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The Apptopia MCP Server Is Here

Apptopia has launched a new MCP Server product, as indicated by the addition of 'Apptopia MCP Server NEW' to the Products menu and a featured article titled 'The Apptopia MCP Server Is Here'.

Tech Hiring Prioritizes Experience Over Skills; Shift Toward AI Data Roles

A16z's newsletter 'Chart of the Week' analyzes several tech trends based on recent data. It reports that tech job postings since January 2025 show an increased preference for experienced workers and a corresponding decrease in the number of skills required, suggesting an AI-driven shift. This trend is most pronounced in data and systems roles. The newsletter also observes that social media usage is rising, particularly among younger users, but its share of mobile screen time is declining, partially due to increased time on YouTube. Netflix's US users and viewing time have declined over three years, with a 20% drop in YouTube users who also use Netflix. Cybersecurity threats are escalating: the zero-day rate has quadrupled since 2020, and data center construction spending has surged, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.

• Tech job postings show a 5-10% increase in preferred years of experience and a corresponding drop in preferred skills since January 2025.
• Data and systems jobs show the largest premium for experience.
• Netflix weekly users and time spent in the US have dropped ~15% and 30% respectively over the past 3+ years.

Kohl's expands Babies R Us shops as Sephora sales dip

Kohl's is expanding its partnership with Babies R Us, adding shop-in-shops to 56 more stores and introducing an exclusive collection of baby essentials. The move comes as Sephora at Kohl's, previously a key traffic driver, experiences declining sales, down 4% in Q2 after a low-single-digit drop in Q1. The expansion includes new categories like gifting options under $25, Millie Moon diapers, and Hallmark gift sets. This strategic shift highlights Kohl's efforts to diversify its offerings and boost in-store traffic, which has been challenged but is showing signs of recovery.

• Kohl's is expanding Babies R Us shop-in-shops to 56 additional stores.
• Kohl's is launching an exclusive collection of bibs, blankets, and crib sheets under the Babies R Us brand.
• Sephora at Kohl's sales declined 4% in Q2 after a low-single-digit drop in Q1.

Ross Leads Off-Price After Strong Q2 Results

Ross Stores reported a strong Q2 2026: comparable-store sales rose 10% year-over-year, driven by new, returning and more frequent customers, while store traffic increased over 16% per Placer.ai. Total Q2 sales rose 13% to $6.3 billion and net earnings increased 68% to $851.3 million. Operating margin expanded materially (with a significant contribution from $253 million in tariff refunds). Under CEO James Conroy the company has been revamping merchandising and marketing, and Ross raised its 2026 store-opening plan to about 115 locations after opening 47 in Q2 (35 Ross stores and 12 DD’s Discounts). Analysts say Ross likely gained share in the off-price segment versus rivals such as TJX Cos.

• Ross Stores Inc. reported Q2 comparable-store sales increased 10% year-over-year.
• Store visits in Q2 rose more than 16%, according to data from Placer.ai.
• Total Q2 sales rose 13% to $6.3 billion; net earnings increased 68% to $851.3 million.

Kohl's launches another back-to-school deals promotion

Kohl’s launched a new set of back-to-school promotions on Aug. 19, 2026, cutting prices up to 50% across school supplies, apparel and beauty items and offering $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent, plus a weekend giveaway of $5–$100 in Kohl’s Cash while supplies last. The retailer earlier promoted “thousands of products under $25” for the season. Placer.ai data cited in the story shows Q2 store visits fell 1.4% year-over-year (improving from a near-8% decline in Q1). Analysts and market research firms (Morgan Stanley, Circana, NRF) offer mixed outlooks for the back-to-school season, with NRF forecasting nearly 10% sales growth to $43.3 billion but some firms urging caution.

• Kohl’s launched a new back-to-school promotion on Aug. 19, 2026.
• Kohl’s said it is cutting prices as much as 50% on school supplies, apparel and beauty items and previously advertised thousands of products under $25.
• Customers can earn $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent; the retailer is also running a weekend giveaway offering $5 to $100 in Kohl’s Cash while supplies last.