Corporate Governance

The world’s most valuable retail brands are…
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.)
Footwear giant in customization partnership
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.

Tough Q4 for teen apparel retailer

The Buckle reported earnings for its fourth quarter that missed expectations amid a rough market for teen retailers. Net income for the quarter ended Jan. 28 was $36.0 million, or $0.75 per share ($0.74 per share on a diluted basis), compared to $98.0 million, or $2.04 per share ($2.03 per share on a diluted basis). Buckle’s net sales fell 15.7% to $280.0 million, from $332.0 million for the prior year. Same-store sales for the quarter decreased 16.1%.
Athletic specialty retailer posts mixed Q4 results

Hibbett Sports posted fourth-quarter sales that missed predictions, even as earnings were in line with forecasts. Net sales for the 13-week period ended Jan. 28, increased 0.5% to $246.9 million compared with $245.7 million in the year-ago period. Same-store decreased 2.2%. Apparel and equipment both experienced declines in comparable store sales, while footwear continued to show stronger sales with a mid-single digit increase.
Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores losses continue in Q4

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.
Report: Walmart testing kiosks to create ‘an endless aisle’

The retail giant just made another move in its battle against online rival, Amazon. Walmart is testing a touch-screen monitor in its toy aisle at dedicated stores in Texas. The solution connects shoppers to available inventory at store-level, and if it’s not on-hand, the device enables them to order it online, according to The Street.
Ulta Beauty to continue aggressive store expansion

Ulta Beauty on Thursday reported a stellar fourth quarter that shows why many consider it one of the hottest retailers in the United States. The beauty products retailer also said it would open approximately 100 net new stores in 2017, and remodel 13 locations. Ulta Beauty’s net income for the quarter, ended Jan. 30, surged 30% to a better-than-expected $140.2 million, from $107.8 million in the year-ago period.
Report: Messaging app revisits pop-up strategy

Less than a month after closing its New York City pop-up store, Snap is back in the brick-and-mortar game. Snap, the social media company formerly known as Snapchat, opened a temporary store on the boardwalk in Venice, California, near its Los Angeles headquarters, according to TechCrunch.
First Look: Target Open House’s New Redesign

Target Open House in San Francisco has opened its doors after a seven-week renovation inspired by feedback from visitors and entrepreneurs.
J.C. Penney expanding home services pilot

Starting soon, select J.C. Penney will be offering bathroom remodeling services.
Nordstrom Rack expanding

Nordstrom Rack will open a store at Cascade Station in Portland, Oregon. The approximately 28,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open in fall 2017. This will be the fifth Nordstrom Rack store in the Portland area. Portland is also home to the first stand-alone Nordstrom Rack store, which opened in 1983. The company also operates a full line stores at downtown Portland and Clackamas Town Center.
Amazon to help kick off Shoptalk 2017

Shoptalk, the next-gen retail and e-commerce event, will kick off its 2017 event with 50 speakers on Sunday, March 19, including the VP of Amazon Prime Now, Stephenie Landry. Sunday’s content will also include a startup pitch contest with significant cash prizes. Shoptalk take place at the Aria, Las Vegas, March 19-22.