Corporate Governance

Five U.S. retailers expand their global efforts with Pitney Bowes
Five specialty retailers are deploying a cross-border shipping solution to make it easier for international customers to buy from their sites. The retailers — Evolue, Kathy Kuo Home, The Land of Nod, The New York Times Store and Soludos — are expanding their online reach through the Pitney Bowes Borderfree solution. The technology and cross-border shipping services enable global shoppers to simply and conveniently buy items online in over 70 currencies from more than 220 countries and territories.
How NOT to sell online to British shoppers
Online retailers who hope to sell their goods to British consumers should take heed when it comes to listing the price. A survey by online translation agency revealed that 80% of the British consumer public refuses to buy from websites that do not post their prices in British pounds.

Retailers amping up store experience with bars, restaurants

More and more retailers are looking to make their stores more than just destinations to shop. In a trend that is gaining increased momentum, retailers across the board are adding bars and eateries to their stores, USA Today reported.
NRF ups retail sales forecast

Retailers should be cheered by the latest forecast from the National Retail Federation. With increases in consumer spending expected to remain solid during the remainder of the year, the NRF on Tuesday upped its forecast for retail sales in 2016 to 3.4%, from the 3.1% forecast earlier. Online and other non-store sales, which are included in the overall figure, are expected to increase 7% to 10% year-over-year rather than the 6% to 9% forecast earlier.
Under Armour to open big flagship in iconic building on Fifth Avenue

Under Armour on Tuesday reported a drop in profit for the second quarter, related to the closing of The Sports Authority. The athletic wear brand also revealed plans to plant its banner on prime real estate in Manhattan.
Amazon set to test drone deliveries — but not in the United States

The world’s biggest online retailer took a big step to move drone deliveries forward. Amazon has entered into a partnership with the British government that will allow the retailer to test and develop new drone delivery systems.
Avison Young completes $14.4 million Georgia sale

Avison Young announced completion of the sale of Shoppes at Vickery Village, a 77,794sq.-ft., 11-building center in Cumming, Georgia. The real estate services firm reports that the purchase price was 20% more than the seller paid for the property only 18 months ago.
Forget ‘Art or Science.’ Workforce Management is About Profit

While consultants have argued for decades that workforce management (WFM) is a mixture of art and science, it is neither. It comes down to profit and applying practical – not over-engineered – workforce management practices that enable higher performing retail operations.
Walmart asks suppliers to remove 8 chemicals from products

Walmart has asked suppliers to remove "high priority chemicals," such as formaldehyde and triclosan, from their products as part of an effort to eliminate controversial chemicals from household goods.
Rachael Ray, Rite Aid announce $25K donation to Detroit's Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program

The Rite Aid Foundation's KidCents program announced Wednesday a $25,000 donation to the Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program, a Detroit-based nonprofit that empowers Detroit youth to be positive and productive members of society through education, athletics, mentorship and intervention.
Unable to find a buyer, entertainment retailer to close all stores

Hastings Entertainment is going out of business.
Off-pricer continues to expand

The Dallas area is getting its sixth Nordstrom Rack store. Nordstrom said it will open a Nordstrom Rack at The Centre at Preston Ridge in Frisco, Texas. The approximately 33,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open in fall 2017. The property is owned by Brixmor Property Group.