Store Systems

I’ll hold off on talking about the holiday shopping season in detail until all the numbers are in, but it’s clear that we’ve already learned quite a lot from 2013. In fact, the more I think about this past year the more I think that the holiday numbers aren’t even the most important takeaway. What’s far more interesting to me is what 2013 has to tell us about where we go next. With that in mind, here’s my early take on what 2014 might have in store (and in stores!) for us:

Slow, steady and sustainable growth

We have reached the time of year when everyone wonders whether they made the “naughty” or “nice” list. Here are a few suggestions for omni-channel retailers who want to ensure Santa (and your customers) place you firmly on the nice list.

Recognize Channel Differences and Limitations

Travel company Thomson’s has debuted its next-generation travel-store concept, at Bluewater shopping center in Kent. Designed by 20.20, the format integrates the latest technology combined with great service to enhance the experience of choosing and booking a vacation.

E-commerce has redefined the retail shopping experience and shaped the fate of retailers in many sectors. Grocers have been the exception thus far, but that is about to change in a major way.

Minneapolis – Media reports indicate that Target may have been victimized by hackers based overseas and also has agreed to a credit monitoring deal for New York shoppers and is suffering declining traffic. According to Reuters, sources involved in the current investigation of the Target security breach said investigators are focusing on unidentified hackers from an unidentified foreign location.

New York -- Chain Store Age's Retail Store of the Year design competition has added a new category for its 2014 awards: in-store digital innovation. Retailers, design firms, vendors and suppliers are all eligible to submit entries.

Retail Cloud Technologies is the name of a new retail software solutions company created by Dallas entrepreneur Chad Willis and software developer Michael Mauerer.

Tucson, Ariz. — Sidecar, a craft beer and cocktail bar, plans to open a 963-sq.-ft. upscale lounge at Broadway Village in Tucson. Slated to open in March of 2014, the bar will seat 40 people inside and 12 to 15 people on a patio.

Commercial Retail Advisors represented the landlord, CRI Broadway Village Partners in the transaction. Sidecar handled the lease negotiations itself.