Retail

Uniqlo is popping-up all over Manhattan. As the prelude to the opening of its Fifth Avenue global flagship in October, the Japanese apparel retailer opened four temporary “Brand Shops” around the city. Each location is cleverly designed and smartly outfitted.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Stein Mart announced that it has partnered with its new ad agency, ArnoldNYC for the launch of "Love at First Find," a national campaign focusing heavily on digital and social engagement. The integrated effort – consisting of digital, social media, TV, print and radio – stars real Stein Mart customers with the goal of fostering an online community of fans via Facebook and Stein Mart's website, the company reported. The campaign is the first work from ArnoldNYC since being named Stein Mart's agency of record in June.

Andover, Minn. -- Twin Cities grocery/fuel chain Bill’s Superette said Tuesday it has launched store management solutions from LOC Software.

The new system, which was fully rolled out with the support of reseller North Country Business Products in the spring of this year, is helping the retailer improve the management of all store-level and headquarters-level activities such as POS transactions, POS/keyboard maintenance, labor scheduling, in-store promotions, complete price book maintenance and the company’s loyalty program.

CINCINNATI — Macy's Inc. has announced the launch of a series of technology innovations in its Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores and websites designed to improve shopper experience.

New York City -- For every $100 in fraudulent transactions, retailers incurred a “true” cost of $230, according to a new study released Tuesday by LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

According to the study, retail merchants and financial institutions reported an overall decline in fraud rates and transactions while total retail sales rose. Consumers also experienced a decline in fraud losses overall but the average time it took to resolve fraud issues rose by 57% and the out-of-pocket costs of fraud rose by $244.

Dallas -- Neiman Marcus Group reported a fiscal fourth-quarter loss on debt-related expense and slightly lower margins, even as its revenue rose 11%.

For the quarter ended July 30, Neiman Marcus lost $61.4 million, compared with a year-earlier loss of $32.8 million. Excluding a $42.7 million after-tax loss on debt extinguishment, the adjusted loss was $18.7 million. Gross margin narrowed to 30.5% from 30.9%.

Cincinnati -- Macy’s said Tuesday it is piloting or launching a series of tech innovations designed to engage customers and drive sales.

Among the announced programs are free WiFi service in Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s stores to enable customer use of smartphone apps and in-store tablet shopping. The service, accessible by the end of October, will be activated in 230 Macy’s and nine Bloomingdale’s stores, as well as in the junior’s and young men’s departments of another 79 Macy’s stores.

MINNEAPOLIS — Earnings and comparable-store sales slipped at Best Buy, where the retailer suffered slower sales in key departments and a slowdown in consumer spending. Best Buy  has reported net earnings of $177 million, or 47 cents per diluted share, for its fiscal second quarter ended Aug. 27, compared with $254 million, or 60 cents per diluted share, for the prior-year period.