Strategy

An online giant and the world’s biggest retailer claim the top two positions in a study that ranks retail companies by their brand value.   Amazon ranked as the world’s most valuable retail brand in the annual study by valuation and strategy consultancy Brand Finance. The company’s brand value, $106.4 billion, is nearly double that of Walmart ($62.2 billion), which ranked as the second most valuable retail brand. (An explanation of the ranking is provided at the end of article.)    

The Italian shoe and handbag retailer Baldinini takes its place among the 240 other hallowed brands at Woodbury Common in Central Valley, New York, this month, but that’s just the punctuation mark on the story of the transformation of Simon Premium Outlets’ star property.  

Lower sales and store closures widened fourth quarter losses for Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores.   The hardware, appliance and tool retailer reported its net sales for the quarter ended January 28, 2017, decreased $49.4 million, or 9.2%, to $488.9 million compared to fourth quarter 2015. The company blamed the loss on the impact of closed stores (net of new store openings) and a 4.1% decrease in comparable store sales.  

Shoppers will soon be able to personalize and accessorize the shoes they buy at DSW Inc.   The retailer has entered into a partnership with Trend:Bar, a new, Los Angeles-based  company that produces luxe fabric stickers, appliques, charms, shoelaces, patches, and creative add-ons that customers can use to personalize footwear and accessories.       Under the partnership, DSW will offer Trend:Bar items in select stores and on DSW.com.  

Amazon’s newest endeavor hopes to attract more Spanish-speaking shoppers.   The online retailer offering its website in Spanish, its first new language introduction since the site launched 20 years ago, according to CNet.   

It’s a done deal.   Private investment firm CriticalPoint Capital on Thursday that it has completed the acquisition of JackRabbit and its respective stores from The Finish Line.   The acquired company, its stores and e-commerce platform will continue to operate under the JackRabbit brand. At the end of 2016, there were 65 JackRabbit and JackRabbit-affiliated stores in 18 states.    

A former executive at Gander Mountain has joined Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.    The retailer has appointed Jeff Csuy as senior VP, general merchandise manager, fabric and sewing. He will report to Sharyn Hejcl, Jo-Anne’s executive VP, chief merchandising officer, as he “leads the fabric and sewing team to drive innovation while putting the customer first in all decisions,” Hejcl said.  

Six months after launching home delivery, Meijer is expanding its breadth.   The grocery and general merchandise retailer is getting ready to offer home delivery across its six-state footprint, starting with Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 29, and Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, Indiana in April. Meijer also plans to continue rolling out the service to major markets in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Wisconsin, the grocer said.