Sales & Marketing

We sat down with chief executives and senior managers from 20 retail real estate companies at the ICSC New York National Deal Making show in December, and each and every one had something to say about e-commerce competition. Something, but not the same thing. They fell into two groups.

There were those who said that online retail’s magnitude was greatly overblown. They held that the media over-covered online sellers and placed them on a lofty perch not backed by the facts. They had a point.

Amazon set new records this holiday season, and its first-party sellers, especially those selling gadgets, are reaping the rewards.   Besides shipping more than 1 billion items worldwide the week follow-ing Christmas, Amazon welcomed 3 million new Amazon Prime members who signed up in the days leading up to Dec. 25, according to the retail behemoth.   

GNC hit the reset button on December 28, 2016, closing its 4,464 U.S. owned and franchised stores for the day as it rolled out a simplified pricing strategy with items priced the same across all channels, a new app, a new rewards program and installed new POS terminals.    Field Agent, a consulting firm that conducts on-location auditing and research, recently sent “agents” to 52 stores to check out the changes. In some good news for struggling GNC, the reviews were mostly positive.     

Tech solutions helping secure safety of customers, employees

Retailers have been making investments in technology for years, mainly as a means of improving the customer experience. However, as more shocking incidents, such as active shootings, take place at retail malls, new technology investments focus on solutions that ward off violence.

As digital disruptors continue to alter retail operations, brands are working to harness these emerging innovations to drive engagement among shoppers and employees. Look for the National Retail Federation’s upcoming 106th annual convention to educate attendees on these and other critical business strategies.

Coach announced the appointment of Kevin G. Wills as CFO, effective no later than March 2017.   Wills joins the upscale specialty retailer from AlixPartners LLP, a global business advisory firm, where he has served as managing director and CFO since March 2014.    

LEDs, wireless controls are key to the future of retail lighting solutions

Lighting is fundamental to any retail store, whether for setting a scene and influencing how a brand is perceived or even encouraging shoppers to make a particular purchase. However, if not managed correctly, it can be extremely expensive. In fact, lighting accounts for around 53% of all electricity consumption in a typical retail outlet, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The Amazon Marketplace, an online mall that that allows third-party sellers to reach customers around the world, hit big milestones during the holiday season.