Store Systems

For the second year in a row, retailers’ expansion plans are on an upward trajectory, according to Chain Store Age’s 2011 Store Construction & Outfitting Survey, an annual survey of retail building activity and development costs. In other findings, the cost of lighting, signage, roofing and other store-outfitting systems decreased compared with last year.

New York City -- Many retailers are not satisfied with their ability to meet customer expectations for a seamless cross-channel experience, according to a survey conducted by Edge Research for Sterling Commerce, an IBM company.

The survey revealed several significant gaps between what consumers want and what retailers are currently delivering. A retailer’s ability to meet consumer expectations -- and deliver a seamless, cross-channel experience -- will be the deciding factor in their ability to survive in the age of the empowered consumer.

By Beatrice Piquer-Durand, [email protected]

Livermore, Calif. -- Epicor Software Corp. said Tuesday that Johnny Mac’s Sporting Goods is upgrading to the Epicor Eagle˙ point-of-sale and retail business management solution to help run its eight-store chain.

SALISBURY, N.C .— Delhaize-owned Bloom announced that it has launched a free app for iPhone, iPad and iPod users.

The new mobile application, developed in partnership with Mercatus Technologies, gives guests easy access to weekly specials with the capabilities to build and manage virtual shopping lists and view delicious recipes through the grocer's Taste Mapper system, the company reported.

Redwood Shores, Calif. -- Belk department store said Tuesday that it has selected Oracle Retail Merchandising System to enable a seamless, non-channel view of the brand both in-store and online.

“We are enabling next generation best practices that will center on optimizing the customer experience at both the store and ecommerce level,” said Mike Laurenti, CIO and executive VP, Belk.

New York City -- Best Buy plans to reduce its store size by subleasing store space to smaller retailers, according to The Los Angeles Times. The chain’s new stores will be in the 36,000-sq.-ft. range, down from its current 45,000-sq.-ft. model.

"We can reduce our overall square footage while actually increasing our presence," Best Buy CEO Brian Dunn said at the company's annual shareholders meeting this week. "It's an opportunity to capture cost savings and get ourselves 'right size.'"

Urban street wear retailer Dr. Jay’s has updated its flagship store in Manhattan, with a fresh, bold look that invigorates the popular brand while enhancing the customer experience.