Washington, D.C. -- September retail sales, excluding automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants, decreased 0.1% seasonally adjusted month-to-month yet increased 4.6% unadjusted year-over-year. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), seasonal factors played a role, but the drop-off from August was worse than expected.
New York -- HGTV will launch “Santa HQ,” an immersive experience that transforms the traditional visit with Santa Claus into an interactive journey, at 10 Macerich malls across the country, starting on Nov. 4, and lasting through Dec. 24.
Indianapolis -- The Finish Line Inc. is launching a digital initiative focused on female customers in step with the Nike Women’s Half Marathon San Francisco on Oct. 19. The retailer’s #FNLRunsSF campaign follows the training journeys of eight female fitness gurus, selected from across the country.
Indianapolis –- Simon malls will feature the Ziploop mobile shopping app during the 2014 holiday season. The app stores paper, cards, coupons and certificates and stores them on a mobile device, tablet or desktop.
Former Talbots and Bloomingdales executive Lisa Gavales was named president and CEO of personalized gift retailer Things Remembered where she plans to further evolve the retailer’s omnichannel offering.
Things Remembered operates 600 stores nationwide that are integrated with its Web site to allow for online ordering and same day pick up. Gavales will join the company November 10 to fill the position being vacated by Michael Anthony. He is relinquishing the CEO title after eight years but will remain as chairman of the board.
Philadelphia –- Urban Outfitters Inc. is warning that continued negative same-store sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 may have an impact on quarterly earnings. The specialty apparel chain said declining same-store sales could deleverage gross profit margin for the third quarter at a rate greater than during the first half of the year, leading to dampened profits.
Portland will be the proving ground this fall for a new mobile commerce initiative from Starbucks called Mobile Order and Pay that is part of the company’s broader effort to radically transform the retail experience.
London -- The White Company is showing off a new store concept that delivers a lifestyle-led experience modeled on a journey through the home. The 4,000 sq.ft. store, in Norwich (United Kingdom), builds on the British home goods retailer’s heritage to create an aspirational, curated retail experience. A feeling of accessible luxury permeates the welcoming space.
