News Briefs

The Container Store sees plenty of whitespace for continued store expansion. 

The specialty retailer of organizing solutions, custom spaces and in-home services, has opened its 100th location, in Princeton, N.J. The opening is in line with Container Store’s strategy to expand its reach as part of its $2 billion revenue goal. 

The Princeton location is the sixth small-format store the company has opened since it debuted the concept in September 2022, at The Promenade Shops at Briargate, Colorado Springs, Col.  It is one of five anticipated to open in Container Store’s current fiscal year, which ends March 30, 2024. 

The stores, which average 12,500 sq. ft., feature  a full “Custom Spaces Studio” featuring the Preston, Avera and Elfa lines and a curated assortment of complementary general merchandise. They also offer in-home services. Many of the locations are also built-to-suit, making them an appealing financial proposition, according to the Container store.

“Opening our 100th store is a significant milestone as we execute our strategic priority of Expanding Our Reach and continue to unlock our long-term growth potential,” said CEO and president Satish Malhotra. “We continue to be pleased with the productivity of our small-format stores, specifically with the faster adoption of Custom Spaces, which is a key component of future sales growth for The Container Store. At the end of  second quarter, this adoption was averaging 39% of sales per store.”

 In addition, the company saw an average of over 60% new customers shopping in the smaller-store locations, added Malhotra.

The Company’s next store opening is slated for Gaithersburg, Md.

Caribou Coffee has opened its first location in Florida — with more to come.

The coffee chain, part of Panera Brands, has opened a store in St. Petersburg,  the first of many locations that Caribou Coffee said it intends to open in the state. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating and costal-inspired designs, the shop is owned and operated by Wake Up 727,  which has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Caribou. 

 In addition, the company signed development agreements with Kevin Ricci, owner of Covelli Family Partnership, and Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises, to deepen the brand’s roots throughout Florida.

Earlier this year, Caribou announced the signing of several multi-unit development agreements to franchise more than 300 new locations across the U.S. (The company aunched its first-ever domestic franchise program in October 2021.)

As of Sept. 26, 2023, Caribou Coffee has 329 company-owned, 139-non-traditional and 310 franchise locations iin 11 countries.

Brooks Brothers is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to drive e-commerce growth.

The apparel retailer is implementing AI and ML technology from Metrical in an effort to convert more e-commerce customers by predicting online shopper behavior with its new intelligent solutions.

Metrical's AI/ML models operate anonymously and use no personally identifiable information (PII), which Brooks Brothers intends to help ensure that customer experiences remain private.

"For over 200 years, Brooks Brothers has appealed to consumers that expects impeccable service and a hassle-free experience to go along with our style, quality and craftsmanship of our merchandise," said Katherine Yoo, senior director of e-commerce at Brooks Brothers. "Metrical's AI solution understands this mindset and is able to provide the type of personalized experience our customers expect without them having to sacrifice privacy. This enhances our brand and contributes to the loyalty our customers show."

"At just a pure monetary level, abandonment is no different than revenue leakage,” said Zabe Agha, founder and CEO of Metrical. “It's money you had in hand and lost. On top of that, retailers continuously spend several times over, attempting to lure bounced shoppers back with discounts that further raise costs and reduce margins. It's like being stuck in Groundhog Day - nothing changes or improves until you take a more intelligent approach."

Other retailers employing Metrical AI technology include Dick’s Sporting Goods, which dynamically targets individual online shopper needs in real time; and JCPenney, which determines and creates targeted value-adds for e-commerce customers.

Founded in 1818, Brooks Brothers is available in 500 freestanding stores, shop-in-shops and outlets in 45 countries worldwide.

Delivery platform DoorDash has added an electronics retail giant to its platform just in time for the holiday season.

Best Buy is the first national consumer electronics retailer available on the DoorDash marketplace, with all locations nationwide available to order from. Best Buy’s inventory of electronics, including TVs, video games, speakers, accessories and more are now available to browse and have delivered same-day with DoorDash.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Best Buy to DoorDash as our first national consumer electronics retailer on the marketplace,” said Fuad Hannon, VP of new verticals at DoorDash. “This partnership provides consumers access to Best Buy’s diverse selection of specialty consumer electronics with the speed and convenience of DoorDash. With the holiday season around the corner, this is a valuable occasion for consumers to shop for tech gifts for everyone on their list and experience the joy of shopping at Best Buy directly on the DoorDash app."

To celebrate the new partnership, now through Dec. 5, consumers can get $15 off Best Buy orders of $55+ using code BEST15, and DashPass members with an active DashPass account can get $25 off Best Buy orders of $55+ using code BEST25. 

The deals are part of “Deck the Doorstep,” DoorDash’s annual holiday savings event that offers users limited-time discounts, daily deals and exclusive DashPass offers. The event, spanning Dec.1-12, offers a variety of discounts from a wide range of retailers and restaurants, including Aldi, CVS, Dick’s Sporting Goods, KFC, Petco, Sprouts Farmers Market, Wendy’s and more.

Canadian department retailer Hudson’s Bay Co. (HBC) has appointed a familiar face as its newest president and CEO.

Retail veteran Liz Rodbell is returning to the company in the two positions, effective Dec. 1, 2023. Rodbell served as president of Hudson’s Bay from 2013-2017, and served as chief merchant before being promoted.

Sophia Hwang-Judiesch is stepping down from her role as president of Hudson's Bay to pursue another opportunity.

"I am absolutely thrilled to rejoin Hudson's Bay. My focus, first and foremost, is on the customer - ensuring we have the most relevant assortment, strong brand partners, and an overall experience that is inspiring and relevant to our shoppers," said Rodbell.

After departing from Hudson’s Bay in 2017, Rodbell held several roles, including group president at footwear brand Steve Madden. Other positions include vice chair of the board of directors at Children’s Tumor Foundation, chair of the board at Parsons School of Design, and principal advisor at LHR Advisors.

"I am delighted to welcome Liz back to the HBC family, and I am certain she will drive the continued transformation of Hudson's Bay to deliver the most exciting shopping experience for Canadian customers." said Richard Baker, governor and executive chairman of HBC. "When she was last with the company, Liz drove 22% sales growth for Hudson's Bay.”

Additionally, Michael Culhane has been appointed COO and CFO of Hudson's Bay, reporting to Rodbell. Culhane has served as the CFO of the HBC LP since 2020.

Hudson’s Bay operates 84 stores across Canada where fashion, home, beauty and food products are sold.

Little Words Project’s newest retail store will be in a big location.

The bracelet brand, which was founded in 2013 to spread wearable positive messages, is opening its 11th brick-and-mortar store at Mall of America on Dec. 2. At the new 1,078-sq.-ft. store, customers can shop an assortment of the Little Words Project’s pre-designed bracelets, demi-fine collection, Little Layers, and experience the brand’s signature beading table, a custom activation where visitors can create their own pieces by appointment. 

“Best known for its commitment to kindness and self-love, Little Words Project has created an incredible community around one singular product - the beaded word bracelet - a style that’s seen a massive revival in the pop culture zeitgeist,” said the company. “Each bracelet is meant to be worn, loved, then passed along to someone else in need. With a loyal following and slew of celebrity fans, Little Words Project has garnered national attention and has been worn by millions.”

Little Words Project opened its flagship location on Bleecker Street in Manhattan’s West Village and has since opened more stores nationwide, with locations in Miami, Boston and Austin. THe brand said it is looking to expand its store count in 2024.

At 5.6 million square feet, Mall of America is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America with more than 520 world-class retail stores and restaurants, in addition to entertainment.