Store Systems

Photo: CVS Pharmacy President Helena Foulkes unveiled digital receipts in a surprise appearance on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live on Friday evening.

Toys “R” Us Inc. is creating a new position of CTO and turning to a veteran of American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) to fill it.
 
Lance Wills will join Toys “R” Us as executive VP, global CTO effective June 13. He will report directly to chairman and CEO Dave Brandon. In his newly created role, Wills will oversee global and IT digital strategy, including governance and infrastructure.
 

Rent-to-own retailer Rent-A-Center Inc. has named Angela Yochem to senior VP, IT and CIO.

Yochem’s responsibilities will include developing Rent-A-Center’s IT talent; expanding recently developed technologies; enhancing the company’s web, online and mobile solutions; and providing technology leadership for new opportunities.

One of the most successful formats in the history of retailing is about to get a makeover.        Apple Inc. unveiled its vision for the future of its retail empire, opening a two-level flagship in San Francisco with new design flourishes and service elements that will be rolled out to Apple stores worldwide.     

A new guest service counter, interactive displays, new food vendors and LED track and valance lighting are just a few of the updates being tested in 25 Target stores in the Los Angeles area.   The initiative, called LA25, features different enhancements Target has been testing across stores and puts them all together to see how they impact stores and the customer experience.    

Foot Locker Inc. saw net income reaching unprecedented levels during the first quarter of fiscal 2016, although sales growth missed Wall Street expectations.   Net income rose 4% to $191 million, from $184 million. Higher pretax income offset a slight increase in income tax expense, resulting in the profit boost. Sales also climbed 4% to $1.99 billion, from $1.92 billion. Same-store sales rose 2.9%.  

Photo Credit: Dylan’s Candy Bar
Personalized gummy bears printed on demand are now among the offerings at Dylan’s Candy Bar stores.   The retailer has partnered with Katjes Magic Candy Factory to bring what’s billed as the “first 3D candy printer in the world” to the United States. The U.K.-based Magic Candy Factory named Dylan’s as its exclusive partner for domestic retail and online sales.  

Off-price retailer Century 21 will make its West Coast debut in a most unusual way — taking over a high-tech, high-touch “smart” store for six weeks.