Displays & Signs

J.C. Penney has a lot riding on its new home department makeover. Industry analysts say the revamp, a central element of former CEO Ron Johnson’s plan to transform the chain, is critical to the department store’s future. Home represented 12% of Penney’s sales in 2012, down from 15% in 2011. It was the worst performing category last year.

New York -- J.C. Penney Co. on Thursday took the wraps off its highly anticipated home department in more than 500 stores nationwide. The new department is made up of a collection of branded in-store shops, including Michael Graves Design, MarthaCelebrations, Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler, and Design by Conran. Each brand is presented in a boutique-like setting, with its own distinct look. The spaces range from about 300 sq. ft. to about 800 sq. ft. each.

Plano, Texas -- J.C. Penney Co. on Thursday took the wraps off its highly anticipated new home department. More than 500 stores received a complete home department revamp, with updated flooring, accent lighting, custom fixturing and a widened pathway.

The new department is made up of a collection of in-store shops for popular designers, including Michael Graves Design, MarthaHome, Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler, and Design by Conran. Each shop-has its own distinct look with a size range of about 300 to about 800 sq. ft.

New York -- Kate Spade Saturday, a new division of Kate Spade, has partnered with eBay Inc. to open four pop-up storefronts with shoppable windows across downtown Manhattan.

The format will consist of a large interactive screen, open for business 24 hours a day. Shoppers can browse and select from among some 30 products and checkout via the screen, with the product delivered in approximately one hour, or scheduled within the week. The pop-ups will be open from  June 8 through July 7.

Detroit -- Whole Foods Market on Wednesday is scheduled to open a 21,506-sq.-ft. store in Detroit, in the city’s Midtown neighborhood. The store, which is smaller than the chain’s typical footprint, features an expanded lineup of private-label products and lower prices designed to appeal to more budget-conscious shoppers, according to various reports.

SAN DIEGO — Pet specialty retailer Petco is launching a campaign to teach children how to safely approach and interact with dogs. The educative measure aims to lower dog-bite statistics, which drives traffic into its brick-and-mortar stores.

Petco certified dog trainers recommend that children follow the SAFE method, which is explained as follows: 

S: Stop, stand still and turn sideways before getting close to the dog.

WESTKLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Dole is on a 4,800-mile banana truck tour in an attempt to get Americans to eat more fruits and veggies, namely bananas. Company representatives will travel for a total of 102 days in a pink-and-turquoise truck during the Peel the Love Summer Food Truck Tour.

Chatsworth, Calif. -- Provision Interactive Technologies has entered into a multi-year partnership with Rite Aid Corp. to install Provision’s 3D Reward Centers kiosks inside select Rite Aid stores. The kiosks will generate 3D holographic videos as well as exclusive wellness+ information and Rite Aid promotions.

Another pure online retailer has made the leap to brick-and-mortar. The Monocle Order, an online member’s club for sunglasses and optical frames, has opened a flagship in Brooklyn’s uber hip Williamsburg neighborhood.

New York -- Tiffany & Co. has announced plans to open a two-level store in Moscow’s GUM luxury department store, located in Red Square. At about 4,520 sq. ft., the new store is Tiffany’s first wholly owned retail business in Russia, and is expected to open in the first quarter of 2014.

“Establishing a presence at this preeminent department store is a milestone in our growth strategy as a leading global luxury brand and underscores the importance of the Russian market,” said Frederic Cumenal, executive VP Tiffany & Co.