1. Walmart enters the metaverse with Roblox experiences aimed at younger shoppers: The retail giant’s first foray into the virtual world will feature a blimp that drops toys, a music festival with hot artists, a bunch of different games, and a store of virtual merchandise. – Read More on CNBC

2. The top luxury categories for US luxury buyers: The top product category is footwear, followed by handbags and leather goods, cosmetics and beauty products, and fragrance. Less than 1/3 of these shoppers bought accessories such as eyewear, jewelry, and watches in the past year. – Read More on Insider Intelligence

3. How brands and retailers are actually using AR and VR. In 2022, more marketers are using augmented reality for brand engagement and sales than are still dabbling in virtual reality. – Read More on Modern Retail

4. How live shopping platforms are shaping the future of e-commerce: Even with all the convenience and access it boasts, there is one obvious absence in the online shopping experience … the curation and guidance offered during a traditional shopping trip. – Read More on Fortune

5. UK high street warned not to expect return of pre-Covid Christmas: The number of people visiting UK shops this Christmas could remain almost a fifth below pre-pandemic levels as shoppers struggle with the cost of living crisis, according to forecasts. – Read More on the Guardian