Omnichannel

Personalization is no longer just about marketing to demographic groups, customer segments or even personas.   Rather, the concept has evolved into a critical way for retailers to differentiate their brand to compete against companies like Amazon, according to “BRP Special Report: Personalizing the Customer Experience,” a study from Boston Retail Partners.  

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc. is on track for store growth in 2017.   The retailer, which beat the Street in the fourth quarter, ended the year with a total of 234 stores in 19 states, an increase of 15.3% year over year. It expects to open 33 to 35 stores in 2017, with no planned closures.   Ollie’s reported fiscal fourth-quarter net income increased 52% to $24.4 million, surpassing Wall Street expectations.   

Things are looking up at RH (formerly known as Restoration Hardware) which capped a busy year with better-than-expected results for its fourth quarter.    RH reported that revenue fell 9% to $586.7 million in the fourth quarter, beating analysts’ estimates.    

The Container Store has embarked on an initiative to optimize Web performance, the online shopper experience, and strengthen its Web security.   Looking to significantly increase revenue from desktop, tablet, and mobile channels following a responsive web design launch, the company tapped Yottaa, selecting its online platform following a rigorous evaluation of multiple Web acceleration offerings, including in-depth performance benchmark testing.   

Walmart is going on the offense as German grocery giant Lidl prepares to enter the United States this summer.   The discounter has rolled out a new prototype for its Neighborhood Market grocery-store concept in a handful of markets nationwide.   

When it comes to expanding its store portfolio, At Home has barely gotten started.   Reporting strong results for the fourth quarter and full year, the home décor retailer also said it plans to open 25 new stores this year, with the potential for almost 500 more locations over the long term.    

A few select malls will be the benefactors of what might prove to be the entertainment sensation of the year — a virtual reality version of "Justice League 2017."   IMAX Corp. and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment have announced a virtual reality co-venture that will issue three interactive VR versions of upcoming Warner Bros. blockbusters. "Justice League" will be the first, scheduled to hit IMAX cinemas for the holiday season, to be followed by "Aquaman" and a yet-to-be-determined film franchise.