Omnichannel

Kohl’s Cos. has a new chief marketer.   The retailer on Monday named former Best Buy marketing executive Greg Revelle as chief marketing officer. He will be responsible for Kohl’s marketing organization and overall marketing strategy, including its focus on driving customer engagement through analytics, enhancing the loyalty platform, accelerating customer traffic and continuing to build Kohl’s overall brand position. Revelle will report to Michelle Gass, chief merchandising and customer officer.  

The luxury brand is about to embark on the “next era” of its omnichannel shopping experience.    Extending its long-time partnership with Yoox Net-a-Porter Group (YNAP), Valentino is upgrading its omnichannel platform, a move that will give customers access to its extensive product assortment, in-store mobile features, and faster delivery through fulfillment from Valentino boutiques.   

Joe Coradino’s experience-driven rebuilding of PREIT malls has given kids in Pennsylvania something new to build on — or, more like, in.   The state’s first Legoland Discovery Center has opened in the Plymouth Meeting Mall, north of Philadelphia, pushing the percentage of the property’s dining and entertainment space above 45%, compared to an average of 17% at other PREIT malls.  

The retail industry is going through an innovation revolution, driven by game-changing technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and advanced analytics.  

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. now has a way to get its fashions into the hands of its loyal shoppers in Southeast Asia — and fast.   Through a new wholesale agreement with Asia's leading online fashion destination Zalora, the teen apparel retailer will begin selling its Hollister merchandise through Zalora's online stores starting next week. The site will also begin offering Abercrombie & Fitch product later this month, according to Abercrombie & Fitch.  

J.C. Penney extending its commitment to beauty and related services.    The retailer said Monday that 50 additional salon locations will be rebranded to The Salon by Instyle this year, as the company continues to revamp its 750 salons nationwide.    Key design elements of the new concept include updated graphics, photography that highlights hair trends, accent lighting, modern fixtures and sleek furniture. Each salon offers an array of services from haircuts to hair treatments to extensions.

Footaction opened the doors to its newest flagship store — its first outside of the United States.   The store, which is located in the Toronto Eaton Centre in Canada, features 6,500 square-feet of premium retail space. Presenting a unique layout, the new Footaction store is organized largely by brand, rather than by product category — a move that enhances the customer shopping experience.   

eBags is about to embark on a new journey.   The online luggage retailer is being acquired by Samsonite International. The deal, which is valued at $105 million, is part of Samsonite’s ongoing strategy to accelerate the growth of its direct-to-consumer, e-commerce business, and strengthen its existing digital capabilities, the company reported.