Omnichannel

Travelers dashing through the Salt Lake City International airport in need of travel-friendly clothing and gear have a new oasis courtesy of Brookstone.

The specialty retailer unveiled a new format, called Carry On, at the SLC Delta Terminal. The store offers the "best brands in travel gear,” according to the company.

Rite Aid has rolled out proximity beacons in more than 4,500 stores across the U.S., which, according to tech news website ZDNet, is the largest rollout of beacon technology ever in a retail setting.

A new study shows that consumer demand for mobile technology has reached a fever pitch, with most shoppers trending toward mobile-friendly retailers.

According to a study by SOTI, differentiating with mobile technology is proving successful among retailers, with 73% of survey respondents stating the availability of in-store mobile technology signaled better customer service and loyalty, an increase of 26% from the previous year.

Genesco has sold a subsidiary that sells apparel and equipment to schools and youth sports programs to a larger Texas-based competitor.

BSN SPORTS, a division of Varsity Brands and a direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets, announced that it has acquired Lids Team Sports from the Lids Sports Group, a division of Genesco Inc.

J.C. Penney Company appointed Joe McFarland as executive VP of stores, effective immediately, succeeding Tony Bartlett.

McFarland, similar to J.C. Penney CEO Marvin Ellison, is a Home Depot veteran. He worked at the home improvement giant for over 20 years, most recently as president of its Northern and Western Divisions, where he was responsible for the sales and operations of up to 800 stores in 24 states. McFarland began his career at the chain as a sales associate.

Chico’s FAS has sold its Boston Proper women’s apparel business to a Los Angeles-based, consumer-focused private equity firm.

Brentwood Associates, whose portfolio includes J. McLaughlin and Soft Surroundings, announced Tuesday it has acquired the women’s apparel brand. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Ten years after first entering the market, Toys "R" Us has opened its 100th store in China. The retailer has opened a total of 27 new locations across China within the past year.

As more millennials enter the real estate market and a rising number of homeowners invest in updating their homes, J.C. Penney is re-entering the appliance business.

The retailer announced that it will introduce a leading assortment of major appliances in 22 pilot stores beginning Feb. 1. Backed by customer research that reinforces the company’s decision to enter the appliance market, the pilot is one of several strategic initiatives aimed at improving its home department sales productivity, the company said.