Strategy

Macy’s recently announced plans to close some 100 stores could do more than leave developers looking for a new anchor.   Nearly $30 billion of bonds backed by commercial mortgages are exposed to the retailer, reported Bloomberg, citing a note by Morningstar Credit Ratings. And more than $3.6 billion in loans would be affected by the closing of 28 stores that Morningstar identified as being most at risk, the report said. 

It appears that American Apparel may be looking to start a new chapter.   The retailer, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection some six months ago, is now said to be looking for a buyer, Women’s Wear Daily reported.   Click here to read more.

The Bon-Ton Stores reduced its loss in the second quarter amid fewer markdowns and inventory controls, but sales fell as mall traffic remained soft.   The retailer posted a loss of $38.7 million in the quarter ended July 30, compared with a net loss of $39.6 million in the year-ago period.   Total sales fell 2.4% to $542.4 million, compared with $555.4 million last year. Same-store sales were down 2.0%.  

Wal-Mart Stores surprised the industry on Thursday with better-than-expected profit and revenue for the second quarter. The chain raised its full-year outlook in the wake of its strong performance.    The retailing giant reported that its net income rose 8.6% to $3.8 billion in the quarter ended, up from $3.5 billion in the year-ago period.    Total revenue rose 0.5% to $120.85 billion in the quarter, slightly above analysts' projection.   

Apple has opened its 10th store in New York City, inside the shopping area at the new World Trade Center Transportation hub in lower Manhattan.   The store draws inspiration from the surrounding structure, which was designed by Santiago Calatrava, to create a seamless space. The interior design is fairly standard for Apple, with the exception of a huge video wall and seating area.   

The Rite Aid Foundation announced Monday a $50,000 donation to the American Red Cross Louisiana Capital Area to help the victims, families and communities across the greater Baton Rouge area that were affected by the historic rainfall and flooding over the weekend.   

Customer experience remains at the hub of all retail strategies, including technical strategy. Whether it’s global inventory availability, mobile payment or loyalty apps, e-commerce and call center integration, or ubiquitous points-of-sale, infrastructure that uses all assets while integrating suppliers and consumers continues to define a retailer’s network design. Further, in highly competitive retail segments, managing the costs of digital fluidity is not only vital to capturing profitable share; it can also distinguish competitive advantage. 

J.C. Penney keeps getting more bullish.   The retailer on Thursday outlined an array of new initiatives as part of a three-plan to drive profit and accelerate growth. The company also detailed financial goals, and said it expects to reach nearly half a billion dollars in profit by 2019.  

Target Corp. is taking action to put an end to the controversy that erupted in the wake of its transgender bathroom decision.    The retailer will spend $20 million to ensure that each of its stores have a single-occupancy, unisex bathroom by next year, MarketWatch reported.  

PetSmart is looking to get a bigger share of the more than $60 billion Americans spent on their pets last year.      The retailer has opened its first-ever PetSmart Pet Spa, in Oceanside, New York. The new store is aimed at offering an enhanced experience and is intended to test out various ideas for consideration within PetSmart’s network of 1,460 plus stores.