Consumer Fave: A Market Force Information survey of 10,000 US consumers found that Nordstrom still holds the top spot as their favorite premium fashion retailer. Plus-size retailer Lane Bryant took the second spot—recording a 7-percentage-point increase compared with last year—while Dillard's, Forever 21 and Kohl's tied for third.
Futuristic Groceries: What does the store of the future look like? According to 1,100 US adults polled by Phononic, it's all about convenience. Nearly nine in 10 respondents said they would shop in a store that understood how to make grocery shopping a more seamless experience. Meanwhile, 64% said they would be more likely to buy products if they were grouped together—for example, chips and dip.
OTC Market: Amazon has unveiled a new line of over-the-counter products, which is a "possible challenge to pharmacy retail chains," CNBC reports. According to eMarketer's Retail Database, Amazon's net sales increased 38.2% in Q4 2017.
New Collaboration: Williams-Sonoma's portfolio of brands, which consists of Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen, is teaming up with Lilly Pulitzer for an exclusive collection. The partnership will include bedding and furniture, as well as a limited-edition womenswear collection incorporating Lilly Pulitzer's signature Palm Beach style.