Sales & Marketing

As Congress reconvenes after the Easter recess, retail operators have a tremendous amount at stake. The industry is in an unprecedented state of strife with major legacy brands announcing large scale closures.   

Walmart’s tech start-up has added a new leader.   The retail giant’s newly launched startup investment arm, called Store No. 8, has named Jenny Fleiss as one of its chief executives, according to Reuters. Fleiss is the co-founder and former head of business development for Rent the Runway.   

Ethically sourced bridal and fine jewelry retailer Brilliant Earth is expanding its brick-and-mortar footprint.    The company has just opened a location in the Georgetown section of Washington, D.C. The showroom utilizes an appointment model designed to provide a high-touch, personalized experience for every customer.  

Not only is coupon app usage increasing, but discounts received via mobile devices are influencing where consumers decide to shop.    Mobile coupon usage has increased 42% from 2016, while in-store shopping rewards app usage has increased 34% during the same time period. More importantly, the discounts received via smartphone or other mobile devices are influencing where 67% of consumers decide to shop.   

Much like 2016, the first quarter of 2017 has seen a slow start to consumer spending. However, just like last year, this is expected to be a temporary setback. Strong consumer confidence and income growth have set the stage for a spending bounce back in the second quarter.   

Digital shoppers enthusiasm for buying beauty products online doesn’t translate into retailer loyalty.    While online sellers of beauty and personal care products continue to capture more market share, online shopper loyalty seems to be elusive, according to report by A.T. Kearney.    

CVS Pharmacy has entered a new arena by adding audio and optical services to its in-store offerings.    The retailer has opened seven hearing and five optical centers in its drug stores in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area, with plans to expand to 50 locations by the end of 2017, Morgan Diaz, senior director, health services division at CVS Health, told Chain Store Age’s sister publication, Drug Store News. The centers are housed adjacent to pharmacies.  

It’s curtain time for Bebe Stores — or at least its brick-and-mortar operations.