Department Store

The love affair between retailers and loyalty programs is in serious distress. Several major retailers have cut or reduced their loyalty programs and more are considering a trial separation. Customers seem to be shrugging off the change for now. As long as they’re getting the discounts, it’s easier for them to not have to carry and swipe their cards or give their phone numbers at checkout.

New printing techniques, sizes allow for greater options.

Whether it’s a high-end specialty store or a big-box discounter, flooring can go a long way toward setting the right mood — and making shoppers feel comfortable. “It’s naturally innate in us to look down at the ground,” said Nathan Lee Colkitt, CEO, Colkitt&Co., an architectural firm with offices in San Diego and New York City. “If we get the lay of the land, we feel safer and more comfortable.”

Von Maur has opened its first location in Alabama, just outside of Birmingham, at Riverchase Galleria in Hoover. The 185,000-sq.-ft. store is one of the largest locations in the country.

New York -- TJMaxx has signed a lease at the Brass Mill Commons in Waterbury, Conn., according to Charter Realty and Development, TJMaxx’s representative in the negotiations.

The new TJ Maxx store will be 22,889 sq. ft. and the 26th deal that Charter has leased to TJX. TJMaxx is a division of TJX, which also owns Marshall’s and HomeGoods.

Columbus, Ohio – Lane Bryant opened four new stores on Nov. 1. The stores are located at University Mall in Carbondale, Ill., and Bey Lea Plaza in Toms River, N.J.

The retailer also opens two refreshed stores on Nov. 1, at Pavilion Center in Dallas and Las Palmas Marketplace Shopping Center location in El Paso, Texas.

Washington, D.C. —Marshall’s has opened its second Washington, D.C. store. According to the Washington, D.C., Economic Partnership, the 28,925-sq.-ft. store is located at the National Press Building at 14th and F Streets downtown. Marshall’s is planning a third location for the Shops at Dakota Crossing in the city’s northeastern quadrant.

New York -- Century 21 Department Store has joined forces with retail concierge service Hobson to offer same-day delivery to hotels and homes in Manhattan from the retailer’s downtown flagship location.

New Canaan, Conn. -- Continuing a two-year slide in retail spending momentum, American shoppers will generate only a lackluster 2.9% rise in holiday sales, according to Customer Growth Partners’ 13th Annual Holiday Forecast. The CPG report paints a scenario that is decidedly less cheery than some of the other holiday forecasts that have been released to date.