Strategy

Tesco is launching a one-hour delivery service — a move that will enable the chain to go head-to-head with Amazon.   The U.K.-based supermarket giant introduced its new Tesco Now app, which enables shoppers in central London to choose from a range of 1,000 products, and have them delivered within an hour. Merchandise crosses categories such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, bakery goods and dairy, as well as pet, baby, health and beauty products.   

More than 50,000 sq. ft. of new shopping opportunities will soon be presented to shoppers at Ohio’s most popular retail destination.   Easton Town Center, which draws 21 million customer visits a year and houses more than 200 shopping and dining options is constantly in the process of re-curating its mix, and eight new tenants will open at the Columbus venue this year.  

Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank is stepping back from his role as president.   The sporting goods company announced that retail veteran Patrik Frisk will become president and COO, effective July 10. He will have responsibility for the company's go-to-market strategy and the successful execution of its long-term growth plan and report directly to Kevin Plank, who has also held the title of president since 2010.  

Eager to improve customer service and security at the front end, Forever 21 is converting its point-of-sale (POS) fleet to a single solution.   Through a partnership with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, the fast-fashion retailer is adding the vendor’s hardware, equipment and services across all its corporate stores around the globe. The agreement makes Toshiba the chain’s single point of contact for all POS systems, peripherals and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) front and back office retail store technology. 

Skechers has debuted a new store format in its largest mall location to date.    The company has opened a 24,000-sq.-ft. outlet store at Ontario Mills, Ontario, California, that houses one of the widest assortments of Skechers products under one roof, with dedicated departments for the brand's various lifestyle and performance collections for men and women. The new Skechers Superstore also features a fun kids’ area, complete with a candy shop and a theater space screening Skechers cartoons.  

Kohl's has ended its search for a new finance chief.   The retailer has appointed Bruce H. Besanko to the position of CFO, effective July 10.  He will replace Wesley McDonald, who announced plans in November to retire this spring after 14 years with the company.  

Eddie Bauer LLC could be for sale.   The retailer has hired investment banks Guggenheim Partners LLC and Financo LLC to explore strategic alternatives, including a potential sale, Reuters reported. The debt-laden company is seeking relief from a $225 million term loan due in 2020 and $200 million revolving credit line that comes due in 2019, the report said.  

Amazon is impacting its hometown of Seattle in ways large and small.