Apparel

For developers, architects and commercial construction professionals, designing and building retail spaces is a highly specialized skill that requires experience and considerable expertise to master. While brand standards, design consistency and proven buildout processes lead to some welcome efficiencies, sometimes unavoidable constraints and specific requirements that are mandated both by retailers and landlords can also create unique logistical and development challenges.

Virtual reality (VR) has been gaining traction in retail recently, with major retailers turning to the bleeding-edge technology as a customer engagement tool. But how exactly is VR poised to change the ways consumers interact with and buy products from retailers? Here are three key ways. A full view

The 300,000-sq.-ft. ONE DAYTONA mixed-use project isn’t scheduled to open for another 18 months, but when it does the unique project looks to set a new benchmark for mixed-use retail real estate developments.

Even luxury department stores got no love from shoppers in the first quarter. Following a pattern set by Macy’s and Kohl’s, Nordstrom reported dismal results for the first quarter, including a steep drop in profit, with the only positive sign being the company’s off-price division. The retailer lowered its full-year outlook.

Call it a spring retail funk. The day after Macy’s posted disappointing results for its first quarter, Kohl’s Corp. upped the ante, reporting an 87% drop in net income amid heavy one-time costs. Kohl’s net income for the three months that ended April 30, was $17 million, down 87% from the $127 million Kohl's earned in the year-ago period. Excluding impairments, store closings and one-time costs, net income was $58 million, down 55%.

Macy’s on Wednesday reported its fifth consecutive decline in same-store sales, and announced plans to improve its performance, from new product launches to more off-price shops. The nation’s largest department retailer also reduced its sales and earnings guidance for the year. Similar to many retailers, Macy’s is challenged by an overall retail environment marked by sluggish traffic, increased competition and cautious consumers.

Folks in the state of South Dakota can no longer buy baubles from popular online jewelry retailer Blue Nile.

Gordmans Stores has appointed Michael F. Ricart senior VP stores, effective May 9, 2016. Ricart joins Gordmans from Bon-Ton Stores Inc. where he was senior VP stores since 2012. He the company in 1999 as a regional VP stores and has held several roles of increasing responsibility during his 16 years tenure. Prior to Bon-Ton Stores, he held multiple positions in buying and store operations at Macy's.