Episode Details

Main Takeaways:

• California bans bots from pretending to be human.

• Finally, brands are getting on board will real-size fashion.

• Brian and Phillip banter over "chose your own ending" episodes.

California Passes Law to Stop Bots From Behaving Badly:

• Bots have earned themselves quite a nasty reputation lately. Sneaker bots specifically have people (especially Phillip) aggravated with how they buy up sneakers, forcing sneakerheads to purchase sneakers after the fact at ridiculous prices.

• Retailer KITH got themselves in a not great situation after they tricked sneaker bots into purchasing the wrong sneakers (they were looking for the Nike OFF-WHITE Air Prestos) and customers who spent a lot of money are all kind of angry.

• California passes a law that bots must present themselves as such, sending brands a signal that they can't automate everything.

• Phillip makes a point that this will add another complication to users.

• The good news about this law is that it will prevent more reputable business from using bots poorly.

• Possible bot opening line after new law: "This is not a real person...... yet.

Will Walmart's Latest Acquisitions Breathe New Life Into Their Brand?

• Walmart has always been seen as this lower quality brand, not being able to compete against other low-cost retailers like Target. Target markets itself as an affordable retailer for people who are both fashion, and wallet-conscious.

• However, it looks like Walmart is stepping up its style game.

• Walmart has also been picking up a lot of popular brands lately, outdoor retailer Moosejaw, vintage woman's retailer ModCloth, menswear retailer Bonobos, and now plus size brand ELOQUII. Will these popular brands find their way into a Walmart near you?

• Brian suggests that perhaps instead Walmart may merge some of these brands into a better "in-store" try on experience.

• Also noteworthy: The acquisition of ELOQUII as well as Bonobos expanding into "big and tall sizes" (ModCloth also offers sizes up to 4x) is pointing to a changing market. People come in all shapes and sizes, and retailers are beginning to honor that. Everyone should have access to clothing that looks good, and fits well.

• In fact a CoreSight report points to this.

Choose Your Own Adventure Episodes: Flashback to the 80's:

• Phillip and Brian get into a heated Twitter debate about interactive content.

• Brian is definitely not a fan of "choose your own adventure" books from the 80's.

• Phillip contrasts them to video games, where you have to take the road less traveled repeatedly until you win.

• Why this is relevant: Netflix announced recently that an upcoming episode of sci-fi series "Black Mirror" (Netflix purchased the rights to Black Mirror in 2015) will contain an interactive element that will allow users to choose their own ending.

• According to Bloomberg,