Retail

In preparation for the holiday rush, retailers have begun the timely process of interviewing, hiring and training seasonal employees.

Establishing an Internet of Things (IoT) technology strategy may not be easy, but can offer substantial rewards to retailers who overcome the inevitable challenges.

“There is a vast opportunity to use IoT technology to connect retailers with their assets and consumers,” said Michael Colaneri, VP of sales for restaurant, retail and CPG, AT&T, during an exclusive interview with Chain Store Age. “But it requires business process re-engineering to connect multiple edgepoints.”

Establishing an Internet of Things (IoT) technology strategy may not be easy, but can offer substantial rewards to retailers who overcome the inevitable challenges.

“There is a vast opportunity to use IoT technology to connect retailers with their assets and consumers,” said Michael Colaneri, VP of sales for restaurant, retail and CPG, AT&T, during an interview with Chain Store Age. “But it requires business process re-engineering to connect multiple edgepoints.”

Neiman Marcus is taking the capabilities of its digital lookbooks to a whole new level.

Neiman Marcus has deployed the Zmags Creator rich media marketing platform to design and publish shoppable lookbooks on its e-commerce site. The retailer’s more than 150 annual lookbooks serve as the primary way to highlight designer merchandise on its site.

Whole Foods is trying to get its groove back, but after reporting weak fourth quarter results, it is not clear when that will be as the company expressed concern about the competitive climate and the impact on its profit margins.

DSW Inc. has promoted its omnichannel retailing chief to be its new CEO as the company positions itself for long-term growth.

The company said Roger L. Rawlins, executive VP and CIO, will succeed Michael R. MacDonald as CEO effective Jan. 1. MacDonald, who is retiring from DSW and from the board of directors, will remain with the company through the end of the year to help ensure a smooth transition. Rawlins will be appointed to the DSW board effective Jan. 1.

Two new offerings from Pinterest make the visually-oriented social media platform even more accessible for e-commerce.

The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. has a new finance chief to help the company strengthen its balance sheet.

The retailer has named Nancy A. Walsh to the position of executive VP, CFO of the company, effective Nov. 9. Walsh will have responsibility for Accounting, Treasury, Tax, Credit, Investor Relations, Legal and Internal Audit.