Store Systems

Alabama’s number-one shopping destination can now say that it is not only getting a new Von Maur department store, but also a full-scale renovation.

General Growth Properties and Jim Wilson & Associates’ Riverchase Galleria, located in Hoover, Ala., has unveiled a massive redevelopment project that will include expansive updates, modernization, and enhancement of both the interior and the exterior of the property.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Books-A-Million's quarterly profit edged up to $7.6 million, from $6.7 million a year earlier.

Sales increased 10.7% to $166.9 million, from $150.8 million. Same-store sales declined 5.7%.

During the quarter, the retailer said it incurred costs of $1.6 million related to the closing of 21 underperforming locations and the opening of 41 new Bam! stores in October and November.

Birmingham, Ala. -- Books-A-Million reported Wednesday that profit for the quarter ended Jan. 28 edged up to $7.6 million, from $6.7 million a year earlier.

Sales increased 10.7% to $166.9 million, from $150.8 million. Same-store sales declined 5.7%.

During the quarter, the retailer said it incurred costs of $1.6 million related to the closing of 21 underperforming locations and the opening of 41 new Bam! stores in October and November.

New York City -- Fashion retail Zara, an Inditex brand, on Thursday will officially open its largest U.S. store – on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan – designed with the latest advancements in sustainability.

The new store, in the Tishman Building (666 Fifth Avenue, at the intersection of 52nd Street), features a three-floor layout that reflects an innovative approach to interior design. The shop opens onto Fifth Avenue and 52nd Street with five display windows and a dramatic façade.

New York City -- A Tuesday report by Venture Beat said that Sephora is testing an iPad program in 20 stores during the month of March.

Sephora’s goal, according to the report, is to provide extra product details that could only be offered through the Internet, such as reviews and specific product information.

“We see a high overlap between Apple products and our consumers,” Julie Bornstein, senior VP for Sephora Direct, told VentureBeat.
 

QUINCY, Mass. — A Northeastern supermarket chain has made a business magazine's list of the top 10 most innovative companies in the food industry.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Bi-Lo has announced that it has successfully completed its merger with Winn-Dixie Stores. The two banners now will be subsidiaries of privately held parent company Bi-Lo Holding. Bi-Lo and Winn-Dixie will continue to operate under the same banners, and the company said it does not expect any store closures as a result of the merger.

Arlington Heights, Ill. -- Outdoor gear and apparel retailer Moosejaw said Tuesday that it has adopted the Linea-pro from Infinite Peripherals, in conjunction with Apple iPod touch 4th generation devices, to perform customer checkout from anywhere in its stores.