Sales & Marketing

It’s not what you see as much as what you don’t see that defines AT&T’s new store concept.

Noticeably missing from the prototype, which debuted in La Grange, Ill., are traditional counters, checkout registers and printed signage. Instead, the 3,200-sq.-ft. store offers an inviting, modern and interactive environment that is focused on the customer experience.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Runa, a software company based in San Mateo, Calif., that helps online retailers increase sales by personalizing the shopping experience. Terms and conditions of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Dallas — SRS Real Estate Partners www.srsre.com has opened the doors to a new office in Birmingham, Ala. The company has also brought in Martin Smith to serve as senior VP and co-market leader alongside Josh Burmeister.

A 13-year veteran of the commercial real estate industry, Smith specializes in landlord representation, tenant representation and investment sales. Prior to joining SRS, he spent seven years with Retail Specialists, where he was director of brokerage and project leasing.
 

Mars Chocolate North America has unveiled a new line of candies in several flavors just in time for Halloween.

The candy maker announced the release of its latest line, which includes Snickers peanut butter pumpkin-based singles, as well as jack-o-lantern-shaped Snickers-brand pumpkin, available in two packs. The company is also releasing a new large variety bag of Snickers Fun Size canned, available in Snickers Original, Almond and Peanut Butter Squared bars.

By Yaromir Steiner

Rugged boot manufacturer Wolverine has opened a permanent store in New York's Nolita at 254 Elizabeth St. The company decided to give the retail space a try following its successful New York pop-up venture in fall 2012.

New York -- Consumers are choosing specialty foods over conventional foods at record levels, according to research from the Specialty Food Association.
 
Nearly 75% of U.S. consumers report making specialty food purchases this year, a major increase since the economic downturn of 2009 when only 46% reported that they bought these high-quality products. Consumers surveyed say they spend about one quarter of their at-home food dollars on specialty options like artisanal chocolates, cheeses and oils.

New York -- Help CSA determine the Most Innovative Retail Store of 2013 by voting for one of the five stores below. (For photos and info on the nominees, go to chainstoreage.com/multimedia.)