Store Systems

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple announced that its mobile payments solution, Apple Pay, will be launched in the United States on Monday, October 20. CEO Tim Cook made the announcement Thursday at a media event at which he unveiled several new products, including updated versions of the iPad.   

President Barack Obama has taken heat over his use of executive orders, but that wasn’t the case on Friday when retail trade groups lined up behind the president in support of wide ranging data security measures.

London -- The White Company is showing off a new store concept that delivers a lifestyle-led experience modeled on a journey through the home. The 4,000 sq.ft. store, in Norwich (United Kingdom), builds on the British home goods retailer’s heritage to create an aspirational, curated retail experience. A feeling of accessible luxury permeates the welcoming space.   

New York -- At least 47% of U.S. merchant terminals will be enabled for EMV chip technology by the end of 2015, according to the Payments Security Task Force (PST). The estimates are based on forecasts provided by acquirers representing approximately 80% of U.S. purchase volume.  

Former Talbots and Bloomingdales executive Lisa Gavales was named president and CEO of personalized gift retailer Things Remembered where she plans to further evolve the retailer’s omnichannel offering.

Things Remembered operates 600 stores nationwide that are integrated with its Web site to allow for online ordering and same day pick up. Gavales will join the company November 10 to fill the position being vacated by Michael Anthony. He is relinquishing the CEO title after eight years but will remain as chairman of the board.

Mississauga, Ont. -- Target Canada is opening three new stores Oct. 17, located in Ottawa, Ont; Sheridan Centre in Mississauga, Ont. and Polo Park in Winnipeg, Man. The opening of the three new stores marks the final stores scheduled to open in 2014 and brings the total number of Target Canada stores open across the country to 133.

 

Washington -- As part of an executive order unveiled on Friday, President Obama set a new policy that requires newly issued and existing government credit and debit cards to be enabled with chip and personal identification number (PIN) technology.  

Green Bay, Wis. -- Shopko is expanding its omnichannel ship-to-store program, including the ability to buy products online and ship them to the store for free. After a successful pilot launch, the retailer expanded the program to its 310 locations across the U.S.