Strategy

Lynnwood, Wash. -- It was tough going for Zumiez Inc. in the second quarter as its profit fell 57% amid increased promotional activity.

The skate and surf apparel retailer reported net income of $3.2 million in the quarter, compared to net income of $7.5 million in the year-ago period. The results included include costs of approximately $0.4 million, for charges associated with the acquisition of Blue Tomato.

Total net sales for the quarter increased 1.8% to $179.8 million, from $176.7 million a year ago.

New York -- The storefront of Century 21 Department Stores’ flagship in lower Manhattan has been given a stunning makeover to honor the city and in remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attack.

The off-price retailer has partnered once again with internally famous street artist Thierry Guetta (commonly referred to as Mr. Brainwash), who has painted a vibrant mural on a 65-sq.-ft. by 225-sq.-ft. wall on the flagship’s façade. The store is in the financial district and close to where the World Trade Center once stood.   

Minneapolis – A “merchandising misstep” took its toll on Christopher & Banks in its second quarter as sales decreased more than expected.

The company posted a net loss of $710,000 in the quarter, compared to earnings of $3.36 million in the year-ago period.

Montreal - Dollarama Inc. is reporting a significant increase net earnings and sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

 Gross margin improvements and a reduction in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of sales drove net earnings to $95.5 million, up 39% from $68.9 million.

This special report by WD Partners examines one of the most crucial questions confronting the retail industry:  the role of the physical store in a digital age. It provides a call to action for a new retail experience, and offers insights and guidance on how retailers can position themselves for success in this new age.

Click here to download the report.
 

Arlington, Va. -- A report says that only one in five debit and credit cards are ready for the EMV shift.

As retailers spend billions to upgrade their point of sale terminals to accept new chip cards before the Oct. 1 liability shift deadline, the nation’s largest card network acknowledged that a staggering number of magnetic “swipe” cards have not been replaced with new cards.

Dallas -- Kip Tindell, co-founder, chairman and CEO of The Container Store, has joined a global list of who’s who in retailing.

Tindell was inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame during a closing day ceremony at the World Retail Congress in Rome, Italy. Now in its ninth year, the World Retail Hall of Fame has honored founders of some of the retail world’s most iconic brands.

Bentonville, Ark. -- In the latest move in its battle against Costco, Sam's Club is going to start accepting the very form of payment that Costco rebuffed earlier this year.

Starting Oct. 1, all Sam’s Club locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico will take American Express cards at checkout. Earlier this year Costco ended its 16-year relationship with American in favor of Visa after the two companies could not come to an agreement on new terms.

Boston -- Boston-based City Sports has entered a new state.

The specialty store retailer announced the opening a 10,000-sq.-ft. store at Mosaic District, a mixed-use lifestyle center located in Merrifield, Virginia.

Cincinnati — Kroger on Thursday announced the appointment of four executive VPs to lead key lines of business.