SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
TechnologyDec 07, 2016
Amazon, Rent the Runway Expand Brick-and-Mortar Presence
Amazon has unveiled a grocery store without checkout lines, while Rent the Runway has opened a flagship location.
Amazon’s grocery store that allows customers to purchase items via app and simply exit the store with them will open in early 2017, the company says.
New York--Major e-commerce companies are continuing to invest in brick-and-mortar stores while updating the traditional retail experience through technology.
On Monday, Amazon premiered a video advertising Amazon Go, a grocery store that lets users purchase items via an app. They can simply pick out their groceries and walk out with them--no register or check-out line required.
Amazon is calling the technology that enables this process “just walk out technology,” which features “computer vision, deep learning algorithms, and sensor fusion, much like you’d find in self-driving cars,” the video explains.
With “just walk out technology” shoppers will scan their phones in a machine upon entering the Amazon Go store. Each item the shopper picks up will be added to their virtual shopping cart and deducted if they put it back.
Then, shoppers can simply leave the store when they’re ready. The “just walk out technology” will charge customers for the items they take via a linked credit card account, sending the receipt digitally.
According to Amazon’s website, Amazon Go, which is located in Seattle, is currently open to Amazon employees only in its beta version, but will open to the public in “early 2017.”
The first Amazon Go is compact at 1,800 square feet and features many ready-to-eat options prepared by on-site chefs and local food businesses, plus some grocery essentials.
Amazon Go is one element of a greater grocery store experiment Amazon is conducting.
Business Insider reported that Amazon would like to open 20 grocery store locations over the next two years, 10 that are “click-and-collect” pick-up centers, and 10 that will be “traditional stores,” though it’s unclear if Amazon Go is included in this category or represents a different element entirely.
Over the next 10 years, according to Business Insider, Amazon has visions of opening 2,000 Amazon Fresh-branded grocery stores.
Amazon also has one physical bookstore in Seattle, with another under construction in San Diego.
Meanwhile, another digital-turned-omnichannel company is innovating its physical presence in New York.
Rent the Runway, the fashion, accessory and jewelry rental company, boasts seven brick-and-mortar spaces across the country’s major cities for clients to try on clothing before selecting their rental.
On Tuesday, it opened what it calls its first New York flagship at 30 W. 15th St., shuttering its Flatiron location. (Its Tribeca by-appointment
“Style Salon” is still open.)
The new location is 5,000 square feet, three times the size of the Flatiron location.
The store is designed like a “dream closet” the company said, without any open racks or mannequins. Check-in kiosks allow shoppers to reserve a fitting room; customers will be texted when their rooms are ready.
Store associates will have access to customers’ profiles, aggregated from past experiences with Rent the Runway via its website and app. Profiles will illustrate customer preferences and any upcoming event details.
The space also features a “RTR Bar,” allowing for personal customer service, plus a style studio for personal styling services.
Rent the Runway is playing up its digital/physical relationship with Samsung Mirror Displays that deliver “fun and empowering messages” while customers try clothes on in the fitting rooms.
A Samsung digital wall at the front of the store will display Rent the Runway editorial content.
The new location is 5,000 square feet, three times the size of the Flatiron location.
The store is designed like a “dream closet” the company said, without any open racks or mannequins. Check-in kiosks allow shoppers to reserve a fitting room; customers will be texted when their rooms are ready.
Store associates will have access to customers’ profiles, aggregated from past experiences with Rent the Runway via its website and app. Profiles will illustrate customer preferences and any upcoming event details.
The space also features a “RTR Bar,” allowing for personal customer service, plus a style studio for personal styling services.
Rent the Runway is playing up its digital/physical relationship with Samsung Mirror Displays that deliver “fun and empowering messages” while customers try clothes on in the fitting rooms.
A Samsung digital wall at the front of the store will display Rent the Runway editorial content.
More on Technology
The Latest
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
Weekly QuizJan 22, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
SourcingJan 22, 2026
De Beers To Release ‘A Diamond Is Forever’ BookIt explores the history of the iconic tagline and the company’s strategy to redefine the role of diamonds in society.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Swarovski Appoints New North America PresidentRetail veteran Sindhu Culas has stepped into the role.
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Stuller Names New Chief Merchandising, Marketing, Sales OfficerTaylor Burgess, who has been at Stuller since 2013, was promoted to the newly created role.
PodcastsJan 21, 2026
Episode 1: High Gold Prices, the Diamond Dilemma, & What’s NextWas 2025 a good year for jewelers? Did lab-grown diamonds outsell natural? Find out on the first episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
EditorsJan 21, 2026
6 Jewelry Designers Poised to Have a Breakout Year in 2026Whether you recognize their jewels or are just discovering them now, these designers’ talent and vision make them ones to watch this year.
CrimeJan 21, 2026
4 Men Charged in $1.7M California Smash-and-Grab Jewelry Store RobberyPlus, JSA’s Scott Guginsky discusses the need for jewelers to take more precautions as the gold price continues to climb.
IndependentsJan 21, 2026
Delaware Jeweler Felice Morris Dies at 91Morris’ most cherished role was being a mother and grandmother, her family said.
CollectionsJan 21, 2026
Bulgari Weaves New Collection of ‘Vimini’ Creations“Vimini” is the first chapter of the “Bulgari Eternal” collection that merges archival pieces with modern creations.
Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
