Strategy

The British brand best known for its bagless vacuum cleaners, bladeless fans and, most recently, high-tech hair-dryers is expanding its fledgling retail portfolio.    Dyson Ltd. will open a "Dyson Demo" store this fall at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. Also in the works: a store at 640 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, and one in San Francisco's Union Square.  

The spinner craze helped propel Five Below in its second quarter, as the teen and tween value-retailer turned in an exceptionally strong performance that topped expectations.   Revenue rose 28.7% to $283.3 million in the quarter ended July 29, topping analysts' estimates of $276.6 million. Same-store sales jumped 9.3%, the highest since the chain's IPO in June 2012.  

Going private may take some pressure off a company, but it is not without its risks.   In June, the Nordstrom family, which owns 31.2% of the department store's stock, announced it planned to explore taking the company private. But in its latest quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nordstrom executives warned of the potential risks that might come with a move, reported Puget Sound Business Journal.   

Simon Property Group raised eyebrows in the real estate and retail communities this week with the filing a suit that challenged Starbucks’ decision to close 78 Teavana stores in Simon malls. All retailer 379 of the tea shops are slated for closure through next year.  

One of the nation's largest fragrance retailers is shrinking its store portfolio.   Perfumania has begun store closing sales at 65 stores. The nationwide sale is being conducted by Gordon Brothers and its joint venture partner, Hilco Global.  

Don't believe the hype — physical retail is still growing, particularly in three key segments.   Retailers are opening 4,080 more stores in 2017 than they are closing, according to a new research report from IHL Group, and they plan to open over 5,500 more in 2018. Mass-merchandisers, including off-pricers and value chains, are the fastest-growing retail segment (+1,905 stores), followed by convenience stores (+1,700 stores) and grocery retailers (+674 stores).  

The parent company of such brands as Famous Footwear, Sam Edelman, and Allen Edmonds topped the Street in its second quarter, fueled by a strong back-to-school selling season.    Caleres reported that its adjusted net earnings rose 4.4% to $20.6 million. Adjusted diluted earnings a share were 48 cents, which topped estimates of 44 cents.  

Amazon’s newest move could take voice-assisted ordering to new levels.   The online giant is joining forces with Microsoft to integrate the companies' two digital assistants. This will allow Amazon’s Alexa to activate and talk to Microsoft’s Cortana device, and vice-versa.