DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION

First Look: Amazon’s new high-tech hair salon

Amazon is entering yet another brick-and-market segment and this one could be the most unexpected to date. The tech giant will open its first-ever hair salon, in London’s hip Spitafields district, where it said it will trial the “latest industry technology,” including augmented reality hai
First Look: Harry Potter New York

A themed flagship featuring the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise under one roof is set to open in the Big Apple.

Athleta to open 20 to 30 stores annually; to enter Canada

Gap Inc. is expanding its popular women’s athletic apparel brand — and not just in the United States.
Raley’s to convert all stores to new banner

Raley’s has big plans for its Raley’s O-N-E Market format.
Placer.ai: Nike, Dick’s Sporting Goods chart new paths in 2021

Athletic apparel retailers Nike and Dick’s Sporting Goods are flipping to a new page of their playbooks.
Three ‘store of the future’ formats you can visit today

The technology-enabled “store of the future” is developing now, in several different directions.
Macy’s bullish on its off-price format

Macy’s is expanding its off-price Backstage concept – in-store and in freestanding locations.
Walmart to test in-store Le Madeleine bakery, café

Walmart is partnering with a casual restaurant brand known for its “French comfort food.”
Stores, restaurants shuttered in 2020 had one thing in common…

The pandemic took its heaviest toll business-wise on smaller retailers and restaurant operators.
Sheetz expands in Central Ohio with big plans

Sheetz has opened its first store in the Columbus, Ohio, market with more to come.
Dick’s Sporting Goods unveils new store concept — complete with outdoor track

Dick’s Sporting Goods has gone experiential.
Next-gen ear-piercing store concept expands

Studs is growing its fledging footprint.
Choice Market puts high-tech spin on convenience in new location

A retailer that combines the selection of a natural grocer and the footprint of a c-store with the newest technology is looking to reinvent convenience with the opening of its new location in Denver.
Consumers willing to pay a bit more for safer environments

With COVID-19 restrictions lifting in many areas, consumer opinion about resuming activities varied. But one sentiment is common.

News and analysis on retail brick-and-mortar store design, construction and expansion.