News

Walmart Canada’s digital channel takes on Amazon
While Amazon expands its physical presence, Walmart Canada is taking its own swipe at the online giant — by moving in on its turf.
Fast-fashion giant steps up POS game with new partnership
Eager to improve customer service and security at the front end, Forever 21 is converting its point-of-sale (POS) fleet to a single solution. Through a partnership with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, the fast-fashion retailer is adding the vendor’s hardware, equipment and services across all its corporate stores around the globe. The agreement makes Toshiba the chain’s single point of contact for all POS systems, peripherals and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) front and back office retail store technology.

Another online retailer tries on brick-and-mortar

An online thrift store that counts some 20 million users has opened its first-ever physical storefront. ThredUp has opened an outpost at Tanger Outlets, in San Marcos, Texas. The company plans to add four additional locations by year end. It is targeting traditional malls, outlet centers, and main street shopping districts nationwide.
Study: Amazon is getting a ‘whole’ lot more from its latest acquisition

While Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods Market signifies a staggering boost in its physical store breadth, the deal is much more valuable than that. This is according to “LandMark Insights,” a report from PlaceIQ. The study analyzed more than 165 million anonymous and opted-in mobile device signals nationwide to determine visitation patterns and audience affinities, among other metrics. These transactions were compiled over a 90-day period.
Footwear retailer supersizes it with new format

Skechers has debuted a new store format in its largest mall location to date. The company has opened a 24,000-sq.-ft. outlet store at Ontario Mills, Ontario, California, that houses one of the widest assortments of Skechers products under one roof, with dedicated departments for the brand's various lifestyle and performance collections for men and women. The new Skechers Superstore also features a fun kids’ area, complete with a candy shop and a theater space screening Skechers cartoons.
Supervalu exec joins Kohl's leadership team

Kohl's has ended its search for a new finance chief. The retailer has appointed Bruce H. Besanko to the position of CFO, effective July 10. He will replace Wesley McDonald, who announced plans in November to retire this spring after 14 years with the company.
Study: Consumers' shipping expectations higher than ever

There is a major disconnect between retailers and consumers when it comes to shipping expectations. Retailers understand that consumers want free shipping. But they are challenged by and grappling with the rising costs of shipping online orders, according to “The State of Shipping in Commerce,” a report from Temando, a shipping and fulfillment software platform provider.
U.K.-based grocery giant jumps into the one-hour delivery game

Tesco is launching a one-hour delivery service — a move that will enable the chain to go head-to-head with Amazon. The U.K.-based supermarket giant introduced its new Tesco Now app, which enables shoppers in central London to choose from a range of 1,000 products, and have them delivered within an hour. Merchandise crosses categories such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, bakery goods and dairy, as well as pet, baby, health and beauty products.
Under Armour taps former Aldo CEO for key role amid management changes

Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank is stepping back from his role as president. The sporting goods company announced that retail veteran Patrik Frisk will become president and COO, effective July 10. He will have responsibility for the company's go-to-market strategy and the successful execution of its long-term growth plan and report directly to Kevin Plank, who has also held the title of president since 2010.
Walgreens’ mobile app popular with this age group

Walgreens’ mobile apps biggest fans aren’t exactly the demographic people typically associate with technology adoption.