Retail

By Laura Wheeler DeYonker, AbsolutData

Recent data from Harris Poll shows that weaknesses in retailers’ pricing, product information and customer service strategies lead 43% of customers to showroom — creating a situation where brick-and-mortar retailers incur all the sales costs and online retailers make the sale.

Tiffany & Co.’s board of directors has promoted Frederic Cumenal to the position of president and appointed him to a newly created seat on the board. 

Cumenal, who has been with Tiffany in a regional executive role since March 2011, will retain his regional responsibilities and will assume responsibility for the design, merchandising and marketing functions.

Rockville, Md. -- Mom’s Organic Market is opening its first Pennsylvania store, in Rosemont Square, Bryn Mawr, which is located outside of Philadelphia.

Orlando, Fla. — Jones Lang LaSalle has announced the appointment of Justin Greider to its Florida retail leasing business. Greider joins as a VP to oversee the firm’s retail leasing portfolio. Greider will work with Florida retail market lead John Lambert and senior VP Sean McConnell to provide strategic planning and execution of merchandising plans for the firm’s neighborhood, community and premier shopping centers throughout Florida.

As part of its efforts to strengthen its digital footprint, Walmart has launched its first-ever original reality series developed specifically for the Web. 

The new weekly Web series highlights 20 finalists in the Walmart Get on the Shelf contest, which encourages entrepreneurs to present products to Walmart customers.

New York -- As more dollars are spent online and consumers become savvier in product knowledge and comparison shopping, retailers must rethink their customer experience strategies.

Chain Store Age’s Webinar, “Creating the Ultimate Experience: Research Shows How to Increase Customer Loyalty,” will provide insight into how retailers can capture more revenue through a consistent and well-executed customer experience. Webinar attendees will receive a complimentary research report detailing the full research findings.

San Francisco – Williams-Sonoma retail brand PBTeen is opening its second store in the Chicagoland area in Oakbrook, Ill., on Sept. 26. The store will operate as a combined location with sister brand Pottery Barn Kids.

Atlanta – David’s Bridal is using omnichannel solutions from Manhattan Associates to ensure on-time and accurate delivery of customer orders from across its network. The company is using Manhattan’s order management solution to orchestrate both customer and store replenishment orders to ensure reliable fulfillment.