Marketing

Minneapolis -- Mid-America Real Estate – Minnesota named Alan Young as principal of the company.

When it comes to what keeps retail CEOs up at night, put exchange rate volatility and over-regulation at the top of the list.

That’s according to PwC’s 19th Annual Global CEO Survey, which explores top business concerns of retail and consumer product CEOs.

Of the many different political, social and economic risks businesses face, those that concern retail sector CEOs the most are over- regulation (37% are extremely concerned), exchange rate volatility (36%), an increasing tax burden (33%), and social instability (29%).

The world’s greatest golfers will gather soon in Augusta, Georgia, for the 80th annual Masters golf tournament, an event with has many similarities to the retail industry and one that serves as a source of inspiration as we look to grow the PGA TOUR Superstore.

Around every turn on the picturesque course, golfers are faced with new challenges and opportunities that require them to balance the risks and rewards of their decision-making against their ability to execute shots all while striving to prevail over a field of unmerciful competitors.

Starbucks has set up shop at Universal Boulevard, a new main street-styled retail destination at Universal Studios Hollywood, in Universal City, California.

The new, 5,000-sq.-ft. store is inspired by the history of Hollywood’s movies and culture.

“We wanted to provide a sense of entertainment,” said Starbucks designer Erich Mele.

A cobbler station and lace customization are key elements of Timberland’s newest store in London.

The new 1,000-sq.-ft. location on Oxford Street, one of London’s busiest shopping streets, will stock footwear and accessories for men, women and kids. The opening gives Timberland, a VF Corp. brand, six locations in London. It is part of a move by Timberland to connect with a wider audience and younger consumers on the brand’s quest to become the largest and most sustainable lifestyle brand on Earth, according to the company.

Inland Real Estate Corporation has changed its name to IRC Retail Centers Inc.

The company unveiled a new brand identity in line with its name change, which coincides with the acquisition of Inland by funds managed by DRA Advisors LLC. The updated identity includes a new logo, tagline and updated website.

The plus-size market is being reenergized by a new demographic.

Teenage females in the United States are changing when it comes to the types of clothing sizes they are purchasing, according to the 2015 Women’s Special Sizes Study from The NPD Group.

Chipotle Mexican Grill is thinking about getting into the burger business.

The fast-casual giant, which is still struggling to recover financially from food-safety problems that surfaced last summer, filed a trademark application for "Better Burger" as part of a business diversification move to open a burger restaurant chain.

Starbucks is one of the first brands to leverage a new music and entertainment media platform from PlayNetwork.

To further increase both customer and employee engagement, Starbucks can now enable partners (employees) to select in-store playlists and provide a uniquely curated listening experience for customers. The chain is using the platform in more than 7,500 U.S. stores.