Sales & Marketing

With the Internet of Things (“IoT”) comes yet another technology-driven advancement that challenges businesses with promising opportunities and potentially vexing responsibilities. In particular, manufacturers and retailers who plan to sell (or are already selling) IoT devices increasingly face consumer questions about data security and privacy.

The PGA TOUR Superstore only operates 22 locations but it just signed a deal with the Golf Channel that should do wonders for brand awareness in a category that has proven challenging for mass market retailers.

Welcome to the new Retailing Today! We just relaunched our site and I wanted let you know about some of the changes, why we made them and what we didn’t change. Overall, our goal was to create a more reader-friendly site that presents our original content in a more compelling, visually engaging and accessible manner.

Cupertino, Calif. – Mickey Drexler, chairman and CEO of J. Crew and former CEO and president of Gap Inc., is retiring from the board of directors of Apple Inc. as of March 2015. Apple disclosed the impending retirement in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Drexler has served on the Apple board since 1999 and is currently its longest-tenured member. No replacement has been announced. Drexler was initially recruited to the Apple board to help the company, which opened its first store in 2001, create a retail strategy.

Footwear retailer sales could be in for a “Boost” this spring thanks to a pricy introduction from Adidas backed by some big name athletes and a bold marketing claim.

Adidas contends its new Ultra BOOST shoe is “the greatest running shoe ever,” and for $180 it better be. It goes on sale next month in time for the Spring running season.

By Matt Foster, Search Laboratory

The growth of mobile has made round-the-clock connectivity to the internet possible, allowing consumers to shop anywhere at any time. To cater for 24-hour convenience and on-the-go shopping, retailers are turning to innovative technology.

Vice presidents of merchandising at Fry’s Food Stores and Ralph’s and two other executives are the newest members of the board of the Western Association of Food Chains.

The trade group said four new members were elected to its board at its annual meeting this month in LaQuinta, Ca. Joining the board are Monica Garnes, Vice President of Merchandising at Fry’s, Dennis Gibson, president of QFC Stores, Valerie Jabbar, Vice President of Merchandising at Ralphs and Rob McDougall, President and CEO of Gelson’s.

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group, a global advisory, restructuring and investment firm specializing in the retail, consumer products, industrial and real estate sectors, announced that Michael D. Sullivan has been promoted to managing director, business development in the Northeast Region for the firm’s Valuation & Advisory Services Division.