Marketing Tactics

Just in time for Black Friday, Structube, a leading Canadian retailer of modern furniture, has launched its e-commerce site in the United States.

In addition to its online platform, Structube, which operates 47 stores in Canada, plans to open stores across the United States, starting in 2016.

Structube specializes in contemporary style furniture, and offers “high style/low priced” pre-assembled and easy-to-assemble products. The company says it caters to young professionals, condo dwellers and small businesses.

Guest appearances by Republican presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson at Books-A-Million stores gave the retailer a modest sales lift in the third quarter.

The company said its sales increased 0.4% to $101.6 million and same store sales increased 1.6%, thanks in part to appearances by Republication presidential contender Dr. Ben Carson. However, signs of life on the top line did not translate to bottom line improvement as Books-A-Million reported a loss of $7.1 million, or 50 cents a share, that was in line with a loss from the prior year.

Walmart’s foes are at it again this holiday season, looking to disparage the company with misinformation and publicity stunts that harm the workers the organization claims to help.

Sam Edelman continues to expand its West Coast retail presence.

The footwear brand turned lifestyle retailer opened a 2,896- sq.-ft. store Westfield Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, Calif. The new location is the second in California, and the largest of all Sam Edelman stores, including those planned to open in the next year.

Designed by Dagnell Folger of Architecture + Information, the store stays true to the Sam Edelman aesthetic with a mix of materials that includes reclaimed wood and raw concrete with rose-colored brass and black leather.

Leading footwear retailer DSW Inc. made significant omnichannel upgrades during the third quarter but warm weather kept shoppers from buying shoes in stores or online.

Sales declined 0.6% to $666 million and same store sales declined 3.9% compared to a 2.6% comp increase during the same period the prior year. Profits declined 20.7% to $39.3 million and earnings per share declined 20% to 44 cents, in line with the company’s guidance range of 41 cents to 44 cents.

“Now Trending” is an exclusive online series to chainstoreage.com, featuring trending topics that impact the retail real estate landscape.

The narrative is a familiar one: the scourge of online sales, encroaching ominously on brick-and-mortar market share, continues to siphon sales and transform the retail industry into an increasingly virtual landscape. Over the last few years, nearly every retail sales drop or unexpectedly poor performance has been laid at the feet of the Internet.

When it comes to increasing brand awareness on social media for the holidays, a few chains stand out.

Whether it’s a complete remodel or just a refresh, retailers have a variety of options — and decisions to make — when it comes to updating their store interiors. BrandPoint Services’ Steve Hearon talked with Chain Store Age about store update programs.

What are some of the most common mistakes retailers make when undertaking a refresh, remodel or rebranding program?