Loyalty360 Reads: December 4 | UPS Slaps Shipping Limits on Gap, Sleep Number Announces Partnership With Make-A-Wish, and More

WSJ: UPS Slaps Shipping Limits on Gap, Nike to Manage E-Commerce Surge
The Wall Street Journal reports that United Parcel Service Inc. imposed shipping restrictions on some large retailers such as Gap and Nike this week, an early sign that the pandemic-fueled online shopping season is stretching delivery networks to their limits.

The delivery giant on Cyber Monday notified drivers across the U.S. to stop picking up packages at six retailers, including L.L. Bean Inc., Hot Topic Inc., Newegg Inc. and Macy’s, according to an internal message viewed by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by UPS workers in different regions. “No exceptions,” the message said.

The move comes during a holiday season when retailers are increasingly dependent on delivery companies to move online orders, as store traffic has plummeted during the coronavirus pandemic—a dynamic that has shifted power significantly. UPS and rival FedEx Corp. have raised prices and promised to hold merchants to volume agreements.
 
Sleep Number Announces Partnership With Make-A-Wish
Sleep Number Corporation announced a partnership with Make-A-Wish® to give the gift of quality sleep to children battling critical illnesses. This partnership builds on Sleep Number’s dedication to improving the lives of youth through quality sleep. Since 2018, Sleep Number has improved the wellbeing of over a half-million youth through strategic partnerships and initiatives.

This year Make-A-Wish has received an increase for home-based wishes - such as room makeovers - to help immunocompromised children find sanctuary as they shelter-in-place. With aligned missions of improving lives, it was a natural fit for Sleep Number to become a Make-A-Wish partner. The company will help fulfill room makeover wishes and gift Sleep Number 360® smart beds to “wish kids” – and has plans to sprinkle in some surprises through its partnership with the NFL. In addition, Sleep Number’s entire smart sleeper community will be able to support “wish kids;” Sleep Number® Insiders can donate their InnerCircle® Rewards points to provide additional donations to Make-A-Wish.
 
Wyndham App Upgrade Focuses On Low-Contact Features
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched its updated mobile app for iOS and Android, prioritizing low-contact in-stay features.

Among the key offerings in the new app are features and functionality meant to simplify the hotel booking process. Guests can leverage mobile check-in and check-out to reduce contact between themselves and hotel staff at nearly 300 hotels across the country. The Lightning Book feature, designed for road trips, helps users find and book the nearest Wyndham hotel, and digital room keys will be rolling out soon.
 
Sephora moving its J.C. Penney stores into Kohl’s
Beauty seller Sephora, which managed to thrive with its store-within-a-store concept even as J.C. Penney was driven to bankruptcy, has announced it is moving operations from J.C. Penney to Kohl’s.

The first 200 locations will open in fall 2021 and a total of at least 850 Sephora outlets will find a new home at Kohl’s.
 
 
Caleres, owner of Famous Footwear, Reorganizes
Jay Schmidt has been named President of Caleres, effective immediately, and will assume responsibility for all of the consumer and brand strategy for Caleres’ entire portfolio, which includes Famous Footwear, Allen Edmonds, Dr. Scholl’s, Naturalizer, Sam Edelman and Vionic, among others.

Schmidt most recently held the position of Division President, Caleres Brand Portfolio, where he has added to his already-strong portfolio knowledge. Prior to joining the company in 2009, Schmidt spent more than 25 years developing his extensive merchandising, portfolio management and brand marketing experience.
 

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