Strategy

The TJX Companies will debut a new, off-price home store concept in August.    HomeSense will open its initial U.S. location on  August 17, in Framingham, Mass.  Three additional stores are planned by the end of 2017, with locations in East Hanover, N.J., Ocean Township, N.J., and Westwood, Mass.  

Walmart is bringing 1,500 jobs to Florida as it continues to expand its e-commerce fulfillment network.  

Businesses are eager to better serve their clients, but most lack the skills, processes and technology needed to leverage data effectively.   In fact, 61% of U.S. companies agree that inaccurate data is undermining their ability to provide an excellent customer experience, according to “Investing in Digital Transformation: The Year’s Most Sought-After Data Roles,” a report from Experian Data Quality.  

Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. is shutting down its women's fashion/fitness store format.    Dick's is closing its two existing Chelsea Collective stores on August 6. Dick's launched the brand in 2015, but it never expanded it in any signficiant way.   

Pizza Hut is making big moves to improve the accuracy and reliability of its delivery experience.   The subsidiary of Yum! Brands plans to hire nearly 3,000 new drivers a month through the end of the year. The hiring effort, which will include full and part-time positions, will add approximately 14,000 new drivers across its delivery fleet, according to the company.   

Online luxury consignment retailer The RealReal is taking its resale model into the physical space.    The retailer plans to open its first-ever permanent retail location in November,  in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood, reported Women's Wear daily. The two-level, 8,000-sq.-ft. store will showcase items from all of The RealReal's categories and also feature contemporary artwork and a wall of Hermès bags, according to the report. It will host classes and discussions.  

Amazon has found a way to further expand its foothold in the grocery industry.   The online giant has submitted a trademark application that will enable it to enter the meal kits business. The move will directly rival meal kit provider Blue Apron, according to CNBC.  

Ross Stores continues to build out its store footprint at an aggressive pace.   The off-price retailer opened 21 Ross Dress for Less stores and seven dd's Discounts locations across 15 different states in June and July. The openings are part of the company's plans to add approximately 70 Ross and 20 dd's locations in 2017.