News

Summer sales slump
Consumers were cautious in their spending during the summer months. Retail sales in August decreased by 0.2% from July on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the National Retail Federation. (The NRF numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants. Also, the Commerce Department said data for July was revised to show sales increasing 0.3% instead of the previously reported 0.6% jump.
Gap CEO draws ‘line in the sand’
Gap Inc. CEO Art Peck is refocusing the 3,000-store company on the areas with the biggest potential for driving growth — and they do not include its oldest divisions. “We’re certainly not giving up on Gap or Banana [Republic], but we’re acknowledging the world continues to change,” Peck said in an interview with Bloomberg. “And those are the two most mature brands in the portfolio.”

Unlikely pairing: Rue La La and coffee giant

Rue La La members are getting a new “perk” for their loyalty. The online fashion retailer is partnering with Dunkin' Donuts in a new mobile marketing program. In a move to bolster the coffee giant’s DD Perks loyalty rewards program, models in Rue La La’s custom-branded, shoppable boutique, "Girl on the Go: Fall Style,” will be touting Dunkin’ Donuts beverages as accessories to their fall looks.
Trending Stores: Tesco Extra, Swansea, Wales

British supermarket giant Tesco puts a friendlier and more contemporary spin on its hypermarket format at its revamped store in Swansea, Wales. The new format, developed by Swedish design firm Blink in collaboration with Tesco's in-house team and corporate identity group Wolff Olins, offers innovative digital services, a more personal approach and simplified shopping for different needs. The remodeled store, which opened in June, is delivering a significantly higher profit, according to Blink.
Fair Scheduling Laws: Implications for retail, and navigating the changes

Oregon passed Senate Bill 828, known as the “Fair Work Week” law, last month. This law requires foodservice, retail and hospitality employers to give hourly workers reliable work week schedules upon hire, maintain a voluntary list of standby employees to address unanticipated customer needs or unexpected employee absences, and provide their workers with advance notice of schedule changes.
Nordstrom's expansion into Canada continues

Nordstrom has opened its sixth location in Canada. The department store retailer on Friday opened its doors at CF Sherway Gardens, its third full-line location in Toronto. The two-level, 140,000-sq.-ft. store follows the retailer's openings at Toronto's CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre last fall. The opening comes as rumors mount that the company is about to go private in a buyout deal. http://www.chainstoreage.com/article/nordstrom-edging-closer-going-private
Study: Consumers growing uneasy about increasing access to personal data

Despite the ramping up of global data regulations, most consumers are concerned about how companies collect and use their information. In fact, an overwhelming 96% of consumers are "somewhat" to "extremely" concerned about data collection and usage. This is understandable, as more than 75% engage in digital payment transactions at least once a month.
Walmart to make a big move—literally—in about five years

Even headquarters have shelf life. Walmart is planning to build a new, central headquarters — one better suited to a "digitally native" workforce — in its hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. The discount giant revealed the news in a note by CEO Doug McMillion on the company's website.
Study: Amazon cashes in on sweet and salty snacks

Amazon has evolved into a destination for a variety of categories, and now it’s adding sweets and snacks to this portfolio. Out of $49 billion in total sales across sweets and snacks in 2016, Amazon rang up $240 million in 2016. And between January-August 2017, the online giant has already grabbed $215 million — a year-over-year (YoY) growth of 42%, according to “Sweets & Snacks: The Amazon Effect,” a report from One Click Retail.
The Tile Shop expands in Michigan

The Tile Shop has expanded its presence in greater Detroit with the opening of its sixth metro store in Troy. The new location features 14,750 sq. ft. of showroom space and over 4,000 tile designs for consumers and the professional trade. It also features more than 30 fully decorated displays providing design inspiration
Marie Claire dresses up first-ever pop-up store with technology innovations

An 80-year-old fashion magazine is using technology to bring the fashion, beauty and entertainment featured on its glossy pages to life.
Shoptalk 2018 reveals initial speaker lineup

The president and CEO of Macy's, Jeff Gennette, and Google's president of global partnerships, Daniel Alegre, will be among the headliners at Shoptalk 2018, the nex-gen retail and e-commerce event. Also on the bill: Alon Cohen, president and co-founder of Houzz, the home furnishings and design site. Shoptalk's final agenda will feature more than 400 speakers, an increase of 25% over 2017’s event.