Hospitality

By Steve Jones   What’s going to keep people coming back to physical store locations, as comfort levels with e-commerce rise every year? Savvy retailers are fighting technology with technology, refreshing the look and feel of their stores by integrating more gadgets, and using data in a more integrated way to inform strategy.  In-store tech helps retailers beat e-tailers at their own game  

By Shannon Warner, Cognizant Technology Solutions   Talk about a gap: 62% of shoppers say loyalty program membership is beneficial, but only 26% consider retailers’ programs worth joining.   

New York - The long delayed American Dream mega-mall and entertainment project at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey,  will open—at least partially— in the fall of 2016 and has signed on such tenants as Victoria’s Secret, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Gap and an array of restaurant and entertainment destinations, including a Cirque du Soleil theatre, according to The Record.    

Take a video tour of Starbucks's newest retail format, which will serve as launchpad for a 100-store premium coffee chain. 

LOUISVILLE, Ky.- Papa John’s International has reached a milestone: The chain announced that digital and mobile channels account for more than 50% of its total U.S. sales (delivery and carryout), making it the first in the industry to surpass this milestone.  

CANTON, Mass. - Dunkin’ Donuts is launching its own green building certification program, called DD Green, to help franchisees build sustainable, energy-efficient restaurants.    In conjunction with the announcement, the company is celebrating the grand opening of a DD Green certified Dunkin' Donuts restaurant in Long Beach, California. Dunkin' Donuts will work with franchisees and construction managers to build 100 new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants DD Green certified by the end of 2016.

Atlanta - Chick–fil–A is mobilizing its customers, at least when it comes to payment and ordering. The quick service chain is launching two new features, mobile payment and mobile ordering, within the Chick–fil–A mobile app.   

Fort Worth, Texas - Simon will partner with Cassco Development Co. to develop the first phase of retail on the Edwards Ranch in Fort Worth into an approximately 500,000-sq.-ft. shopping destination. The Shops at Clearfork will be anchored by Neiman Marcus and include 100 high-end specialty stores, a premium luxury theater, and distinctive restaurants.