Store Systems

When JLL took over retail leasing for 1407 Broadway, just south of Times Square in New York, it decided to break up the four existing retail pads on the ground floor into eight and emphasize food. That plan is now coming into fruition with the signing of Gregory’s Coffee, Juice Generation, Luke’s Lobster, and ‘Witchcraft as the first four tenants.  

Reducing credit and debit card fraud by implementing EMV chip card acceptance has become retailers’ top payment issue in 2016.    

Surmesur, a custom menswear retailer, has dropped anchor in the United States.    Surmesur, which blends traditional tailoring methods with technological innovation, recently opened its seventh store to date, and first in the United States, in Pittsburgh. It’s the first of several new stores the company plans to open in the coming months, including one in Chicago and other major centers both in the U.S. and in Canada.  

A curated selection of Sony entertainment products and technologies — some of which are still in the prototype stage — are on display at the new Sony Square NYC.    Located in the company's New York City headquarters on Madison Avenue, the 2,400-sq.-ft. store also will host consumer events, including photography classes, exclusive movie screenings and invitation-only performances by Sony Music artists.  

In-store background music isn’t just for the enjoyment of customers and associates anymore.   PetSmart has selected Mood Media to take the audio experience to a whole new level with customized music designed to appeal not only to shoppers but also their four-legged friends.  

Hhgregg continues to reshape its executive team.    The consumer electronics and appliance chain promoted Kevin Kovacs to CFO. He is assuming the role from Robert Riesbeck, who was recently appointed president and CEO. Since joining Hhgregg in 2009, Kovacs held the roles of VP/controller and director of tax and treasury   In other moves, Hhgregg promoted Sam Johnson to chief retail officer. Since joining Hhgregg in 2010, Johnson has served in the role of senior VP of stores.   

It’s no secret that Abercrombie & Fitch has been developing a new prototype.   The chain will unveil its new look early next year, at Polaris Fashion Place, in Columbus, Ohio. The store will herald a new direction for the brand with a new aesthetic and updated merchandise selections. It will be situated on the lower level near Madewell.     Abercrombie has already introduced a new look for its Hollister store brand.  

Lowes Foods is the first supermarket retailer to launch an integrated digital coupon solution.   Lowes is using a solution developed by Unata, a provider of one-to-one digital solutions for grocers, and Inmar, a technology and analytics company, which integrates digital coupons directly into the grocer’s e-commerce and e-circular programs.