Apparel

Study: Retailers need to pay attention to Gen Z
Watch out millennials, Gen Z is coming on strong. With Generation Z expected to comprise 40% of the North American population by 2020, retailers must address the needs of this generation and understand its purchasing power in households, according to a survey conducted by HRC Retail Advisory.
Struggling department store chain revamps employee discount program
In its latest move to stay afloat, Sears is scrapping its associate discount program in favor of a new concept. Sears’ employee discount program, which gave employees money off purchases at checkout, is transitioning to a service that will reward asso-ciates with points through the chain’s Shop Your Way loyalty program. The change, which will impact all active Sears Holdings associates, spouses and eligible dependents, is set to launch on Sunday, Jan. 29.

Division of high-end chain rewards shoppers with Nordstrom Notes

Nordstrom is giving shoppers a new way to earn loyalty points. As of Friday, Jan. 20, Nordstrom Rewards members will earn points toward Nordstrom Notes when they use their Nordstrom credit and debit cards at the chain’s Trunk Club division, a personalized styling service for men and women, offering both virtual and in-person shopping options. Additionally, Trunk Club will waive its $25 home try-on fee when shoppers order curated trunks of clothing using their Nordstrom card.
RPAI acquires mixed-use property for $88 million

A mixed-use project with 103,000 sq. ft. of retail in the western suburbs of Chicago has been purchased by Retail Properties of America for $88 million. Main Street Promenade, a town center style development in Naperville, is 93% leased and includes tenants such as Ann Taylor, Sur la Table, White House | Black Market, and Anthropologie.
Home decor brand’s sales data reveals most enthusiastic NFL fans

Wayfair has tapped into analytics with an unusual goal: to rank its most enthusiastic football fans ahead of the Super Bowl. By using analytics to tap sales data of its NFL merchandise, Wayfair pinpointed its most enthusiastic team fan bases — and where they reside. The online retailer’s results are based on overall sales of licensed merchandise sold on its NFL Fan Shop during the 2016-2017 NFL season (Sept. 8, 2016-Jan. 15, 2017).
Accenture in tech collaboration with Council of Fashion Designers

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Accenture are collaborating to help shape how the fashion industry integrates technology and consumer insights into its business practices. Combining the creativity within CFDA’s membership with Accenture’s expertise in customer experience, strategy, insights and technology, the two organizations will create talent-development programs for today’s designers and tomorrow’s retailers.
Specialty apparel retailer to close some stores, restructure

Another apparel retailer is looking to downsize its store portfolio. BCBG Max Azria Group plans to close some stores as it turns its focus to licensing, e-commerce and selling through other retailers, Bloomberg reported.
Alipay expands North American presence

More North American shoppers will have access to Alipay. Through a partnership with leading luxury travel retailer DFS Group, Alipay’s in-store mobile payment service will be available in DFS’ Honolulu International Airport store, and its downtown T Galleria by DFS, Hawaii store in advance of the Chinese New Year. DFS Group launched Alipay in its airport stores in SFO, LAX, and JFK in 2016.
Nine West acquires women’s clothing brand

Nine West Holdings has entered into an agreement to purchase a 30-years plus women’s apparel company. Nine West said it has used the net proceeds from the December 2016 sale of its Easy Spirit wholesale business to purchase the Kasper Group. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The Kasper Group's apparel is sold under its flagship Kasper and other well-known brand names.
Report: Retailers lag in digital transformation

Nearly half of retailer leaders will be out of business if they don’t transform themselves digitally. This is according to “Reinventing Retail: Cisco Reveals How Stores Can Surge Ahead on the Digital Transformation Journey,” a study based on data from 200 retail executives from North and South America and regions of Europe. Companies represent brick-and-mortar retailers, e-commerce, apparel manufacturers, food service and other segments of retail.
Buckle personalizes in-store experiences

Personalization is at the core of Buckle’s success. However, engaging customers differently requires a deep understanding of each shopper, and leveraging specific details to foster long-term relationships. Buckle is improving its personalization efforts through a new cloud-based solution designed to create the high-touch, individualized shopping experiences the chain has built its brand on.
The Ins & Outs of Closeouts

Jeff Katkowsky, VP with Sachse Construction, will share his insights and experiences as part of a panel focused on overcoming obstacles during closeouts at SPECS/2017.