Store Systems

I have now been in my role as senior editor of Chain Store Age, specializing in retail IT coverage, for six months. Beyond being surprised at how quickly the past 180 days have gone by and grateful at how welcoming the industry has been to me, I also can’t help but be amazed at how much retail IT has changed since I was last actively involved in covering this field in 2006.

Park City Group, a leading consumer goods supply chain technology provider, has appointed Gary Rocheleau as a senior adviser.  

Rocheleau, who has more than 40 years of experience, will be responsible for developing business solutions, consulting and expanding efforts in the retail channel.

Pittsburgh – Dick’s Sporting Goods opens a new store in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Nov. 1. The Corpus Christi location will be the retailer's 21st store in the state of Texas and its 549th nationwide.

"We look forward to opening our new Dick’s Sporting Goods in Corpus Christi, becoming part of the community and serving athletes of all ages by providing them the equipment they need to excel." said Lauren Hobart, senior VP and chief marketing officer, Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Following the lead of rivals Macy’s and J.C. Penney, Kohl’s Department Stores announced it will open its doors at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day,  kicking off its Black Friday event earlier than ever.  

Stores will be open for 28 hours straight – from 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28 through midnight Friday nationwide.

Sports Authority is trying out a new store format in its first-ever store in Puerto Rico. The 35,000-sq.-ft. location in Ponce opened its doors Saturday, Oct. 19.

The company describes the new format as an intuitive one that allows consumers to easily find exactly what they need. Featuring specialty sport shops and a spacious layout, the store has been designed specifically to enhance the shopping experience.

Austin, Texas – Digital coupon provider RetailMeNot, Inc. has named Gokul Rajaram to its board of directors, effective Oct. 15. Rajaram is currently product engineering lead at Square, where he leads software development for Square Register, a full point-of-sale system for local businesses, and other products.

Englewood, Col. -- Sports Authority has debuted a new format at its first-ever store in Puerto Rico. The store, in Ponce, opened on Oct.19.

The 35,000-sq.-ft. location features an “intuitive” that makes it easier than ever for customers to find exactly what they need, the retailer said. With specialty sport shops and a spacious new layout, the store was designed specifically to enhance the shopping experience.

New York – Tiffany & Co. is relaunching its Tiffany.com e-commerce site. The site includes enhanced zoom capabilities and several expanded sections.

Blue Book, the company’s collection of couture jewels, is showcased with scenes from the Tiffany Workshop where they are created, as well as an expanded engagement section with a gemologist’s video and review of Tiffany’s quality standards.