Sales & Marketing

Miami’s recently opened Brickell City Centre has unveiled plans for La Centrale, the 38,000-sq.-ft. Italian food hall that figures to be the huge, mixed-use development’s answer to Eataly in Manhattan’s Chelsea district.  

A new innovation lab is primed to benefit one of the top players in China’s e-commerce marketplace.   Zebra Technologies, Digital China and Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, which Walmart owns a 12% stake in, have joined forces to develop a state-of-the art facility entitled the "IoT + E-commerce Logistics Lab.”   

There’s a lot going on at the company formerly known as Quiksilver.    In a new phase of its turnaround, the company has changed its name to Boardriders, a name designed to reflect the company’s portfolio of action sports brands — Quiksilver, ROXY, and DC Shoes — which are unified by the boardriding culture and heritage.    

Generation Z is called the mobile-first generation. However, their preference for shopping in physical stores presents new opportunities for retailers.   That’s according to a new report from Euclid Analytics, “Evolution of Retail, 2017 Generation Z Shopper Survey,” which found that 66% of Gen Z prefer to shop in store because they like to see, hold and try on products before buying. Also, 28% want to engage with store associates while shopping, the most of any generation.  

Express Inc.’s profit plunged 59% in its fourth quarter amid increased discounting and weak mall traffic.    In reporting its fourth quarter results, the apparel retailer said it plans to improve its merchandise mix through a more curated selection.   Express’ profit decreased 59% to $22.8 million in the quarter ended Jan. 28, in line with expectations, as earnings per share fell to $0.29, from $0.67 in the year-ago period.   .

Wayfair’s newest digital endeavor could be a valuable resource for the design community.    The home furnishings brand released its 3D model library on SketchUp, 3D modeling software used by architects, engineers, design, construction professionals, and members of the global maker community. Through the partnership, Wayfair is releasing approximately 1,000 models to SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse, enabling designers to visualize the company’s furniture and décor products in their designs.  

Dunkin’ Donuts is growing its footprint in Alabama and Mississippi.   The chain signed development agreements with two franchise groups to develop 17 locations throughout the two states during the next several years.   Existing franchisee Birmingham Donut Holdings plans to develop nine new Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in Birmingham, Alabama.  The group currently operates 34 restaurants throughout Alabama and Florida.   

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store’s mission is to “keep things simple and please people.” The same holds true when it comes to helping customers place orders.   Responding to its visitors’ demand for more convenience and flexibility when placing to-go orders, the chain now features a platform that allows customers to order meals through their smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers.