News

Destination XL Group has a new way to connect with its loyal shoppers.   The menswear retailer launched its first mobile app — a move that will help it engage shoppers whether they are on-the-go or in-store. Designed with mobile commerce provider PredictSpring, the app will help Destination XL create a more modern shopping experience.  

The nation's largest retailer is working on technology to enable store associates to respond more quickly to potential customer service issues.   The chain is developing facial recognition technology to detect frustrated or unhappy shoppers, according to a report by Business Insider. The technology uses video cameras at checkout lines that monitor customers' facial expressions and movements to identify varying levels of dissatisfaction, according to a patent filing, the report said.   

Amazon is staking a claim in the appliance market in a big way in a partnership with Sears Holdings.   The embattled retailer announced it will sell its prized Kenmore-branded appliances on Amazon. The deal opens the way for the broadest distribution to date of Kenmore products outside of Sears stores and its websites. Distribution will be nationwide, and Sears Home Services and Innovel Solutions units will provide delivery, installation, and other services.  

Consumers are in search of the latest back-to-school deals and experiences — and hitting their local shopping centers to find them.   This was according to the annual “ICSC Back-to-School Spending” survey. The report from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), which was conducted between July 6-July 9, is based on a sample of 1,010 U.S. adults, 18 years of age and older.   

On the heels of opening its first location in Arizona, West Elm is entering a new state.   The home furnishings retailer, a division of Williams-Sonoma, will open its first store in Maine, in the historic Old Port district of Portland. The 12,000 sq. ft. location will open its doors on Thursday, July 27.   

An industry veteran has been tapped to lead operations at of the nation's fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant companies.    Mod Super Fast Pizza Holdings has appointed  Paul Twohig to the new role of COO,  effective immediately. The appointment comes as the company continues its rapid expansion in the United States and abroad. With Twohig’s arrival, Chris Schultz, former senior VP of operations, will take on the new role of senior VP, international to lead Mod’s development abroad.  

Retailers who fail to promote back-to-college offers and savings this year do so at their own peril.