Department Store

Macy's Inc. is expanding same-day delivery to several new U.S. markets this summer, according to Reuters.

The news service says a Macy's official said that the initial plan is to offer the service in so many markets that it could get ahead of Amazon — which currently offers same-day delivery in 14 markets.

Currently, Macy’s is offering the service in Houston, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles and New Jersey. 

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) is now a little less rosy in its sales expectations for 2015. The NRF has lowered its full-year retail sales forecast because of unexpected slow growth recorded during the first half of the year, similar to the industry’s experience in 2014.

However, NRF still expects sales will steadily increase through the remainder of the year. NRF forecasted in February that retail sales would grow 4.1% in 2015 from 2014, but today’s revision lowers the forecast to 3.5%.

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is getting some social media heat about the message on a controversial T-shirt it is selling, and says no offense was ever intended. According to the Associated Press, in a written statement Target said the black women’s shirt with the word “Trophy” written across the front in bold lettering is not meant to demean women.

Austin, Texas – Parents are always telling their school-aged children that character is key, and they also apply a version of that maxim to back-to-school shopping. According to a recent survey by RetailMeNot, parents say their kids want school supplies featuring popular characters from films and TV shows.

Respondents indicated their children want "Minions"-themed school supplies the most (33%) followed by "Jurassic World" (31%), "SpongeBob" (24%) and "Star Wars" (22%).

York, Pa. - The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. has named William Tracy to the position of COO, effective July 27. Tracy will have responsibility for stores, information systems, supply chain, distribution & logistics, omnichannel strategy, real estate, and HR.

Charlotte, N.C. – Belk Inc. is expanding its presence in Alabama. The regional department store chain will open a new 237,000-sq.-ft. flagship store at The Shoppes at Bel Air in Mobile, Alabama.

Belk will be taking the place of an existing Sears, and expanding on its existing presence at The Shoppes at Bel Air. This activity is taking place following recent Reuters reports that private equity firm Sycamore Partners may be preparing to bid up to $3.5 billion for Belk.

JCPenney Co. is launching a back-to-school marketing campaign that covers all the bases of omnichannel retailing.

Grand Rapids, Mich. – Back-to-school shoppers are both willing to spend more and also seeking savings this season. According to a new survey that department store chain Meijer conducted of its customers, approximately 92% of households with school-age children plan to spend the same amount or more than the previous year for back-to–school supplies.