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While technology and innovation flourish on the consumer side of fashion, inside retail headquarters, merchants and planners still rely on reports and tools that have barely evolved from the three-ring binders and green screens of the 1970s. Merchants and planners, many of whom grew up as digital natives, navigate an awkward time warp: They commute from the consumer world to offices that stifle their skills in interpreting and acting on visual, interactive data and tools.

Oak Brook, Ill. - The Inland Real Estate Group Inc. is naming Prashant Bodhanwala, 48, as chief accounting officer, overseeing accounting, financial strategic planning and financial analyses for Inland. Bodhanwala most recently served as VP of accounting for CA Ventures LLC, a real estate development firm, where he was responsible for all accounting, tax, accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.

An online retailer that offers upscale men’s suits at ultra-low prices is launching a new service that aims to radically change online shopping.

Combatant Gentleman, a fast-growing startup that Inc. magazine has dubbed “the next Warby Parker,” has added a video chat solution to its website that allows clients to shop alongside a personal stylist. LiveNinja, a video-chat based startup, built a communication platform that allows for the retailer to establish more authentic relationships with customers online.

Seattle -- Nordstrom plans to further expand its San Diego County presence with the addition of a Nordstrom Rack at The Shops at La Jolla Village in La Jolla, California.

The approximately 32,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open in fall 2016. The property is owned by Alecta Real Estate USA, LLC. When it opens, it will be the fifth Nordstrom Rack in the San Diego area and about one mile west of Nordstrom at University Towne Centre.

Columbus, Ohio - The Limited is launching a new program called Reserve Online, Ready In-Store, that allows customers to shop TheLimited.com and place items on hold for purchase and pick-up at their local store. Reserve Online, Ready In-Store is available at The Limited's nearly 225 full-line retail store locations across the U.S.

This full-scale launch follows a successful pilot in select stores in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio, markets.  

The Limited is finally following the lead of a slew of other retailers that have rolled out buy online, pick up in store services for customers.

Alpharetta, Ga. - McAlister's Deli has signed three development agreements with new and existing franchisees to open restaurants in Southern Georgia and North, Central and Southwest Florida.

Existing franchisee DMAC 81 LLC, based in Summerville, South Carolina, plans to open several new restaurants between southern Georgia and northern Florida.

The parent company of Albertsons and Safeway has named a drugstore industry veteran as its new SVP of pharmacy, health and wellness.

Restaurants and retail have fertile expansion ground in certain markets

While it’s true that technology, brick-and-mortar changes, and evolving consumer behavior are causing foundational shifts in the retail industry, a closer look at different U.S.

Bi-Lo Holdings wants to tap into its shoppers’ digital lifestyles with a 360-degree mobile app and website experience that delivers personalized coupons based customer shopping habits.