eCommerce

New York -- The outlook for the retail industry looks bright, with lower prices at the pump and decreasing unemployment boding well for consumer spending. Retail sales are expected to rise 4.5% in 2015, which is about one percentage point stronger than 2014 growth, according to a report by Kantar Retail, whose analysis excludes automobile dealers, and gas and food service.

Leading apparel manufacturer Kellwood has named ex-Barnes & Noble chief financial officer Joseph Lombardi as CEO.

Lombardi joined Kellwood as CFO in 2013, and has three decades of retail experience across a variety of sectors, including apparel.

New York -- Apparel manufacturer and retailer Kellwood has named Joseph Lombardi, the former CFO of Barnes & Noble, as CEO.

Lombardi joined Kellwood as CFO in 2013, and has three decades of retail experience across a variety of sectors, including apparel.

Inventory visibility is a prerequisite for retailers executing omnichannel strategies, which is why RFID is enjoying a resurgence and something called the Tagged Item Performance Protocol holds great promise.

Inventory visibility has always been important in retail, but never more so than today when retailers of all types are looking to execute omnichannel strategies that involve ship from store and return to store capabilities. Omnichannel creates all sorts of new supply chain challenges that make it more difficult to keep tabs on inventory.

Foothill Ranch, Calif. – In a move that was somewhat expected, The Wet Seal Inc. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The move comes a week after the struggling teen retailer said it was closing 338 of its stores, leaving it with approximately 173 stores nationwide.

“After careful consideration, the Board of Directors unanimously concluded that filing for Chapter 11 was the appropriate course of action for the Company,” said CEO Ed Thomas.

Fort Worth, Texas – RadioShack Corp. is reportedly negotiating with Sprint to sell some of its store leases to the wireless carrier. According to Bloomberg, Sprint executives said the company is planning to expand its store count through acquisitions at an investor conference last week.

As media companies increasingly look for ways to boost profitability, the New York Times is leveraging its brand recognition by launching an overhaul of the New York Times Store.

The store is the online destination for shoppers seeking New York Times branded merchandise. But the new store will also sell personalized products that are curated for and recommended to each individual shopper, in addition to bestsellers like classic photography, newspaper reprints, sports memorabilia and books, as well as a wide selection of autographed and historical items.

Atlanta – The Home Depot Inc. has named CEO and president Craig Menear as chairman, effective Feb. 2. He will succeed Frank Blake, who will retire as chairman.