Department Store

The best way to drive a top-notch in-store experience is to give associates insight into as many real-time data sources as possible.   

The Trump brand at retail has taken another hit.    Sears and Kmart this week removed 31 Trump Home items from their e-commerce sites, Reuters reported, to focus on more profitable products. Neither Sears nor Kmart carried the products in their brick-and-mortar stores.  

The Bon-Ton Stores is expanding an initiative that gives its network of stores a more local flavor.    The department store retailer will add "Close to Home in-store shops to at least 100 stores this year after a successful launch in 45 stores in fall 2016.   

Another corporate ranking, another first place finish by Amazon.   The online giant came out on top in Harris Poll’s annual corporate reputation rankings report. The poll measures the reputations of the 100 most visible companies in the United States as perceived by the general public.        

It’s not over yet for the embattled Sears Holdings, which is streamlining its operations on the heels of what appears to be a brutal fourth quarter.    The long-struggling retailer on Friday announced a comprehensive restructuring that will cut at least $1 billion in operating costs a year. The plan involves reducing corporate overhead (although Sears did not specify, job cuts are likely), closer integration of the Sears and Kmart operations and improving its merchandising, supply chain and inventory management.

Neiman Marcus blends a modern, luxurious design with state-of-the art technology and amenities at The Shops at Clearfork, a new open-air center in Fort Worth, Texas.   Alamo Architects took special care to ensure the exterior of store drew upon the surrounding area’s natural features and climate. The building façade, which draws inspiration from woven fabric patterns, was created with artisanal pre-cast concrete, sustainable panels.   

J.Jill Group is looking at a return to the public markets. The apparel retailer, which is owned by private-equity firm TowerBrook Capital Partners LP, announced that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. TowerBrook acquired J.Jill from Arcapita and Golden Gate Capital in 2015. The chain was previously owned by The Talbots.

J.Jill Group is looking at a return to the public markets.   The apparel retailer, which is owned by private-equity firm TowerBrook Capital Partners LP, announced that it has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to a proposed initial public offering of its common stock. TowerBrook acquired J.Jill from Arcapita and Golden Gate Capital in 2015. The chain was previously owned by The Talbots.