Strategy

Sears Holdings announced that Jason Hollar has been promoted to CFO, effective immediately.     Hollar succeeds Robert A. Schriesheim, who the chain previously announced would be departing to focus on his other business interests and pursue other career opportunities.    Hollar, 43, joined Sears Holdings in October 2014 as senior VP, finance, overseeing the financial planning & analysis function, the business finance relationship with centralized finance, and procurement. 

Apple has re-opened its 12-year-old London flagship after a major overhaul that reflects the company’s updated store strategy.     Located on Regent Street, the redone space has an airy look and natural feel, with an open glass façade, high ceilings, oversized windows and plenty of room to move around. The increased ceiling height allowed for the addition of twelve Ficus Ali trees, complete with planters that double as a comfortable place to sit. Two “living” walls are covered with greenery.

It has been a long haul, but radio frequency identification (RFID) is finally making its bones in retail.   In 2014, 34% of retailers either implemented or were in the process of adding or piloting RFID. Fast-forward to 2016, and those results have doubled to 73%, according to the “Kurt Salmon RFID in Retail Study 2016.”  

Driving your car on the beach and the Daytona International Speedway. Those are the things that have long defined Daytona Beach. Those and the legendary Bill France, Sr.   

A sizzling Ulta Beauty wowed the Street on Thursday, announcing aggressive store expansion at a time when many brick-and-mortar retailers are cutting back. It also upped its outlook.  

Ikea is expanding its presence in the Sunshine State.   The home furnishings giant is set to begin construction next month on a store in Jacksonville, its fifth location in Florida, with a planned opening in fall 2017, increasing the Swedish retailer’s presence in the Sunshine State.    Ikea has chosen Marcobay Construction, Lakeland, Fla., to serve as construction manager for the Jacksonville site work and store development project.  

Bon-Ton Stores’ customers now have more opportunities to earn rewards.   The department store retailer, which originally rewarded shoppers for using the chain’s Your Rewards proprietary credit card, can now earn loyalty points for every purchase they make — regardless of how they pay.