Supply Chain & Merchandising

Oracle is releasing latest version of its Micros Workstation POS hardware suite with an eye toward supporting a seamless customer experience.

Oracle Micros Workstation 6 hardware solutions are designed to serve as an aggregation point to deliver digital content to store associates and customers. As a result, the POS applications can help retailers provide in-store omnichannel features such as personalized promotions and transactions, clienteling, and “endless aisle” access to a full range of inventory.

By now, everyone has heard the adage “the store is the center of omnichannel” and seen the statistics showing that physical stores account for about 90% of retail sales. So clearly brick-and-mortar stores are as relevant as ever.
 
Well, yes and no. Brick-and-mortar stores can be relevant as ever, but only if they offer modern technological amenities expected by today’s customers. Here are three ways to make sure consumers see your stores as central to their omnichannel shopping activities.
 

Specialty retailer 1-800-Flowers.com operates across several banners and channels, and is trying to present as unified a customer experience as possible.

1-800-Flowers has chosen the IBM Commerce on Cloud solution to ease the process of conducting transactions across all its brands, including Harry & David, Wolferman’s and Fannie May. The platform will also help deliver a seamless customer experience across the Web, mobile and call center channels.

Durham, North Carolina -- InvenTrust Properties announced that it has acquired Renaissance Center, a 96% leased, 363,176 sq. ft. retail power center, in Durham, North Carolina, for $129.2 million.

Dov Charney, the founder and ousted CEO of American Apparel, is scouting sites for a factory in South Central Los Angeles as he plots his comeback, Bloomberg reported.

Charney’s new venture reportedly will sell USA-made basics, starting off as a wholesale business and then expanding into a consumer online brand.

“I have a vision,” Charney told Bloomberg. “My business model works.”

Sears Holdings Corp. announced it obtained a 15-month $500 million secured loan facility. ESL Investments, the company controlled by Sears chairman and CEO Edward Lampert, helped provide part of the loan and is entitled to related fees.

Sears said $250 million of the 15-month loan was funded on Friday with the remainder being accessible in the future.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Asana Partners announced Robin Hilliard has joined the company as managing director, responsible for merchandising and leasing.

By now, everyone has heard the adage “the store is the center of omnichannel” and seen the statistics showing that physical stores account for about 90% of retail sales. So clearly brick-and-mortar stores are as relevant as ever.

Well, yes and no. Brick-and-mortar stores can be relevant as ever, but only if they offer modern technological amenities expected by today’s customers. Here are three ways to make sure consumers see your stores as central to their omnichannel shopping activities.