Retail

Chain Store Age will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents' Day. We will reopen and resume our normal schedule on Tuesday, Feb. 21. 

Ralph Lauren Corporation has created two executive positions as the company continues its turnaround efforts and to search for a new chief executive.   Ralph Lauren tapped Jonathan Bottomley to the newly created position of chief marketing officer, effective April 3. He will be responsible for evolving Ralph Lauren’s brand voice, leading the global marketing team and building cut-through marketing strategies across the company’s brands.  

In its latest move to gain a competitive edge on Amazon, Walmart expanded availability of its Scan and Go app.   Already a staple at Sam’s Clubs nationwide, Walmart launched its free Scan and Go app for Android users, reported Forbes.   

It’s going to be a busy spring for Stein Mart.   The Florida-based chain will open five stores this spring –– the first phase of its 2017 store plan to open a total of 11 new stores. The remainder of the locations will open in the fall.    “These new stores fall within our real estate strategy to grow sales by filling existing markets where we are doing well,” said Hunt Hawkins, CEO of Stein Mart, which operates 290 stores.   

Retailers may have a new way to spread the word about their job openings.   Facebook now allows businesses in the United States and Canada to post available positions on their company pages or in the new “Jobs on Facebook” bookmark. Facebook users can also see job posts in their news feed, and alongside other posts on Facebook’s business pages, the social network said.   

Google Home is giving Amazon’s Echo a run for its (shopping) money.   On Thursday, Google announced that shoppers can use Google Home to order everyday basics from Google Express retailers, including Costco, Whole Foods Market, Walgreens, PetSmart, Bed Bath & Beyond and others, reported GeekWire.   

T-Mobile’s digital loyalty program just got more valuable.   The company’s “T-Mobile Tuesdays” app delivers free gifts and dis-counts to its users each week. Through its partnership with Excentus, the wireless provider now features a 25-cent-per-gallon “Fuel Rewards” discount code within its weekly rewards rotation.   

Online giant extending brick-and-mortar footprint.   Amazon is taking its bookstore concept to the San Francisco Bay Area, which has a reputation for supporting independent bookstores.    The company will open a bookstore at Broadway Plaza, an open-air center in Walnut Creek, California, reported the San Francisco Gate.  Although no opening date was given, but Amazon is in the process of staffing up the store.