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WWD held its 2020 Retail Forum — focused on “Digital’s Next Wave” — virtually on Sept. 29. The event featured speakers from some of beauty and retail’s biggest companies, and also touched on shopping amid the coronavirus pandemic and the 2020 holiday season. Scroll down for full coverage of the event.
Macy’s Execs Talk Digital Growth and Objectives
The retailer has a well-developed, long-standing online business with room for growth and change.

Macy’s Matt Baer and Nata Dvir. Courtesy of Matt Baer and Nata Dvir
Sephora’s Jean-André Rougeot on the Future of Beauty Retail
“We need to find other reasons for stores to be around.”

Sephora chief executive officer Jean-André Rougeot. Courtesy of Jean-André Rougeot
The value-oriented, promotional retailer is ramping up active and casual categories, simplifying women’s and sees beauty and outerwear as opportunities.

Kohl’s Inc. chief merchandising officer Doug Howe. Courtesy of Doug Howe
Kendra Scott Focuses on Core Values to Weather Pandemic
“Use what has always made you special and lead with that,” said Mindy Perry of Kendra Scott.

Mindy Perry, chief marketing officer of jewelry and accessories at Kendra Scott. Courtesy
Aerie’s E-commerce Demand Surges During Pandemic
The intimates brand continues to be American Eagle Outfitters’ biggest growth driver, with revenues up 32 percent in the most recent quarter.

Jennifer Foyle leads the Aerie and American Eagle teams. Courtesy Photo
Signet Jewelers Pivots as Love and Life Move Online
Despite losses in the last two quarters, Signet’s Jamie Singleton is optimistic about the company’s future in a digital world.

Jamie Singleton, Jamie Singleton, president of the Kay Jewelers, Zales and Peoples divisions of Signet Jewelers Ltd. Courtesy of Jamie Singleton
In the Age of COVID-19, Social Media Proves a Savior for Sales
Social media could prove the difference between sluggish sales and success, if used effectively, expert says.

Michelle Belcic, vice president of brand strategy for Dash Hudson. Courtesy of Michelle Belcic
For Black Beauty Retailers, Community Is Key
Founders from the Brown Beauty Co-Op and BeautyBeez talk fostering community through the coronavirus at the 2020 WWD Retail Forum.

Brittney Ogike, founder and chief executive officer of BeautyBeez (left), and Kimberly Smith, cofounder of the Brown Beauty Co-Op (right).
Beauty Barrage Founder Offers Tips to Bridge In-store, Virtual Selling
The company’s beauty ambassadors have hit on a new set of best practices to drive sales during the pandemic.

Sonia Summers, chief executive officer and founder of Beauty Barrage. Courtesy of Sonia Summers
L’Oréal’s Megan Grant on Pivoting From Department Stores to Digital
“We used to sit around the conference table and wonder how we’d ever get people to buy fragrances online.”

Megan Grant, president of L’Oréal USA Luxe at L’Oréal USA. Courtesy of Megan Grant
Flexibility, Online Agility Key This Holiday Shopping Season
Afterpay’s Melissa Davis shares insights on what retailers can do to succeed this holiday shopping season.

Melissa Davis, head of North America at Afterpay. Courtesy of Melissa Davis
Read more from WWD:
Here’s How Retailers Should Engage Latinx Beauty Shoppers — Beyond Latinx Heritage Month
Retailers Must Earn Trust This Holiday Season
How Strategic Sourcing Is Lighting the Way Through Crisis for Retailers
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