Events

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.  

As we head into 2017, retail chief marketing officers are under the gun more than ever before to produce measurable results. Jobs are on the line, as CEOs demand evidence that increased marketing technology investments are paying off. And that spending won’t slow down soon: Gartner recently doubled down on its prediction that CMOs will outspend their CIO counterparts on technology in this coming year.   

Spin, an entertainment concept that had its genesis in “Naked Ping Pong” parties in New York’s Tribeca neighborhood, has taken the ground floor space to close out leasing at a new retail venue in Philadelphia.   The glass-fronted, 55,000-sq.-ft. center in Rittenhouse Square, owned by an affiliate of Midwood Investment & Development, is co-anchored by The Cheesecake Factory and Verizon. Also inhabiting the three-story building is &Pizza and WeWork, a collaborative work space.  

Ikea stores are so inviting that some teens want to spend the night.   Ten of the Swedish home furnishing giant’s stores across the world have been the location of illegal sleepovers, BBC News reported.   

The Container Store and Southwest Airlines are teaming up to surprise harried holiday travelers passing through airports across the nation.   Starting Thursday, Dec. 22, the partners are easing holiday stress for travelers by offering complimentary gift wrapping. The service is available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the following 10 airports:   • Chicago (Midway) International Airport • Dallas (Love Field)  • Denver International Airport 

Officials from the city of Troy, Michigan, made the rounds of the New York Deal Making show looking for a partner to help them erect a proposed $350 million town center.  

Sears is taking the saying, “it is better to give than to receive” to heart.   Coinciding with its “Season of Wishes” holiday campaign, the department store chain is rewarding shoppers at Sears Hometown and outlet stores who donate $5 to Make-A-Wish with a “Very Merry Santa Sale” pass for an extra discount between Dec. 15 and Dec. 24.   

Ulta has finished its third quarter with another very impressive set of numbers. Despite lapping some tough comparatives, the pace of growth has quickened with strong uplifts in total and comparable sales, as well as on the bottom line where operating and net income both grew by well over 20%.