Strategy

For Toys “R” Us chairman and CEO David Brandon, it’s all about having a successful holiday in 2015 — a short-term goal that he believes will pave the way to leveraging longterm opportunities.

There has been a bit of controversy lately regarding Urban Outfitters’ recent request that some of their salaried employees “volunteer” to fill normally hourly roles in fulfillment centers and retail outlets.

Whether it’s a complete remodel or just a refresh, retailers have a variety of options — and decisions to make — when it comes to updating their store interiors. BrandPoint Services’ Steve Hearon talked with Chain Store Age about store update programs.

What are some of the most common mistakes retailers make when undertaking a refresh, remodel or rebranding program?

Some parts of the country are still waiting for economic recovery, but the Northeast is already enjoying a return to financial prosperity.

The Northeastern U.S. offers a consumer base that is better educated and wealthier than that of many other areas. As a result, vacancies in Northeast centers tend to be low, giving landlords leverage in determining rents and tenant mixes.

A familiar name factors heavily into the online holiday shopping plans of consumers.

According to a new poll from Reuters and Ipsos, 51% of consumers plan to do most or all of their online holiday shopping at Amazon.com. This dwarfs the next-most-popular specific retailer, Walmart, favored by 16%.

Other traditional and online retailers combined for the second-highest response of 18%. Other popular retailers with low responses include Target (3%) and Macys (2%).

Fresh Market’s new CEO Rick Anicetti said he is making changes as fast as possible to restore growth to a retailer he contends has enormous untapped potential.

Oak Brook, Illinois-based Ace Hardware Corporation reported third quarter 2015 revenues of $1.3 billion, an increase of $148.5 million or 13.2% from third quarter 2014. Net income was $54.2 million for third quarter 2015, an increase of $16.9 million or 45.3% from last year.

"We are delighted to announce the best third quarter sales and profit in Ace’s history," said John Venhuizen, President and CEO, Ace Hardware Corp. "The credit falls squarely on the shoulders of our world-class retailers, associates and corporate teammates.”

Destination XL says it is on pace to open its 175th store next year as the big and tall retailer also posted a jump in same-store sales and filled a newly created position with a veteran from Genesco.

For the third quarter ended Oct. 31, same store sales at the company increased 4.3%. Destination XL also narrowed its loss to $5.47 million, or 11 cents a share. In the previous year period, the company reported a loss of $6.28 million, or 13 cents a share.