News

Raley’s ‘Park’ gets OK from Sacramento planners
Raley’s, the Northern Californian grocery chain, got one step closer to its vision to build a neighborhood “hub” in Sacramento. According to a report in the Sacramento Bee, the city’s Planning and Design Commission voted 12-to-1 to approve the chain’s plans for “The Park,” a 108,000-sq.-ft. open-air center ringed by a metal canopy and featuring large store windows and shrub-filled “green screens.”
Target recalls Halloween-themed window lights over choking hazard
Target’s voluntary recall is helping keep Halloween safe for young children. The mass merchandiser recalled 127,000 Halloween-themed LED gel window “clings” because of the choking hazard they pose to children. The decals, an easy and affordable way to decorate windows and glass doors, light up when a dedicated button is pressed.

Alibaba co-founder urges China to use big data to fight cyber-crimes

Alibaba’s co-founder has a solution to ward off harmful cyber-attacks across China. The online platform’s co-founder Jack Ma proposed that the nation’s top security bureau use big data to prevent crime — an announcement that endorses China’s budding efforts to build an unparalleled online surveillance system, according to Bloomberg.
GNC announces quarterly dividend

GNC Holdings reported a quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share. The dividend will be paid on Dec. 30. The specialty wellness retailer operates more than 9,000 locations in approximately 50 countries.
Holiday Hiring Wish List: Three Best Practices

My family – and many other consumers – have already started planning for the holidays. With Deloitte projecting a 4% increase in holiday sales over last year's shopping season, it’s critical that you have the workforce in place to address this opportunity.
Sears responds to claims that it failed to pay toy vendor

A spat with a toy vendor could make for a difficult holiday shopping season for Sears Holdings. Due to claims of financial difficulties, reports claim that toy manufacturer Jakks Pacific has halted sales of its Star Wars and Disney Princess toys, among other merchandise, to “a major U.S. customer," which was presumed by some to be Kmart, according to CNBC.
Specialty outdoors retailer opens community-minded D.C. flagship

The venue where the Beatles performed their first concert in the United States now houses REI’s newest flagship location.
Report: Authentic Brands Group, Iconix Brand Group eyeing American Apparel

Several companies have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the debt-laden American Apparel. Brand licensors Authentic Brands Group and Iconix Brand Group are among the companies eying the chain, Reuters reported.
German audio company opens experiential store in New York

A German brand known for its high-quality headphones had dropped anchor in the United States. Sennheiser has opened a pop-up, in the SoHo section of downtown Manhattan, that is designed to let visitors try out its products firsthand. The brand is also set to open a permanent retail space, at the Westfield World Trade Center in Manhattan, in late October. It will serve as a showroom and not sell product (product is sold at the pop-up, however).
The North Face, New York City

The North Face is targeted urban adventurers at its new global flagship on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. The two-level, 20,000-sq.-ft. store offers an immersive brand experience that includes an interactive climbing wall, community seating and a custom embroidery service called “Lot, Stock and Barrel” that allows shoppers to personalize garments by selecting from 20 designs.
Walmart makes another big move in China

Walmart has made another big e-commerce investment in China. On the heels of launching three major e-commerce initiatives in China, Walmart will invest $50 million in New Dada — China’s largest local on-demand logistics and grocery online-to-offline (O2O) e-commerce platform.
Staples moves beyond office supplies with new licensing efforts

Staples is getting into the licensing game as a means of expanding its brand. It’s first target — document storage.