News

Target streamlines mobile strategy
As promised, Target has moved its Cartwheel savings program into the retailer's app. Target announced the move on Monday, saying that shoppers no longer need to switch back and forth, or maintain separate apps. The Target app is now listed as “Target—now with Cartwheel.”
Amazon fulfillment center to rise on site of ‘World’s Biggest Mall’
The Randall Park Mall outside of Cleveland was part of retail history in the mid-70’s when it debuted as “The World’s Biggest Mall.” Now the site becomes woven into the retail narrative of the 21st Century.

Day One: Amazon makes its presence known at Whole Foods stores

Amazon found a savvy way to remind customers that it now owns Whole Foods Market.
Abercrombie continues global expansion with partners

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is entering a new market in the Middle East. The teen retailer announced that, in partnership with Dubai-based Majid Al Futtaim, it will open the first Abercrombie & Fitch store in Saudi Arabia, at the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah. The store is part of the previously announced franchise agreement between Majid Al Futtaim Fashion and Abercrombie.
Teen apparel chain revamps app experience

Pacific Sunwear of California is stepping up its game to better connect with its mobile-savvy customers. Through a partnership with PredictSpring, the teen apparel chain has launched a new mobile app experience — one that is faster and more and visually rich. For example, the new app links to Instagram Shop-the-Look, a service that allows customers to browse and purchase directly from the PacSun Instagram feed.
Nordstrom’s app lets shoppers ‘reserve online, try on in-store’

An upscale department store retailer has a new way to bridge the gap between its online and offline shopping experiences. Nordstrom is rolling out its Reserve Online & Try In-store service to approximately 40 stores across the country. As the program’s name implies, the service allows customers to select items online and try them on in person at their nearest Nordstrom store.
Athletic footwear retailer adopts poison pill; lowers guidance

The Finish Line's board on Monday adopted a shareholders right plan as the retailer warned of a grim second quarter and a steep decline in sales and profits for the year.
GNC steps up online payment options for Chinese customers

A wellness retailer is making is easier for its Chinese shoppers to make online purchases. By partnering with Alipay, GNC Holdings is enabling all registered users of the payment platform in China to purchase vitamins, supplements, minerals, herbs, sports nutrition, diet, and energy products on its e-commerce site. Besides being a leading online payment provider in China, Alipay has 520 million registered users that access the platform to make online and mobile payments.
Perfumania files Chapter 11; to close more stores

The nation's largest discount retailer of perfumes and specialty celebrity and designer fragrances has filed for bankruptcy protection with a goal of moving its business forward — and closing more stores.
The top destination for U.S. holiday shoppers will be....

Expect an Amazon-dominated holiday retail season among U.S. consumers this year, with the e-commerce giant being the top destination for shoppers.