Displays & Signs

In a deal that comes right before the all-important holiday selling season, Toys “R” Us has entered into an exclusive partnership with one of the toy industry’s premier doll brands.     Mattel’s American Girl division announced a multi-year partnership with Toys “R” Us that will make the toy giant the first — and only — U.S.-based retailer to feature American Girl in-store shops.   

The story of Hy’s Toggery has been in the making for nearly half a century. What began in 1969 as a move by company founder Hy Wakstein to establish his own high-end menswear operation after 20-plus years in the industry would ultimately become a brand that has matured into one of the most respected independent clothiers in the southeast.  

Sears Holding Corp. is hoping to capitalize on the upswing in home improvement projects.   The retailer announced it is bringing back paint and related accessories to its stores under three different brands: Craftsman, Weatherbeater and Easy Living. It’s the first time the Craftsman brand will be extended to the paint category.        Sears will test the new offerings in 23 stores nationwide before a chainwide rollout.   

Consumers aren’t ready to let go of print coupons.   A majority (58%) of respondents reported using more print coupons over the past year, according to the 2016 Purse String Survey by Valassis. Thirty-eight of respondents said the same about mobile coupons and 32% are using online coupons or coupon codes more often.  

Sephora has debuted its high-tech, high-service Beauty Tip Workshop format on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue.    The 10,040-sq.-ft. store offers an array of classes, group as well as one-on-one makeovers and boasts a number of innovations, including a new digital makeover guide.   Click here for more. 

Online retail sales continue to grow as changing shopper behavior places greater expectations on brick-and-mortar retail. Despite this trend, store-based retailing remains more profitable than direct-to-consumer retailing, largely due to the high cost of free shipping and returns associated with online sales.   

Beauty and skin-care figure prominently in Kohl’s multi-year turnaround plan.   The retailer recently finished adding beauty departments to all its stores, the Dallas Morning News reported, and even managed to do it couple years ahead of schedule.  

High-quality, graphically interesting store barricades can turn an unsightly construction or remodeling site into a brand-enhancing billboard for a retailer. Chain Store Age spoke with Bob Putnam, the president and founder of Boston Barricade Company, about the evolving nature of retail construction barricades.
    
How have retail construction barricades changed over the years?

Thirty years ago, 98% of all retail barricades were constructed using metal framing and drywall. But today, that number is down to 35%.

Retail consultants McMillan Doolittle offered the following commentary regarding Sears’ plans to upgrade its apparel offerings with in-store shops dedicated to global brands new to the U.S. market.   

Modell’s Sporting Goods will open two stores in the New York metro area on August 25, bringing its total store count to 156 locations.     The openings include Modell’s 11th location in Brooklyn, and a store in in Mount Kisco.    Both locations will feature a wide selection of top brands such as Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Reebok, Spalding and more.