News

Ralph Lauren goes high-tech with LA flagship
Ralph Lauren has added some high-tech flourishes to its redesigned flagship on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Calif. The 22,000-sq.-ft. store has an interactive handbag salon that allows shoppers to customize handbags — with options on monogramming, color and hardware — before the bag is actually produced, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Twin Cities mall slated for $76 million makeover
One of Minnesota’s highest-volume malls is about to get a $76 million renovation that will give it new retail space and sight lines and – more rare these days – a new department store tenant. Rosedale Center, a 1.14-million-sq.-ft. property situated between the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, will soon break ground for a two-level Von Maur store and parking deck with 1,100 spaces, according to owner JLL. Macy’s and J.C. Penney already do business there.

Study: Consumers frustrated by chip-card progress

Consumers’ lack of enthusiasm around the value of chip card usage could impact the upcoming holiday season. This month marks the year anniversary of the introduction of mandated Europay, MasterCard, Visa (EMV) chip card payments at retail stores across the United States. However, high levels of consumer frustration and confusion remain widespread, according to new research published by Cayan, a payment technology provider.
Nominations open for most influential women in retail tech

Who are the leading women working in retail technology? Chain Store Age is accepting nominations for its annual feature recognizing female executives who are helping to transform the retail industry through technology. The “Top 10 Women in Tech” will celebrate the achievements of female executives from all areas of retail technology. The winners will be profiled in a special section of the January 2017 issue of Chain Store Age, as well as in an online report on chainstoreage.com.
Walmart opens website to OS community

WalmartLabs’ newest project is giving comrades and competitors alike, a peek into its open-source software. The retail behemoth has migrated its online platform to a React-based application platform over the last year, one that was built in-house by WalmartLabs. Now Walmart’s innovation division is open-sourcing this platform, reported TechCrunch.
Moody’s: Food offerings giving Walmart edge over Target

Wal-Mart Stores and Target Corp. stand at very different junctures, according to new report from Moody's Investors Service. Walmart is starting to reap more discernible rewards as it adapts more quickly to a rapidly-changing consumer landscape -- and with fewer missteps -- than Target has managed, according to the report, "Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Target Corporation: Walmart Is Gaining Momentum, While Target Is Still Clawing Back Lost Ground."
American & Interstate Signcrafters taps industry veteran

American & Interstate Signcrafters, a full service sign manufacturing and project management company, has hired industry veteran Mike Morelli. He manages national, and international, sign programs and oversees business development in the southeastern United States Morelli brings to the growing American & Interstate Signcrafters team years of experience leading retail, fashion, hospitality, and QSR sign and branding programs.
Toys ‘R’ Us sells FAO Schwarz

Expect more FAO Schwarz-branded toys, in-store “experiences” and even possible freestanding stores in the very near future. In an unexpected announcement, ThreeSixty Group said it has acquired FAO Schwarz from Toys “R” Us. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Toys “R” Us purchased FAO Schwarz in 2009.
Couple accused of defrauding Staples

A couple from Georgia were charged with a complex scheme to defraud Staples of more than $1.4 million worth of product rebates and customer loyalty rewards. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts said John Douglas and an associate created more than 1,100 Staple rewards accounts using fake names, addresses and contact information, Masslive.com reported. His wife is accused of selling much of the fraudulently obtained Staples merchandise on eBay.
Eddie Lampert: Kmart is not closing

Don’t believe the rumors. Kmart is not going out of business. That’s according to Eddie Lampert, the beleaguered CEO of Kmart parent company Sears Holdings Corp.
Sporting goods retailer makes executive moves

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. is losing a 46-year company veteran. The retailer announced the retirement of Richard A. Johnson as executive VP. As part of the transition following Johnson’s retirement, Michael P. Marrone is being promoted to senior VP of store operations. Marrone began his career with Big 5 in 1973 as a store sales associate. He held numerous leadership roles of increasing responsibility at the company, and was named VP of store operations in 2002.
Outdoor retailer makes strategic credit card agreement

Bass Pro Shops is entering into a 10-year agreement with Capital One, a move that will make the card provider the exclusive issuing partner of co-branded credit cards to Cabela's customers.