Corporate Governance

The month of July saw a big turnover at the top.  

After a nearly two-year absence, Toys "R" Us is returning to Times Square — but not on a permanent basis.  

Macy's appears to be making some headway in its turnaround efforts, reporting second quarter sales and profit that topped estimates. But the retailer still reaffirmed its downbeat guidance for the year.    Net income increased to $116.0 million, or 38 cents per share, up from $11.0 million, or 3 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings per share was 48 cents.  

Retailers are eager to combat the force of Amazon, but they lack the strategy, marketing dollars and digital resources to do so.   Specifically, 44% of retailers do not know how to respond to the power of Amazon, according to “A New Path for Retail: Co-Existing with the Force of Amazon.” The report is from Bluecore, a commerce decision platform provider.  

Move over Amazon — China's largest online player is looking to take on the world.    Now the largest e-commerce company in the world with $430 billion in gross merchandise volume, Alibaba is seeking to become a global company as well with a goal of serving more than 2 billion shoppers, according to a new report by global think tank FGRT (Fung Global Retail & Technology).  

Everyone’s trying to figure out what drives consumers to purchase. But to understand how they shop, you need to know what makes them tick.   Alliance Data’s Analytics and Insights Institute conducted a study with more than 2,400 respondents to better understand consumer buying habits and expectations. These insights, cross-referenced with results from our "Understanding Customer Loyalty" study, confirmed that consumer buying habits track closely with life stage and each generation’s cultural identity.

A veteran retailer has joined the executive team of Sally Beauty.   Sally Beauty Holdings has named Carrie McDermott as president of its Sally Beauty operations in the U.S. and Canada, effective August 29, 2017.  

New York City’s transformation of an old warehouse district into a Jetson-esque neighborhood of the future begins in earnest this week with leasing beginning at the 33-story One Hudson Yards residential tower.   “One Hudson Yards was curated for those who seek an elevated sense of living,” said Benjamin Joseph, Executive VP of Related Companies, developer and leasing agent for the massive project.