Corporate Governance

Schimenti constructs Kohl’s showroom
Schimenti Construction has created a new space for Kohl’s Corp. to show off its latest collections.

The 4,000-sq.-ft. showroom, at 1400 Broadway in the garment district of Manhattan, acts as a striking backdrop to the retailer’s latest fashions, with large windows, bright spotlights and a gleaming white epoxy floor. The new space is in the same building that houses Kohl’s design offices. The retailer now occupies 100,000 sq. ft. on four floors.
Former CEO of Children’s Place back with new concept
Ezra Dabah is launching a curated box service for girls ages 3 to 12. Called Kidpik, the new concept will charge customers only for the items they decide to keep after the alloted trial period, Crain’s New York reported. [Crain’s New York]

Papa John’s delivers – on the back end

For pizza retailer Papa John’s International Inc., successful customer delivery begins with successful delivery in the supply chain.

Papa John’s is optimizing routes, improving on-time store deliveries and enhancing the performance of its transportation fleet by using transportation modeling capabilities from the Manhattan Associates Transportation Management Solution.
Off-pricer to make Canadian debut

Nordstrom continues to expand north of the border.

The retailer announced that its Nordstrom Rack off-price division will open its first Canadian location, in Toronto, in 2018.

The 38,600-sq.-ft. store will be located at One Bloor in Yorkville, on the southeast corner of Yonge Street and Bloor Street, a well-known shopping district in Toronto. It will be approximately one mile north of the Nordstrom full-line store, which is scheduled to open in September 2016 at CF Eaton Centre.
Bebe reports Q2 loss as comps fall

Traffic and conversion troubles led to a disappointing performance by fashion retailer Bebe Stores in the second quarter. For the period ended Jan. 2, the company reported a loss of $5.5 million.
Build-A-Bear Workshop’s future: More outlet stores, pop-ups — and cruise ships

Build-A-Bear Workshop on Tuesday said it will continue to diversify its store portfolio — including the opening of a branded experience on a cruise ship — as the chain announced disappointing results for its fourth quarter.

The retailer reported a better-than-expected profit of $20.6 million for the quarter, ended January 3, 2016, compared to net income of $11.8 million in the year ago period.
Jos. A Bank turns in troubling Q4 performance for Tailored Brands

Tailored Brands, formerly Men’s Wearhouse, vowed more changes after its Jos. A Bank division logged a 31.9% decline in same-store sales.
Report: Whole Foods mulls adding tattoo parlors

Whole Foods shoppers looking for organic kale smoothies and non-GMO dog food could soon also get a tattoo while in-store.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Whole Foods CEO Walter Robb says his company’s new 365 chain is going to try some tactics outside of the conventional grocery-store playbook, including setting up tattoo parlors in the stores.

Read more about the company's plans by clicking here.
Kohl’s eliminates three senior exec positions

Several published reports are indicating that Kohl’s has eliminated three senior level leadership positions.

Kohl’s has reportedly eliminated the positions of chief digital officer, senior vice president of store environment and development, and senior vice president of communications and public relations. Retailing Today was unable to independently confirm the jobs cuts or the identify of executives involved. Kohl’s representatives were unavailable for comment.
Victoria’s Secret CEO resigns; Wexner steps in

L Brands chairman and CEO Leslie Wexner is assuming leadership of the company’s biggest division, Victoria’s Secret, after the retailer announced that CEO Sharen Jester Turney had resigned. Her sudden and unexpected departure follows a tremendous growth run for the brand.

Turney spent 16 years with Victoria’s Secret, joining the brand in 2000 as president and CEO of Victoria’s Secret Direct. She became CEO of brand in 2006. She will continue to serve as an advisor to the business, according to an L Brands statement.
Tech Bytes: Three Reasons to Buy a Pure Play Retailer

I previously wrote a column about the benefits opening physical stores can offer pure play online retailers. Inspired by the recent completion of the Hudson’s Bay-Gilt acquisition, this week I’d like to examine three instant advantages purchasing a pure play retailer can provide to brick-and-mortar chains.

Instant Expertise
Report: The Fresh Market is on the auction block

The Fresh Market is being viewed as a takeover target with recent media reports indicating that some of the biggest names in the grocery game are interested in the company.

Reuters reports thatKroger is in the second round of an auction process for Fresh Market that has also attracted other companies and private equity firms. Apollo Global Management, KKR & Co and TPG Capital are among the buyout firms participating in the auction.