Apparel

Amazon and Saks came out on top in the 12th annual ForeSee Experience Index (FXI), which identified the top brands for retail customer experience this holiday season across three channels: online, store and mobile.   

A dramatic spiral staircase highlighted by three chandeliers and a cascade of lights and crystals suspended from a 30-ft. ceiling welcomes shoppers at Shreve & Co. new flagship in San Francisco.   The two-level, 15,000-sq.-ft. store features a modern, luxurious design, with in-store boutiques, private viewing suites for personalized consultations and an entertainment room. It also houses an array of services, from a dedicated watchmaker to an estate jewelry appraiser and consultant.   

The biggest shopping day of the year is approaching, and shoppers are ready — almost 156 million, to be exact.    On Saturday, Dec. 17, 66% of Americans – an estimated 155.7 million people –plan to or are considering taking advantage of Super Saturday sales to complete their holiday gift list, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The survey, which asked 6,890 consumers about their holiday shopping plans, was conducted Dec. 1 - 7.

The 165-year-old Shreve & Co. has opened a flagship in its San Francisco home town.    The two-level, 15,000-sq.-ft. store is Shreve's first new, permanent location in 110 years and features a modern, luxurious design. The centerpiece is a dramatic, free-floated, elongated semi-spiral staircase that offers sweeping views of the store. A waterfall chandelier of lights and crystals is suspended inside the arch of the stairway. A cascade of crystals and lights hangs from the 30-foot ceiling.    

Popular CBS reality show “Undercover Boss” will kick off its upcoming season with back-to-back one-hour episodes on Dec. 21 featuring two CEOs of national retailers.   The show’s first hour will feature Sharon Price John, president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, who will learn how building bears and other furry animals isn't all fun and games. For a video preview, click here.  

Century 21 is expanding into a new market.   The New York City-based off-price retailer will open its 12th store to date, and first in the state of Florida, at Sawgrass Mills, in Sunrise. The 85,000-sq.-ft. store will open on Dec. 16.    The Florida location will feature the retailer’s C21-On-1 Stylist Program, providing shoppers with the opportunity to book a free one-on-one appointment with a fashion stylist.         

American Apparel witnessed a bright light in its ongoing financial saga.   The beleaguered specialty retailer has court approval to use the remainder of its $30 million bankruptcy loan. American Apparel filed Chapter 11 in November, its second filing in 15 months.