Events

The Ins & Outs of Closeouts
Jeff Katkowsky, VP with Sachse Construction, will share his insights and experiences as part of a panel focused on overcoming obstacles during closeouts at SPECS/2017.
NRF launches job training initiative
The NRF Foundation has brought together leading retailers and non-profits to launch a job training and credentialing initiative called Rise Up (Retail Industry Skills & Education). The program is designed to help people — regardless of education, background, economic means or age — acquire the skills they need to secure jobs in retail and advance into promising careers in every aspect of retail, from in-store to digital and mobile commerce, according to the NRF.

Holiday sales better than expected; data reveals winners — and losers

It was a less than merry holiday for some retailers, especially in the department store sector, but total sales still managed to beat industry projections, fueled by a strengthening economy. Retail sales (excluding autos, gas stations and restaurants) during November and December rose 4% over 2015 to $658.3 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. The group had forecast sales would rise 3.6% to $655.8 billion.
Retailer gets caught in political crossfire

L.L. Bean has been drawn into something that it has always shied away: the political spotlight. It all started with the news that Linda Bean, granddaughter of company founder Leon Leonwood Bean and a member of the Bean board, had made a substantial donation to a pro-Trump PAC during the president-elect's campaign. Trump then thanked Bean for her support via a tweet that ended with “Buy L.L.Bean.”
Target is looking for a few good tech start-ups

Target is bringing back its retail accelerator program for a second round. On the heels of the first Target + Techstars retail accelerator, the retailer said it has opened applications for a second round of the program yesterday, inviting retail-specific tech startups worldwide to apply for a chance to relocate to Minneapolis and embed themselves at Target.
Zappos' newest retail experience? Road trip!

Zappos is hitting the road. The online footwear retailer famous for its customer service is embarking on a year-long road show to show its gratitude to loyal customers nationwide. The event will feature merchandise, special events and one-of-a-kind experiences. “At Zappos, we know there are real people behind each online transaction. And we wanted a way to celebrate and thank you for your loyalty — personally,” the company’s website said.
Unusual partners make for impactful window displays

United Airlines has taken over the windows of one of the nation’s most iconic department stores. Saks Fifth Avenue on Wednesday unveiled United Airlines Polaris-themed windows at the retailer’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Times Square retail gets a second makeover

Some two decades ago Times Square underwent a radical transformation from New York City’s sin center to its version of Disneyland, a magnet of bright lights of wholesome fare that has become a must-stop for all tourists.
Another solar milestone for home furnishings giant

The larger solar rooftop array in the state of Washington is now completed — and it’s on top of an Ikea store. Ikea has installed a solar array on the top its 244,000-sq.-ft. store currently under construction in Renton, Washington. It is scheduled to open in spring 2017.
Giving back with feedback

The National Retail Federation is donating $1 (up to $10,000) to RetilROI for every unique session review on the NRF mobile app at the association’s annual “Big Show” in New York City. RetailROI (the Retail Orphan Initiative) is a charity started by the retail community to help orphans and vulnerable children worldwide through clean water, education and computer learning projects.
Target execs share their ‘wow’ picks from 2017 Consumer Electronics Show

Voice-activated technology and connected devices are among the hot tech trends that caught the attention of Target executives at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Target posted the faves of some of its executives on a blog on its website. Here’s a sampling:
Neiman Marcus scraps IPO

Neiman Marcus Group is not going public anytime soon. In a filing on Friday, the luxury department store retailer said it would withdraw its initial public offering, having determined "that it is not in its best interests" to proceed with the initial public offering at the current time.