Retail

Specialty home furnishings retailer Z Gallerie has long operated a catalog and e-commerce site along with 57 physical stores, but the Los Angeles-based chain wants to update for the omnichannel era.

Thus Z Gallerie has selected the full suite of Aptos retail solutions in a full-service Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model to help the retailer streamline, optimize and integrate its omnichannel retail operations, while supporting new means of engaging with its customers.

Sam’s Club is introducing a new way for shoppers to get a head start on their holiday shopping: Pre-Black Friday.

The nation’s eighth largest retailer and the warehouse division of Walmart is planning to give Sam's Club members early access to exclusive savings on some of the most sought-after holiday items and Thanksgiving meal must-haves.

While some retailers are taking a stand this year against opening on Thanksgiving Day and even Black Friday, Toys “R” Us thinks its customers will be ready to do some shopping after their turkey dinners.

The toy retailer announced that its stores will open at 5 p.m. on Nov. 26, the same time as last year. Stores will remain open through 11 p.m. on Nov. 27.

Last month outdoors retailer REI said it would close on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. GameStop, At Home and Staples have also announced they would not open on Thanksgiving.

Visual search, or the ability to click on an image of a product and obtain information, or even make a purchase, without typing in any words, is growing in popularity.

Retailers including Urban Outfitters are offering variations of visual search functionality, and the failed Amazon Fire smartphone essentially made the world into an Amazon showroom with an advanced virtual search tool. Considering that Pinterest has become one of the leading visually-oriented consumer sites, it’s not surprising the social platform has joined the fray.

Macy's is adding a retail industry and corporate governance expert its board of directors.

The retailer has named Frank Blake, recently former chairman and chief executive officer of Home Depot, its board. Blake’s election increases the size of the board to 14 members.

Meijer is adding a new senior leader to its merchandising organization with more than 30 years of grocery experience.

Meijer has named Tod Pepin as the retailer’s senior VP of Foods.

Excess energy consumption in retail can exceed 30%, which means there is a huge opportunity for savings that many retailers s have not yet fully explored.

Retailers spend nearly $20 billion annually on energy expenses, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By saving just 15% from optimizing operations and eliminating waste, we can save $3 billion as an industry.

Specialty fashion retailer Vanity is trying to make visiting its stores as rewarding an experience as possible.