Store Systems

The use of mobile phones in retail is increasing dramatically, according to a survey released at the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & Expo in New York City. The study, conducted by ForeSee Results and entitled “Explosion in Mobile Retail Provides Huge Opportunity for Retailers,” found that shoppers are using mobile phones to access websites and apps more than ever before.

Minneapolis -- Two leaders of Target have been appointed to the retailer's executive committee.

Tina Schiel, senior VP enterprise strategy and new business development, was promoted to executive VP stores and will join the executive committee, while Laysha Ward, who will retain her position as Target's community relations president and Target Foundation president, also will join the executive committee.

Atlanta -- Harrods is implementing a series of merchandise planning applications from Predictix. The software is being rolled out for Harrods' Knightsbridge store, as well as its airport locations and online site.

Harrods recognized a need to upgrade its current planning system to allow for more in-depth and more efficient forecasting processes.

The National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & Expo kicked off  at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Sunday, Jan. 9, with a lineup of power speakers and plenty of buzz. It is the 100th anniversary of  annual event, which attracts retailers from around the world.

This year, the four-day NRF show featured more than 600 exhibiting companies, new retail technology pavilions, and presentations from a stellar line-up of top-tier retailers. Total attendance was estimated at more than 18,500, with representatives from 70 countries.

Miami -- Navarro Discount Pharmacies has signed a lease for a new 14,000-sq.-ft. store in North Miami, Fla. With a store opening planned for the summer, North Miami will be the company's 29th store location and its first new store opening since the airport location opened in 2007.

FORT MILL, S.C. — According to the latest “Mobile POS Survey” commissioned by Honeywell and conducted by Harris Interactive online in December, consumers are accepting of a mobile checkout offering at retail — 50% of those who have tried mobile checkouts believed it saves time and 43% like the convenience of paperless receipts delivered via e-mail.

NEW YORK — Fujitsu on Monday unveiled its latest checkout technology at the National Retail Federation trade show.

According to the company, the new technology boasts reduced time on lines and a customer-friendly checkout experience. Fujitsu also said that supermarket giant Kroger currently is evaluating the new technology in a limited number of its stores to boost the retailer's Advanced Checkout areas.

Houston -- Stage Stores said Monday that Oded Shein has joined the company as executive VP and CFO.

Shein succeeds Edward Record, who was appointed COO in February 2010, but retained the CFO responsibilities while the search for his replacement was underway.

Shein will report to Record and will oversee the company’s accounting, internal and external financial reporting, tax, investor relations, financial planning and analysis, loss prevention, and treasury operations.