Supply Chain & Merchandising

Expect more FAO Schwarz-branded toys, in-store “experiences” and even possible freestanding stores in the very near future.    In an unexpected announcement, ThreeSixty Group said it has acquired FAO Schwarz from Toys “R” Us. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.  Toys “R” Us purchased FAO Schwarz in 2009.    

Who are the leading women working in retail technology? Chain Store Age is accepting nominations for its annual feature recognizing female executives who are helping to transform the retail industry through technology.   The “Top 10 Women in Tech” will celebrate the achievements of female executives from all areas of retail technology. The winners will be profiled in a special section of the January 2017 issue of Chain Store Age, as well as in an online report on chainstoreage.com.  

One of Minnesota’s highest-volume malls is about to get a $76 million renovation that will give it new retail space and sight lines and – more rare these days – a new department store tenant.   Rosedale Center, a 1.14-million-sq.-ft. property situated between the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, will soon break ground for a two-level Von Maur store and parking deck with 1,100 spaces, according to owner JLL. Macy’s and J.C. Penney already do business there.  

From increased budgets to a desire for free shipping to gifts for pets, PwC’s “2016 Holiday Outlook” report predicts the following trends will drive the upcoming holiday season:    1. Bigger holiday budgets: Shoppers will likely spend 10% more this holiday season; an average of $1,121 each. And consumers with annual household incomes less than $50,000 will likely increase their percentage spending levels even more than consumers overall.  

Dick’s Sporting Goods has a permanent CFO.   The retailer on Monday appointed Lee J. Belitsky as executive VP, CFO, effective immediately.   Belitsky assumes the responsibilities from André Hawaux, Dick’s executive VP, COO, who has served as the financial officer on an interim basis since August 2016. Hawaux will continue to serve as COO.  

Don’t believe the rumors. Kmart is not going out of business.   That’s according to Eddie Lampert, the beleaguered  CEO of Kmart parent company Sears Holdings Corp.  

Online shopping is great. It saves time, provides tons of options in one place, and the customer doesn’t have to navigate swarms of people to checkout. Younger generations value this, and are moving the majority of their shopping online.   But that doesn’t mean retailers can’t pull customers back to their brick-and-mortar stores. Here are four recommendations to entice customers back into your stores:    1. Attentive Customer Service

Bass Pro Shops has agreed to acquire Cabela’s in a deal that will allow the privately held Bass Pro to nearly double its store count.    Bass Pro plans to purchase Cabela’s for about $65.50 a share in cash, which represents a 19% premium over Friday’s closing price. The agreement will create an outdoor retail powerhouse that specializes in fishing, hunting and boating merchandise. Both companies are known for their elaborate, wilderness-themed store interiors.