Marketing Tactics

  The hottest fashion trend today is speed—and retailers need to be in the fast lane to remain competitive.   That’s according to new research from Kurt  Salmon, part of Accenture Strategy, which finds that  speed and agility are the top priorities for every retailer competing in fast fashion.    

A mall-to-outlet center conversion underway in Rochester, New York, took a big step forward this week with the acquisition of a Macy’s building on the property.  

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.  

The woman whose quirky, eclectic personal style came to define J. Crew — and who is the No.2 executive at the company — is leaving.    Jenna Lyons, president and executive creative director, is stepping down from the struggling retailer. She will remain with J.Crew as a creative advisor until her contract expires in December 2017.     

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.   

Publix Super Markets is revving up for growth in the organic and natural foods store space.    Publix announced plans to reignite its GreenWise store concept. The grocer launched the format in 2007, and currently operates three stores under the banner. It has not opened a new GreenWise location since 2008.   

Cumberland Farms, a convenience store fixture in New England and central Florida for half a century, once fielded more than 1,000 stores. Today it has pared down to 600 stores as it transforms itself from a strip-center and gas station dairy store to a chain of freestanding, modern C-stores providing food service and gasoline, along the lines of Quik Check and Wawa.  

Retailers looking for a competitive advantage in these competitive times should consider their restrooms.