Retail

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores detailed a number of moves, including opening smaller stores in the United States, cutting back on overseas growth and increasing its investments in technology and e-commerce,  on the occasion of the  company’s 20th annual investor meeting.

Denver - Consumers who shop at higher-end department stores and boutiques expect impeccable presentation whether purchases are made in-store or delivered to them, free shipping and returns, and locator services. According to a new study of 1,000 women who earn more than $75,000 annually by luxury retail packing and shipping solution provider Wrap & Send, 65% spend more than $100 at a physical retail store per month and 57% often purchase items in a physical store and have the store ship it to them.

The survey also found that:

Apple has announced that Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry, will be joining the company as SVP of retail and online stores — a newly created position — and as a member of its executive team. Ahrendts will report to CEO Tim Cook.

Ahrendts will be charged with overseeing the strategic direction, expansion and operation of both Apple retail and online stores.

By Joe Gillespie, president and CEO of Zoove

The online shopping experience has many benefits: access to unlimited inventory, quick search capabilities, and overall convenience. But it lacks one key element: human interaction. Before making a purchase, consumers often want to try out products — to see and touch them, or get a second opinion. In fact, a recent IBM survey reveals that nearly nine out of ten consumers still finalize their purchases in-store.

Dallas — Bar Louie has opened a new location in south Arlington, Texas. It will be the brand’s second north Texas location.

The grand opening will host a four-day blowout bash starting Oct.17. In addition to $2 signature martinis, Bar Louie will offer all guests a free appetizer or flatbread just for stopping by.

Los Angeles -- Sport Chalet, Inc. has elected Miki R. Berardelli, chief marketing officer for Tory Burch, to the company's board of directors. Berardelli has more than 20 years of marketing and e-commerce experience.

As chief marketing officer for Tory Burch, she oversees global marketing, public relations and e-commerce. Prior to joining Tory Burch in 2009, Berardelli spent eight years at Ralph Lauren as the senior VP of marketing. In addition, Berardelli is serving her second term as board chairman of Shop.org and is on the board of Giggle.com.

Seattle -- Nordstrom plans to open a Nordstrom Rack at the Village at Dublin in Dublin, Calif. The approximately 35,000-sq.-ft. store is scheduled to open in fall 2015. The center is being developed by Regency Centers Corp.

Rochester, N.Y. -- Kodak Alaris today unveiled the Kodak Photo Service, which opens the company's worldwide installed base of Kodak picture kiosks and printers to content providers, creating new revenue streams for both them and retailers.