CreativeDrive, a global independent creative and content creation company, has acquired Decora, a 3D visualization and augmented reality (AR) startup, in a structured deal potentially worth more than $100 million, according to a company statement. Decora provides scalable 3D product models and hyper-realistic CGI scenes for use in product visualization, AR and immersive experiences. CreativeDrive creates scenes tailored to retailers’ needs using assets that can be rendered into 360-degree product shots and integrated into a web site. Users can rotate the scenes, allowing clients to show off a complete image of their product. Retailers can use the scenes in augmented reality programs as well, allowing consumers to see products in their homes digitally before making a purchase.

Gladson has acquired FSEnet+, a product data management and syndication provider, and Webcollage, a cloud-based platform that allows manufacturers to manage and publish rich product information for retailer sites. Gladson provides brands with a digital content hub of consumer goods product information and images, as well as store optimization services. "Our clients are struggling working with multiple providers of product information and digital assets due to inconsistent formats, and ever changing product labeling and packaging,” said Paul Salay, CEO at Gladson in a statement. “Retailers and other data recipients need complete and consistent data to power their e-Commerce web sites and to optimize their shelf management process. By combining the FSEnet+ product data management engine with the Webcollage platform, Content Publisher, we have taken significant steps to enable a more efficient transfer of information between supply and demand."

To keep pace in the sprint to integrate online and offline shopper experiences at every touch point, Nordstrom has acquired two Seattle-based retail technology startups: BevyUp and MessageYes. BevyUp is a platform designed to enable sales associates to communicate with each other on the back end, encourage shoppers to share product information with each other and browse items together online. Nordstrom will incorporate the platform into a new mobile app for employees that the retailer will roll out later in 2018.

Astound Commerce has merged with Fluid, a digital CX and software solutions company, to create a commerce-led digital experience agency. The combined organization will provide digital design, consulting and engagement marketing. The merger doubles U.S. operations for Astound Commerce, adding a presence in New York to its offices in San Francisco, London, Munich, Hamburg, Dubai and Toronto. The combined company will employ nearly 800 people. Astound Commerce CEO Igor Gorin will lead the merged company as CEO.

A special committee of the Nordstrom Board of Directors rejected an acquisition proposal from members of the Nordstrom family, determining that the bid, worth approximately $8.4 billion, was inadequate. The founding family members who crafted the bid include company Co-Presidents Blake W. Nordstrom, Peter E. Nordstrom, and Erik B. Nordstrom; President of Stores James F. Nordstrom; Chairman Emeritus Bruce A. Nordstrom; and Anne E. Gittinger,the granddaughter of company Co-Founder John W. Nordstrom.