Supply Chain & Merchandising

In the wake of a disappointing quarter, Target Corp. is making long-term investments in its future.   The discounter plans to spend $7 billion in cash during the next three years as it lowers its prices and invests in its stores, with renovations planned for some 600 locations, reported CNBC.   "We can't capture that market share if we're presenting an old, tired store," Target CEO Brian Cornell said.  

Large-format experiential stores focus on customer experience, convenience

At a time when many retailers are cutting back on brick-and-mortar investments to focus on e-commerce, a few notable ones are taking the opposite approach. They are launching large-format experiential stores to immerse customers in the full brand experience and offer items in each product category, from couches to dresses.

The iconic blue panels are going up on what will be Ikea’s fourth store in Texas.   The 290,000-sq.-ft. store is located in Grand Prairie, 14 miles outside of downtown Dallas. It is scheduled to open in fall 2017.    Ikea is bullish on expansion in Texas. The retailer previously announced plans for a store in Fort Worth, and also one in the San Antonio area. Both locations are scheduled to open in summer 2019.   

Video game retailer focuses on improving online post-purchase experience

GameStop’s shoppers are becoming increasingly digital — an evolution that is also narrowing the window between when shoppers purchase merchandise and when they expect to receive it.

Eager to stay engaged with shoppers within this shrinking post-purchase gap, GameStop launched a new e-commerce strategy just prior to its holiday rush focused on driving post-purchase revenue and creating more satisfied customers during this critical selling period.

Strong online sales were not enough to help Target Corp. overcome a very disappointing fourth quarter, whose sales and earnings were far below Wall Street expectations. And the discounter offered a weak outlook for 2017.   Target on Tuesday issued a full-year profit forecast that was far below market expectations, and said it plans to invest more money into enhancing its digital online platform and cutting prices. The chain said it would sacrifice gross margins this year to stay ahead of the competition.  

Food Lion continues to roll out its updated store design to new markets.    The chain announced a $178 million investment in its stores in the greater Greensboro, N.C., market, which includes remodeling 93 stores. The remodels,  part of Food Lion’s "Easy, Fresh and Affordable...You Can Count on Food Lion Every Day!" initiative, include a new design that is easier to navigate and shop so customers can get in and out of the store quickly, new registers and enhanced service.   

Starbucks is shuttering its remaining Evolution Fresh stores, but the brand will live on.   The coffee giant will close the two Evolution locations, both of which are in Seattle, but will continue to sell Evolution Fresh cold-press packaged juices in its coffee shops and at supermarkets. It also is launching new flavors.      Starbucks bought the brand in 2011, reportedly with an eye to rolling out stores nationwide. But it never grew beyond a handful of locations.  

JackThreads is the latest company seeking help to stay afloat.   The online men’s retailer has cut its staff down to a skeleton crew with mass layoffs over the past two weeks, and is on the hunt for a buyer, according to Fortune.