Events

J.C. Penney delays store closures
Shoppers hoping to get some great bargains at the 138 stores J.C. Penney has slated for closure will have to wait a little while longer. The retailer told CNBC that due to improving traffic and better-than-expected sales at the locations on the closure list it has postponed the liquidation sales and shutterings. The new closure date for the stores is now July 31, which is about six weeks later than Penney originally planned, the report said.
Fast-growing beauty retailer coming to nation’s largest mall
Ulta Beauty is touching down at Mall of America. The retailer will open an 11,000-sq.-ft. location at the mammoth shopping center, which is located in Bloomington, Minnesota, in fall 2017. In addition to more than 20,000 products, Ulta Beauty will also feature an in-store offering a variety of hair, skin, and brow services.

Report: Eastern Outfitters LLC seeks speedy store closures

Eastern Outfitters could soon be adding to the surge of store closings among U.S. retailers. The company won a court order on Thursday, April 6, for an expedited hearing on its plan to shutter 48 of the 86 stores its operates under the Bob's Stores and Eastern Mountain Sports brands, according to Reuters.
Gifting retailer gets “Moms” comfortable with emerging technology

Getting a handle on innovative technologies can be overwhelming — especially for parents of Generation X’ers and millennials. To keep its associates’ moms in the know, 1-800 Flowers is hosting an educational, hands-on experience showcasing how the company fosters a culture of innovation and leverages emerging technologies.
End of an era at coffee giant

It’s a new day at Starbucks Corp. Kevin Johnson officially took over as CEO of Starbucks on Monday, April 3. Outgoing CEO Howard Schultz continues on at the company as executive chairman, and will focus on the development of Starbucks’ new formats, Reserve Roasteries and Starbucks Reserve, and the company’s social impact initiatives.
Beauty powerhouse goes high-tech, high-service in Manhattan

Sephora is taking experiential retail to a new level in New York City. The beauty retailer has remodeled two of its high-profile Manhattan locations to its new “Beauty Tip” (Teach, Inspire, Play) store format. The locations include Sephora’s 11,300-sq.-ft. store on 34th Street, its largest store in North American, as well as a Fifth Avenue location.
The store of the year is…

Shop!, the global non-profit trade association dedicated to enhancing retail environments and experiences, has announced the winners of its 46th year annual store design competition, and a specialty store took top honors.
Virtual reality 'Justice League' film is coming to malls

A few select malls will be the benefactors of what might prove to be the entertainment sensation of the year — a virtual reality version of "Justice League 2017." IMAX Corp. and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment have announced a virtual reality co-venture that will issue three interactive VR versions of upcoming Warner Bros. blockbusters. "Justice League" will be the first, scheduled to hit IMAX cinemas for the holiday season, to be followed by "Aquaman" and a yet-to-be-determined film franchise.
Amazon drone delivery in U.S debut
Webinar: The New Era of 'Responsive Retail’

Chain Store Age will sponsor a Webinar on one of the most important issues facing store retailers: How to connect emerging solutions and technology disruptors — and take advantage of rich data sets filtering through these systems — to meet new demands across retail operations and the customer experience.
Report: Hy-Vee to add clothing boutiques in 4 stores

Hy-Vee shoppers will soon be able to buy new clothes while they grocery shop. Two Hy-Vee locations in Nebraska will soon feature F&F clothing boutiques through the Iowa-based retailer’s franchise agreement with the British clothing line owned by supermarket company Tesco, reported The Anchorage Press.
NRF: A late Easter could spur record spending

With Easter being almost a month later than last year, Americans are on track to spend more than ever, according to the National Retail Federation.