Data & Analytics

The convoluted ownership history of Petco has just taken an interesting new turn that cost $4.6 billion.

According to a statement release by Petco, funds affiliated with CVC Capital Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) entered into a definitive agreement to jointly acquire Petco from a group of investors led by TPG and Leonard Green & Partners for approximately $4.6 billion. The acquisition of the 1,400 store retailer is expected to close in early 2016.

So many new stores, so little space. Here are my top faves of the year:

Every day, it seems there is news of another large retailer opening a tech innovation center, launching a new engagement channel or otherwise making its mark as an IT innovator. But while the big guys get all the attention, a lot of smaller retailers are also doing some very interesting and innovative things with technology. Read on for three recent examples of small retailers launching large initiatives in technology innovation.

Poler Outdoor Stuff activates Instagram indoors

Imagine you are the general counsel at a retailer involved in sensitive M&A discussions. You receive an email from one of the deal’s outside advisers. He says he needs some information about your company the kind you’ve passed on before. You send it along, and later find that you were victimized in a sophisticated cyber attack aimed at stealing sensitive information.

The evolution of physical stores took center stage at Chain Store Age's X/SPECS, held at the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Formerly called Executive SPECS, the event was rebranded this year to reflect how technology is transforming the customer experience and the in-store environment.

Holiday is going to have a new look this year, as retailers take a different approach to the shopping season. As a result of consumers’ overwhelming focus on price, online shopping and free shipping incentives, retailers have been forced to rethink their strategies. As part of our ongoing series of retail industry surveys, HRC Advisory recently spoke with over a dozen top U.S. retailers to gauge what’s to come for the 2015 holiday season.

Company HQ: Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, New York City and Atlanta

Company Website: www.phillipsedison.com

GameStop forecast an exceptionally wide range of same store sales possibilities during the fourth quarter following weaker than expected third quarter results.