Corporate Governance

Millennials to require omnichannel store reconfiguration
Brick-and-mortar retailers are on notice – shifting customer demographics will require far-reaching redesign of the physical store by 2025.

According to a new study from technology market intelligence firm ABI Research, millennials are driving a revolution in how stores use technology to provide a shopping experience.
Starbucks to donate all unsold food
Starbucks Corp. announced a major initiative to help the nation’s neediest citizens.

The coffee giant is launching FoodShare, a program to donate all leftover ready-to-eat meals from its 7,600 U.S. company-operated stores to food banks. In the first year alone, the program will be able to provide nearly 5 million meals, according to company estimates.

Aaron’s makes a difference in D.C., and beyond

Store managers from 2,000 Aaron’s location gathered in Washington, D.C., for their annual meeting and to participatein a wide range of unique community outreach efforts.

The giving efforts kicked off with a donation event in which Aaron's donated furniture to 28 apartments for families who have experienced homelessness. This effort supports Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser's (pictured above) efforts to ensure safe, dignified housing for all Washingtonians and end homelessness in the District of Columbia.
Target looks to disrupt food category

Target Corp.’s partnership with MIT Media Lab and global design firm IDEO is bearing fruit — literally.

In January, Target announced the launch of the Food + Future coLab, a multi-year collaboration with MIT and IDEO to explore the future of food. Although it’s only been a couple of months, Target is already testing two ideas from the coli.
Report: Urban Outfitters going bigger with Anthropologie

Urban Outfitters is going against the smaller-is-better footprint trend and experimenting with larger-sized stores for its Anthropologie brand.

The retailer is testing four “ultimate experience” Anthropologie stores, ranging in size from 20,000 sq. ft. to 30,000 sq. ft., Women’s Wear Daily reported.
Survey: Retail CFOs upping investment in store remodeling/redesign

Retail CFOs are bullish on online sales growth, but they are focusing fewer dollars on building out their online presence in 2016 as they look instead to enhance the in-store experience in response to omnichannel expectations.
Hot Canadian brand signs lease for first U.S. store

A popular goose has found a nest in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood.

Canada Goose, best known for its signature goose-down jacket with Arctic Circle logo and fur-trimmed hood, has signed a lease for an approximate 4,400-sq.-ft. store on Wooster Street, The Real Deal reported. The asking rent for the space, according to the Real Deal, was $550 a foot.
Pop-Up originator names new CEO

Hickory Farms is looking for new ways to grow following the operator of the company acquisition last fall by a private equity firm and the recent appointment of a CEO who spent time at RedBox and Crate & Barrel.
Tween and teen retailers remain financially vulnerable

Apparel chains focused on tweens and teens are increasingly at risk of filing for bankruptcy protection.

At least that’s the view of Michael McGrail, COO of Tiger Capital Group and a veteran retail liquidation and asset appraisal executive.
Report: Ahold to sell Richmond-area Martin’s stores ahead of merger

The Richmond Times-Dispatch is reporting that the 19 Martin’s Food Markets stores in the area will be either sold or closed as the completion of parent company Ahold’s merger with Delhaize Group. The Richmond-area stores are just some of the 83 stores the combined companies are looking to unload across the eastern and northeastern U.S. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Sherwin-Williams in $11.3 billion acquisition

Two of the biggest names in the U.S. paint industry are combining forces.
Don’t call the cable guy, call Amazon

Amazon.com is expanding its product range yet again. This time, the e-commerce giant is entering the world of cable TV. According to TechCrunch, Amazon is launching a section of its site called “Amazon Cable Store.” Currently, Amazon Cable Store is only reselling Comcast Internet and TV services. Amazon is also offering dedicated customer service to Comcast customers who purchase services through the Cable Store.