Omnichannel

While the United States continues to experience slow, yet steady economic growth, the future of the domestic retail industry remains unclear as businesses are forced to adapt to a world where consumers are more cost-conscious than ever before. Amidst this challenging climate, retailers must be smarter at understanding their customers, products and the experiences they offer.

Revisiting Brand and Revenue Expansion Strategies

Specialty beauty retailer Sephora is launching a new mobile tool that eases the process of selecting a lip color.

Sephora is now offering a feature called Sephora Visual Artist on its existing Sephora To Go consumer mobile application. Sephora Virtual Artist utilizes a smartphone’s camera to map a user’s lip location and shape using technology developed by facial visualization provider ModiFace.

Landover, Maryland-based Giant Food is joining the trend of retailers making online deliveries to places beyond consumer homes.

The Peapod by Giant online delivery service is now allowing Washington, D.C.-area shoppers to place their orders online and pick them up at one of three Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) stations: Fort Totten, Glenmont and Vienna. Peapod is an online grocer that shares its Ahold parent company with Giant and will execute deliveries for the service.

The opening of more than 100 stores in the third quarter helped Michael Kors increase revenues, although same-store sales were more moderated.

Coach will celebrate its 75th anniversary with the opening of a three-level flagship on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan,

The store, at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 54th Street, is due to open in the fall.

Brookstone has unveiled a new retail brand, Carry On, in the Delta Terminal at the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Created for airport locations and designed by Boston-based Bergmeyer Associates, the approximate 800-sq.-ft. store offers an assortment of travel-friendly products, from “packable” apparel to luggage and wallets. Additional locations are expected to open this year.

Retailers are failing to meet consumer demand for increased convenience while shopping with mobile devices.

According to new research from Accenture, the number of consumers shopping with mobile devices, grew 10% in the past year, from 36% of consumers in 2014 to 40% in 2015.

Not surprisingly, the number of shoppers who want more retail services via mobile devices, particularly real-time in-store promotions, also grew to 47%, up from 40% in 2014. However, only 7% of retailers said they currently have the ability to send real-time promotions.

Albertsons announced Tuesday that Mark Panzer, who was named the company's SVP pharmacy, health and wellness in May 2015, has accepted the additional responsibility of leading general merchandise and HABA (health and beauty aid).