Marketing

It’s been a while since Lamps Plus Inc. opened a new store, since 2009 to be specific.   But that will change this summer, when the retailer opens a store at The Arboretum, an open-air marketplace in Austin, Texas. The location will be the nation’s largest lighting retailer’s 39th store and third in Texas.   

Target Corp. has a lot on its plate for the next three years.   Among other initiatives the retailer will open 30 small format stores in 2017, doubling its presence in urban markets and on college campuses. By 2019, Target will operate more than 130 smaller stores.  

Best Buy Corp. came up short on top line growth in its fourth quarter amid problems with product availability. But its income topped expectations, helped by operational improvements and store closures.    The consumer electronics retailer on Wednesday issued a first-quarter forecast that missed Wall Street's expectations. It also detailed the next phase of its turnaround, which includes expanding its in-home advisory program, accelerating growth in Canada and Mexico, and more cost cutting.  

Trademark Property Co. has named Angela Hall to serve as general manager and marketing director at two of its newest properties in Fort Worth — Waterside and WestBend.   Hall recently directed the grand opening of Waterside, a 63-acre mixed-use property. At WestBend, another mixed-use development in the city’s University District, she supported leasing efforts and event programming.    Prior to joining Trademark last year, Hall was marketing director at Vestar.

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Retail signs have undergone a major evolution in recent years fueled by the adoption of digital technologies. Marilyn Brennan, business development manager at Egan Sign, spoke with Chain Store Age about the status of sign management in retail.

What trends are you seeing with regard to retail sign programs?

Turning historic spaces into contemporary stores

Omnichannel environment places evolving demands, challenges on C-suite executives

The transformation of retail from brick and mortar into a digital omnichannel environment has caused an evolution in certain key roles in the C-suite.

Antony Karabus, CEO of HRC Retail Advisory, spoke with Chain Store Age about how the key role of the chief operating officer is evolving to enhance the transformation of retail companies in today’s more complex environment.

What is the typical scope of responsibilities of a retail COO?

Strong online sales were not enough to help Target Corp. overcome a very disappointing fourth quarter, whose sales and earnings were far below Wall Street expectations. And the discounter offered a weak outlook for 2017.   Target on Tuesday issued a full-year profit forecast that was far below market expectations, and said it plans to invest more money into enhancing its digital online platform and cutting prices. The chain said it would sacrifice gross margins this year to stay ahead of the competition.