Store Systems

Microsoft made its Manhattan debut with a 22,369-sq.-ft. flagship on Fifth Avenue — its largest location to date.

Six years in the making, the store puts a spotlight on the software giant’s ever-expanding product line, and boasts the first-ever in-store display for Microsoft Surface Hub.

Thanks to modern technology and digital tools, the opportunities to interact with and buy from a brand today are ubiquitous. Customers want to shop anytime, anywhere. Omnichannel rules, and smart retailers are getting on board.

Rhone, a maker of high-quality activewear, has made its first foray into the physical space with the launch of a holiday pop-up in New York City's SoHo neighborhood. And while the SoHo shop will only be open through January 15, 2016, it could be a harbinger of things to come.

Build-A-Bear Workshop logged an increase in same-store sales in the third quarter even as the company enters what is historically its most profitable season.

Same-store sales at the specialty retailer increased 2.1% in the third quarter ended Oct. 3. This was the fifth consecutive quarter it grew same-store sales.

Just a few weeks after losing its CEO, Tuesday Morning posted impressive financial results for the first quarter, including an increase in same-store sales.

For the first quarter ended Sept. 30, the Texas-based off-price retailer posted a same-store sales increase of 3.6%. Net sales were $202.3 million, slightly higher than the prior year period. The company ended the first quarter with a store count of 757, a decrease of 44 stores year over year. Operating loss for the first quarter was $6 million.

Lowe’s is giving customers a full 3-D view of their home projects, at home as well as in the store.

Lowe’s Innovation Labs, the retailer’s proprietary technology development center, is updating its Holoroom technology and expanding its availability. Partnering with virtual reality technology provider Oculus VR and Google, Lowe’s has upgraded its Holoroom feature, which lets customers visualize how they could use tools and materials sold at Lowe’s.

O’Reilly Automotive plans to accelerate its expansion plans in 2016 following record revenue and profit in the third quarter.

The auto parts retailer now plans to open 210 new stores next year. The company is also on track to open 205 new stores by the end of 2015.

Home shopping retailer QVC is going to enter consumer homes via a new device.

QVC is launching an app for Apple TV. Customers will be able to make purchases directly through Apple TV with a click of the remote, as well as search for products. QVC for Apple TV will be available in the U.S. immediately upon the release of the Apple TV, with the U.K. and Germany to follow in the coming weeks.