Retail

Columbia Sportswear Company, a leading manufacturer of active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, has appointed Franco Fogliato as SVP of Europe, reporting directly to president and CEO Tim Boyle, effective Nov. 4.

Fogliato will be responsible for establishing and executing sales, distribution and marketing strategies for the company’s Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Hardwear and Sorel brands, sold through more than 5,000 wholesale customers across Europe.

Chadds Ford, Pa. — Three more new retailers have signed leases at Glen Eagle Square. Gap’s national women’s athletic wear brand Athleta, took 5,100 sq. ft. Pet Valu leased 3,200 sq. ft. and Not Your Average Joes, a casual American-style restaurant will occupy more than 7,200 sq. ft.

Toys ‘R’ Us has opened Trick ‘R’ Treat “Bootiques” inside Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. These in-store shops feature a broad assortment of Halloween costumes, accessories, candy and gear.

Memphis -- AutoZone’s net income for the fourth quarter increased 14.7% to $371.2 million, below estimates. The chain also posted its 28th consecutive quarter of double digit growth in earnings per share.

Revenue rose 12% to $3.1 billion, narrowly exceeding expectations. Domestic same-store sales disappointed with a 1% gain.
 

By Joe Easley, Sr. Director, Business Development & Product Strategy, Kobie Marketing

As retailers continue their quest for deepening customer engagement, they’ll often turn to a loyalty program. Yet high membership numbers are deceiving because engagement levels are actually stagnant. This poses the question, are loyalty programs right for every brand? How do brands choose the right strategy for customer engagement and the overall integration of the loyalty program within the brand?

Big Lots has joined the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as full board members. 

NACD full board member companies range in size from large-cap to small-cap companies. Through their membership, these companies become part of a diverse director community and have the opportunity to share and gain insights about current and emerging issues and to take part in NACD's director education programs.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples is introducing Staples Connect, an offering that lets customers’ home or office technology interact and be controlled by a single app. With the touch of a button, Staples Connect lets customers shut down their office, turning off lights, lowering shades and locking doors, while at the same time turning on their lights and heat at home.

Kohl's is expanding its beauty offerings in cosmetics, skin care, bath and body, hair care, men’s skin care and fragrance, as competition within the beauty space continues heating up.