7 Retailers That Made Pivotal Deals In 2018

Last year, retail and consumer deals remained relatively steady. But the pause in merger and acquisition activity is likely short lived, according to global strategy and management consultancy A.T. Kearney. In a report published earlier this year, the firm predicted more deals to occur as legacy brick-and-mortar players attempt to grow into new markets and find new customers. The firm also anticipated global M&A to heat up and private equity to continue its buying spree. Retailers have not disappointed. This year, Walmart made its largest deal ever — $16 billion to acquire Indian e-commerce business Flipkart — Amazon made moves in the pharma and smart doorbell spaces, and Macy’s picked up popular store concept creator Story. Smaller, sequential deals have also occurred. Authentic Brands, for example, has slowly picked up a number of brands including Vince Camuto, Heritage Home and Nine West. And footwear brand Caleres in October snapped up Vionic for $360 million. Read more at Retail Dive.