News

Sherwin-Williams in $11.3 billion acquisition
Two of the biggest names in the U.S. paint industry are combining forces.
Sporting goods retailer in two big city openings
Modell’s Sporting Goods continues to grow its brick-and-mortar footprint. The New York-based company has added two more stores to its portfolio, one in Boston and the other in Philadelphia. Both stores are in prime locations formerly occupied by City Sports. (City Sports filed for bankruptcy in October 2016, and subsequently announced it would close all locations.)

In Boston, Modell’s opened an 11,000-sq.-ft. store on Boylston Street, in the city’s Back Bay area. It’s the retailer’s first outpost in downtown Boston.

Being There: In-Store Apparel Retailers Put Advantages to Good Use

It’s been more than 15 years since they started ringing the death knell for brick-and-mortar retail. And although the Internet shopping base continues to grow, the in-store experience is here to stay. Even the doomsayers have quieted during recent years. There are simply too many things about in-store shopping that the online experience can’t offer.
Don’t call the cable guy, call Amazon

Amazon.com is expanding its product range yet again. This time, the e-commerce giant is entering the world of cable TV. According to TechCrunch, Amazon is launching a section of its site called “Amazon Cable Store.” Currently, Amazon Cable Store is only reselling Comcast Internet and TV services. Amazon is also offering dedicated customer service to Comcast customers who purchase services through the Cable Store.
Pop-Up pioneer names new CEO

Hickory Farms is looking for new ways to grow following the operator of the company acquisition last fall by a private equity firm and the recent appointment of a CEO who spent time at RedBox and Crate & Barrel.
Shoppers hop to stores for Easter apparel offerings

The growth of digital shopping tools continues to benefit physical stores with new seasonal research from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) showing how much.
Analysis: Tween and teen retailers remain financially vulnerable

Apparel chains focused on tweens and teens are increasingly at risk of filing for bankruptcy protection.

At least that’s the view of Michael McGrail, COO of Tiger Capital Group and a veteran retail liquidation and asset appraisal executive.
GameStop partners with Autism Speaks for Autism Awareness Month

GameStop Corp. is launching an omnichannel campaign to raise funds for a cause that is near and dear to the hearts of many of the retailer's customers.
Lynnhaven Mall remerchandising and redevelopment nearly complete

Virginia Beach, Va. -- GGP announced outdoor retailer L.L. Bean will be opening at Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, Virginia this spring.
Gordon Brothers Group acquires inventory, fixed assets and IP of NapaStyle

Boston -- Gordon Brothers Group announced that it has entered into an agreement with NapaStyle and its creditors to acquire the company’s assets, including intellectual property, inventory and furniture, fixtures and equipment.

Founded by celebrity chef, Michael Chiarello, NapaStyle offers handcrafted and artisanal home goods, furniture and specialty foods for decorating, entertaining, cooking, wine, garden and home enthusiasts through store, online and catalog channels.
Top retailers and brands win shopper marketing awards

Photo: Neal Davies, president and CEO, Effie Worldwide, (left) and Amy Hahn, senior VP of marketing, Ahold, (right) present an Effie Award to Matthew Parry, senior director of marketing at Walmart and Haley Prowell, associate marketing manager at Walmart.

Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Walmart and CVS Health were among this year winners of Effie awards, which recognize excellence in shopper marketing.
Ikea facilitates expansion in Canada

Ikea is opening a new distribution center in Ontario as the Swedish home furnishings retailer ramps up plans to double its footprint in Canada over the next 10 years.

Ikea says its new distribution center in Mississauga, Ontario, allows the company to become even more accessible to customers by allowing for fulfillment of customer orders from four Toronto area stores and e-commerce purchases. This improved logistical set-up will enable shorter lead times for customers to receive their products, while at the same time contributing to Ikea's sustainability goals.