Store Systems

Retailers industrywide are pulling out all the stops to stay connected with their customers — but not all are succeeding.

Omnichannel customers expect that their favorite retailers deliver a seamless, consistent, convenient and fast experience regardless of whether they shop online, on their phones or in a store. While retailers are striving to create a unified omnichannel journey, they still struggle to keep up the pace.

Cyber-thieves have found their way into Whole Foods Markets’ payment network.   The natural foods grocer, which Amazon purchased for $13.7 billion in August, learned that payment card information processed at certain venues within some of its stores, such as taprooms and full table-service restaurants, has been breached. These venues use a different point-of-sale system than the company’s primary checkout systems.   

Staying true to its “thrifty” roots, Savers has added a robust wireless solution without breaking the bank.  

CVS Pharmacy has brought its new store format to Times Square in Manhattan, opening a two-level, 13,000-sq.-ft. flagship with an expanded focus on beauty and health throughout the space.    On the health side, the store features a walk-in MinuteClinic that provides a wide array of prevention and wellness service, and also an Optical Center that offers comprehensive eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of eye disease, along with contact lens fittings and prescriptions.   

M.Gemi, the Boston-based Italian-made footwear brand, is using a digital tool to drive in-store customer satisfaction.   The direct-to-consumer retailer, which was founded online but recently jumped to the physical space, has launched an app for store associates that combines online and offline functions, allowing associates to provide an elevated experience for store shoppers.     

Sonic has been targeted in a cyber-attack.   The restaurant chain, which is known for drive-up ordering kiosks and roller skating waitresses, has confirmed it has suffered a data security breach. Specifically, the incident has jeopardized the security of credit cards from up to 5 million customers, according to KrebsOnSecurity, which first broke the news.  

The nation's largest toy retailer wants everyone to take some time out to play.    Toys "R" Us announced that, this fall, it is launching "play labs" at 42 stores where kids (and parents) can play with some of the season's hottest toys. The retailer said that adults can use the lab to test the items on kids' holiday lists to check for age appropriateness before they make a purchase.  

Don’t expect to hear specifics about Kohl’s holiday workforce any time soon.   Unlike other chains, including Target and Macy’s, that have announced their plans to hire thousands of temporary workers during the holiday season, Kohl’s is not discussing the number of seasonal hires its will make, according to CNBC.