Store Systems

By Scott Welty, [email protected]

The retail industry is in the midst of a massive transformation driven by consumers’ adoption of digital technologies. By 2020, the retail landscape will have fundamentally changed how every retailer will go to market. No segment of retail will be more impacted than the brick-and-mortar store.

Here are seven trends that brick-and-mortar retailers should consider to build a winning strategy:

Pittsburgh -- Dick's Sporting Goods will celebrate the opening of its new store in Duluth, Minn., beginning on Sept. 6.

The Duluth location will be the retailer's ninth store in the state of Minnesota and its 529th nationwide.

The world’s largest digital coupon marketplace, RetailMeNot.com, has introduced new functionality and platform integration capabilities to its popular service with the launch of version 3.0 of its iOS and Android coupons app.

Fort Worth, Texas -- Designer Shoe Warehouse — DSW — has announced plans for a new store at The Shops At La Palmera, a 200,000-sq.-ft. outdoor shopping center in Corpus Christie, Texas, according to Trademark Property Company.

Construction has begun on the 18,000-square-foot DSW, which is located adjacent to Catherine’s. This is the first Corpus Christi location for DSW Inc., which is scheduled to open in early 2014.

New York -- Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo has created the free Uniqlo USA app for Apple products. It will be available on Android devices later this year

By using the app’s Virtual Cam on Uniqlo logos and icons, consumers will have access to behind-the-scenes videos, current employment opportunities, “weekly favorites” and a store locator. They will also be the first to know about new arrivals, designer collaborations, special promotions and more.

New York -- Uniqlo will open 10 U.S. mall stores in October and November, giving it a total of 17 U.S. locations. The new stores are strategically placed surrounding the brand’s current flagship stores on the East and West Coasts (see below for schedule).

To support its retail expansion, Uniqlo will debut a new, more interactive website this fall.  

Uniqlo will open four stores in California, three in New York, two in New Jersey and one in Connecticut. Here is the schedule:  

New Jersey

SAN FRANCISCO — Online retailer Piperlime continues to grow its Guest Editor program. The program's most recent addition is actress Jessica Alba, who will join current guest editors Rachel Zoe and Olivia Palermo to launch the fall 2013 season.

The partnership kicks off today, giving customers access to Alba's product picks, favorite trends and fall must-haves.

Brinker International chairman Doug Brooks and First Horizon National Corp. CEO Bryan Jordan were elected to the AutoZone board of directors.

The addition of Brooks and Jordan give AutoZone a total of 11 board members. The company is due to report fourth quarter financial results on September 25.