Strategy

Off-price retailers will remain among the top performers in the U.S. retail industry during the next 12 to 18 months.   That's according to a new report from Moody's Investors Service. The outlook is not as positive for department stores, which will continue to struggle as they seek to level the playing field with both off-price and online vendors.  

Adidas has opened its largest Adidas Originals location to date, a 4,966-sq.-ft. flagship in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago.   The new outpost, which sits under a section of Chicago's elevated train system, is designed to reflect its surrounding. It is full of connections to the local creative community, including an original sculpture at the front of the store by Chicago artist POSE, and custom murals created by Tubsz, a South Side native that specializes in calligraffiti (a combination of calligraphy and graffiti.) 

The holiday shopping season is upon us. For retailers, these last three months of the year signify a marathon of competitive sales strategies to increase foot traffic and maximize profits.    According to the National Retail Federation, the holiday season can represent as much as 30% of annual sales. To adapt to shifting consumer trends and meet peak season demands, stores plan to increase both hours of operation and staff onsite.  

Suistudio specializes in suits — but it's not dressing men.    Based in the Netherlands, the online women's apparel retailer is set to open its first U.S. store at the end of October, in New York City. The merchandise mix will emphasize no-fuss silhouettes that promise an "impeccable" fit and put a modern twist on the notion of power suiting — with in-store, while-you-wait tailoring available. In addition to suits, the mix includes shirts, dresses, and evening wear.   

As it heads into its most important selling season, Sears Holding Corp. is receiving another cash infusion from its CEO and largest shareholder.   Sears is borrowing $100 million from units of CEO Eddie Lampert's hedge fund ESL Investments for "general corporate purposes," according to a regulatory filing. The new infusion brings the total of Lampert's outstanding loans to Sears to $499.4 million.   

Amazon is preparing for its newest physical store — and promoting its alcoholic products at the same time.   The online giant is opening a pop-up bar in Tokyo’s Ginza district. The location, which will be open for 10 days, will sell beer, wine, sake and cocktails sold on its Japanese website, as well as exclusive products and samples not yet for sale, according to Bloomberg.  

Amazon’s new program could give carriers like United Parcel Service and FedEx a run for their money.   The online giant is experimenting with a program that rivals services handled by longtime partners UPS and FedEx. Specifically, it is dabbling in a program designed to make more products available for free two-day delivery and relieve overcrowding in its warehouses, according to Bloomberg.  

Chase Properties has acquired North Point Shopping Center in Joplin, Missouri, from Kimco Realty Corp.