Sales & Marketing

Unusual retail concept puts new spin on tech retailing
A very tech-savvy retailer retail is expanding its fledgling physical footprint with an eye toward national expansion. b8ta, which lets people test out products from a variety of tech companies, including many small start-up, has opened a store at University Village, Seattle, along with one at Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, Calif. Both locations were designed by Gensler, and feature a sleek, modern design.
The CFO’s Expanded Role in Profitably Managing the Retail Transformation
With the retail environment undergoing the most complex changes in our generation, the sustainability of the current retail economic model is in question. Historically, retail CFO’s, as the principal financial oficers, were primarily responsible for more traditional finance, treasury, regulatory, information delivery and related functions.

Whole Foods Market hit with class-action suit over employee bonuses

One current and one former employee of Whole Foods Market have filed a federal class-action lawsuit against the grocer.
Report: J.C. Penney test deeper dive into appliances

J.C. Penney is testing a category more typically associated with Home Depot or Lowe’s than a department store: heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. According to a report by Dallas Morning News, the test is being done in partnership with Trane, an HVAC company, and includes a display of the HVAC service near the major appliances at a few locations.
Walgreens acquisition of Rite Aid expected to close in early 2017

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s acquisition of Rite Aid took a big step forward with announcement of the divestiture of 865 Rite Aid stores to Fred’s Pharmacy for $950 million.
Philippines: Bringing green space inside the mall

Lifescapes International, an architectural landscape company that’s responsible for outdoor displays such as the Rockefeller Center Promenade and the Bellagio water show, is testing the boundaries of indoor greenery in the Philippines.
MasterCard, Visa team up to drive secure digital payments

Looking to make digital transactions safer, two credit card network powerhouses are joining forces to tokenize shoppers’ payment card credentials.
Happy Holidays from CSA

Chain Store Age will be closed Dec. 23 and Dec. 26, and will publish again on Monday, Dec. 27. We wish you and your families best wishes for a happy, healthy and joyous holiday.
Off-price retailer acquired with eye to expansion

Private-equity firm Warburg Pincus has agreed to acquire Gabriel Brothers (Gabe's) from Alvarez & Marsal Capital. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Retailers and their customers benefit from a robust enterprise network

Holiday shopping is no longer what it used to be. The rise of online shopping and mobile has transformed the way in which consumers purchase gifts. It is no longer black and white for retailers either, as cutting-edge platform and technology adoption is a pre-requisite in order to remain competitive. And all factors are causing new challenges related to managing and supporting back-office and customer-facing systems, as well as meeting evolving customer expectations.

Unusual retail concept puts new spin on tech retailing

The CFO’s Expanded Role in Profitably Managing the Retail Transformation

Whole Foods Market hit with class-action suit over employee bonuses

Report: J.C. Penney test deeper dive into appliances

Walgreens acquisition of Rite Aid expected to close in early 2017

Philippines: Bringing green space inside the mall

MasterCard, Visa team up to drive secure digital payments

Happy Holidays from CSA

Off-price retailer acquired with eye to expansion

Retailers and their customers benefit from a robust enterprise network