The Indicator | November 21st, 2025

Target is launching a ChatGPT-powered app next week, making it the latest retail giant to embrace AI shopping. The app, which allows customers to build baskets, get ideas, and complete purchases through conversational AI, marks OpenAI’s most significant retail expansion as it seeks to capture substantial commerce revenue. (Tech Buzz)

Clarks is expanding its digital reach by launching on new online marketplaces globally, including unexpected partners like Shein, TikTok Shop, Walmart, and Target. The U.K.-based footwear company aims to reach new consumers and simplify online product discovery and purchase. Recently, Clarks went live on Shein and Secret Sales in the U.K., with plans to expand onto Secret Sales Netherlands and Dress for Less across Europe this year. (WWD) 

Skechers, long known for comfortable slip-ons, has pivoted to performance footwear. The pivot started in 2022 through a sponsorship of the U.S. Open for pickleball. This led to expansions into soccer and basketball, and signing professional athletes. The performance division is “an increasingly important part of the brand’s growth story.” To succeed, the brand must create compelling products, challenge established competitors, and change consumer perception. (Retail Dive) 

South Korea’s top beauty retailer, Olive Young, is launching its first US stores in Los Angeles in May 2026. The 26-year-old retailer, which outpaced competitors like the now-departed Sephora in South Korea, will leverage its trend-responsiveness and pricing. However, it must build awareness and attract K-beauty brands currently opting for other US retailers. The expansion comes as Sephora and Ulta increase their own K-beauty imports. (Business of Fashion) 

E.l.f. Beauty and Beekman 1802 partnered with Kindness.org to launch the “The Sound of Kindness” social-first campaign for World Kindness Day. Inspired by the emotional benefits of audio, the effort features audiovisual stories from all participating brands, designed to disrupt users’ feeds and combat doomscrolling. E.l.f. and Beekman 1802 also returned to Roblox and E.l.f. hosted a Twitch livestream on the science of sound and emotion. (Retail Dive) 

ODDITY (owner of IL MAKIAGE and SpoiledChild) announced the launch of METHODIQ, a medical telehealth platform delivering customized, high-efficacy treatments powered by online diagnosis. The platform begins with dermatology treatments for acne, hyperpigmentation and eczema, with plans to expand into additional medical domains. (Business Wire) 

Nuuly clothing rental subscribers can now return their monthly totes directly to Urban Outfitters stores across the U.S., according to a press release. This new in-store return program aims to create a seamless experience, draw Gen Z customers into stores, and offer benefits like faster processing, instant updates, a 15% discount through Dec. 24, and gifts at some locations. (Retail Dive) 

Google searches for “boneless couches” and related terms, non-existent before this year, are now surging, with searches for “boneless couch,” “boneless sofa,” “couch in a box,” and “boneless chaise lounge” all peaking in November. The #bonelesscouch hashtag has been used in 13,200 TikTok videos. “Boneless couches,” known for their lack of internal wooden frames, are constructed entirely of foam, compressed, and vacuum-packed in small boxes, much like mattress-in-a-box products. (Retail Brew)