable fashion movement.

This week, Shanghai-based Pinduoduo went public raising $1.6 billion through a US IPO, while the number of US retailers reporting a data breach at any time in the past is up to 75 percent with half of those occurring in the last year.