Seasonal

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties and Horizon Group Properties have begun construction on the second phase of The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, near Louisville, Kentucky.

The 53,400-sq.-ft. expansion is scheduled to open this November and will bring eight more retailers to the center including H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch, The Limited Outlet, and Johnny Rockets. The outlet shopping center, located off Interstate 64 between Louisville and Lexington, opened July 31, 2014.

Books-A-Million is trying to increase brand loyalty with two new omnichannel marketing campaigns celebrating customers.

During the month of April, the retailer will host Customer Appreciation Month. The campaign kicks off with Educator Week on April 4 and wraps up with Geek Week, which will offer Stars Wars events and comic book giveaways.

Hosuton - Fashion accessories retailer Charming Charlie recently expanded its relationship with Stored Value Solutions (SVS) to offer e-commerce distribution of digital gift cards. Charming Charlie originally associated with SVS in 2012 for gift card processing in their more than 340 stores across the U.S.

Since introducing online access to digital eCards to complement the availability of physical cards, Charming Charlie gift cards purchased online during the winter holiday season grew by an exponential rate year-over-year.

Retailers are mostly meeting the needs of today’s omnichannel customer, but there’s still room for improvement, according to a new study.

The 2015 Omnichannel Fulfillment Special Report by Kurt Salmon analyzed retailers’ peak-season fulfillment plans and realities to uncover successes, challenges and opportunities for this year.

REI is looking to increase sales to its stores by joining the National Park Service on a campaign to lure more visitors to America's national parks.

In its role as "Official Outdoor Retailer" of the National Park Centennial celebration, the co-op aims to inspire, guide and outfit people with a passion to explore these national treasures more deeply.

Seattle – Amazon.com is addressing the need for more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education with the launch of a new online store focused on toys and games that help kids learn STEM subjects and ideas.

In addition to focusing on the core subjects, STEM also focuses on how they relate to each other and the real world.

According to Amazon, it selected the initial assortment of STEM toys because they “have clear goals and encourage kids to learn STEM skills while having fun.”

Books-A-Million continued to benefit from a spike in book sales and the popularity of Minecraft and Disney’s “Frozen” in the fourth quarter, as same store sales and profit increased.

The chain posted a profit of $3.5 million in the year ended Jan. 31 compared to a net loss of $7.6 million in 2013. Same store sales increased 0.4% in the year and rose 1.7% in the fourth quarter when total sales rose 1.8% and net income increased 0.8% at Books-A-Million over the previous year with sales hitting $474 million.

Dollar General is thinking digital this spring with a new way to appeal to coupon-clipping customers.

The retailer is launching a new digital coupon program called Fast Way to Save that offers customers approximately $200 each week in online coupon savings now through April 19.

Customers will see additional weekly specials on dozens of discounts on Easter merchandise and a buy-one, get-one free sale on select apparel and accessories, as well as its everyday low prices on thousands of items throughout the store.