Skip to main content
BoF Logo

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Bits & Bytes | The Retailer Amazon Can't Destroy, Facial Recognition in Stores

This week, Ulta is one Amazon's main competitors in the beauty space, while stores could be tracking customers with facial recognition technology.
Ulta store
Ulta store | Source: Shutterstock (Shutterstock)
By
  • Victoria Berezhna

The One Retailer That Amazon Can't Seem to Destroy Is in Cosmetics (Quartz)
"The bet that Ulta investors are making is that consumers will keep purchasing beauty products based on the experience that specialist beauty stores provide, rather than Amazon being successful at beautifying its online store."

Your Favourite Stores Could Be Tracking You with Facial Recognition (Racked)
"As facial recognition technology becomes more advanced, and more accessible, an increasing number of stores are turning to facial recognition technology to catch shoplifters."

Why Nordstrom Is Betting on High-Touch Tech (Fortune)
"No department store has been more successful at embracing technology — 30 percent of sales for Nordstrom's full-service store division now come online — and that success has helped Nordstrom dodge much of the drama buffeting retail."

Google, Amazon Battle for Smart Speaker Share in Q1 (Retail Dive)
"Global shipments of smart speakers grew 210 percent in the first quarter, reaching 9 million units. Google exceeded Amazon in the quarter, shipping 3.2 million Google Home and Google Home Mini units, while Amazon shipped 2.5 Echo smart speakers."

LVMH Leads $60 Million Lyst Injection (The Business of Fashion)
"Lyst is raising $60 million of which LVMH has contributed roughly 45 percent, according to market sources. The round is closing in two parts, each worth $30 million. As part of the deal, LVMH chief digital officer Ian Rogers will join Lyst's board."

© 2026 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Technology
Analysis and advice on how technology is disrupting fashion and creating new opportunities.
view more
Latest News & Analysis
Unrivalled, world class journalism across fashion, luxury and beauty industries.

Estée Lauder’s Surprise Acquisition, Explained

The American cosmetic giant’s buyout of Ayurvedic beauty line Forest Essentials came as a surprise. By picking an under-the-radar brand it knows well, the company can show that it’s still in the M&A game without needing to outbid rivals.


VIEW MORE
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON