Apparel

GameStop forecast an exceptionally wide range of same store sales possibilities during the fourth quarter following weaker than expected third quarter results.

Over the past 15 years or so, fast-fashion has evolved from a trend to a phenomenon to an industry standard — one that has largely redefined the U.S. apparel retailing landscape.

From home-grown Forever 21 to Swedish import H&M, the market is awash in stores offering cheap, on-trend clothes at low prices. And now another import has entered the mix, Primark, which opened its first U.S. store in September, in Boston, the first of eight initial locations.

Every day, it seems there is news of another large retailer opening a tech innovation center, launching a new engagement channel or otherwise making its mark as an IT innovator. But while the big guys get all the attention, a lot of smaller retailers are also doing some very interesting and innovative things with technology. Read on for three recent examples of small retailers launching large initiatives in technology innovation.

Poler Outdoor Stuff activates Instagram indoors

Project Owner: Equus Capital Partners

Exclusive Leasing Agents for Project: Metro Commercial Real Estate (Glenn Marvin and Steve Niggeman)

Metro Commercial HQ: Philadelphia, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania; and Mt. Laurel, New Jersey

Project Location: Newtown Square, Pennsylvania

Project Owner: Forest City Enterprises

Company HQ: Cleveland

Project Location: Arlington, Virginia

Project Size: Total project is 1 million sq. ft.; Ballston Quarter is 325,000 sq. ft.

Project Status: Opening 2018

Project Website: www.ballstonquarter.com

The 45-acre Assembly Row in Boston breaks almost all the rules for the traditional model for outlet centers. Just three miles from downtown Boston, Assembly Row is an urban-style mixed-use center with a wide range of outlet retail options alongside entertainment components like LEGOLAND Discovery Center, AMC Theatres and over a dozen restaurants from Legal Sea Foods to Vancouver, B.C.-based Earls Kitchen + Bar.

The recent KronosWorks 2015 conference was held in Las Vegas, a city built on taking chances. However, increasing automation of workforce management tasks is helping retailers remove the risk from activities such as scheduling, staffing and hiring.

Here are three hot automation trends highlighted at KronosWorks that are helping retailers win the workforce management game.

So many new stores, so little space. Here are my top faves of the year: