Sales & Marketing

Lowe’s Cos. is embarking on the next chapter of its virtual reality journey.   Starting Tuesday, March 7, the home improvement chain’s store in Framingham, Massachusetts, debuted its “Holoroom How To,” Lowe’s first-ever virtual reality DIY skills-training clinic. As consumers enter the interactive virtual reality (VR)-based environment, they wear an HTC Vive headset to receive “hands-on” tutorials on basic DIY skills, including supplies and steps, needed to complete a project.  

Target’s omnichannel journey may have started five years ago, but newly-emerging digital touchpoints continue to change the game.   By leveraging machine learning to tap into customer demand, the mass merchandiser is defining which touchpoints are not only valuable, but influencing its shoppers’ paths-to-purchase. The initiative was discussed at the “Determining New Omni-KPIs To Hit Goals And Key Drivers” session at eTail West 2017, in Palm Springs, California, Feb. 27-March 2.  

A Nordstrom-owned retailer that offers personalized styling services for men and women has made its Boston debut.   Trunk Club has opened an 18,000-sq.-ft. Clubhouse location on Boylston Street. The store carries ready-to-wear for men and women, along with men's custom clothing.  

Changing consumer needs and an evolving retail marketplace contributed the U.S. apparel industry’s overall sales performance in 2016.   Specifically, apparel dollar sales across women, men, and children grew by 3% last year, reaching $218.7 billion, according to the NPD Group.   

No retailer is immune to theft — even discounters.   That’s why Dollar General has completed a speedy installation of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) solution from Checkpoint Systems chainwide.    The discounter began its journey by testing EAS pedestals and deactivation systems in a limited number of stores to determine the benefits of how visible EAS tagging deters shoplifting and protects high-theft inventory.   

Vestar has been retained as the property manager for Plaza Paseo Real, a grocery-anchored property in Carlsbad, California. With the addition of the 147,848-sq.-ft. center, Vestar will be managing more than 2 million sq. ft. or retail space in the San Diego area.   The center off Interstate 5 is anchored by Von's Pavilion and Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas and also houses Wells Fargo, Supercuts, GNC, Laseraway, and Tin Leaf Fresh Kitchen.   

Luxury department store retailer Neiman Marcus is looking for relief from its heavy debt.   The company has hired Lazard Ltd. to explore debt restructuring options, but it is no immediate risk of bankruptcy, reported Reuters.   

The Michaels Companies is making a move to further inspire its hobbyists online.    A new partnership with online destination Craftsy is giving Michaels’ shoppers access to on-demand classes. Specifically, Michaels will leverage Craftsy's growing video library of more than 1,300 on-demand lessons from expert instructors sharing their crafting experiences.