News

Macy’s mulls rooftop park atop New York City flagship
Macy’s is toying with a lofty idea that could create more traffic at its Herald Square store in New York City.
Fast-growing home decor chain raises outlook
At Home reported a strong first quarter, helped by the addition of 23 new stores the chain opened in the past 12 months — and there are more on the way.

Study: Shoppers drawn to smart devices stay abreast of security

A majority of Americans want to use connected devices to make purchases, yet they are keeping a keen eye on securing personal data.
Specialty apparel retailer Q1 sales up 22%

Duluth Trading Company continues to grow its sales and store footprint. The retailer of men’s and women’s workwear, casual clothing, and accessories reported that net sales increased 21.9% to $83.7 million in the quarter ended April 30, up from $68.6 million in the prior-year first quarter. It was the company's 29th consecutive quarter of increased net sales year-over-year.
Study: Fulfillment costs erode up to 70% of brands’ order value

Complexities associated with online shipping and fulfillment are eating into retailers’ profitability. This was according to “Strategies for Agile, Profitable and Secure Omnichannel Execution.” The report, from Radial, revealed that more than 55% of customers are using multiple channels, such as online and mobile to shop.
Bebe winds down brick-and-mortar operations

It’s closing time for Bebe Stores. The struggling apparel retailer said on Wednesday, June 7, that it reached agreement with substantially all of its retail store landlords to terminate their existing leases. The cost to terminate the leases is estimated to be approximately $65 million.
Michaels Q1 earnings, sales miss as competition heats up

Increased online and offline competition is giving arts and crafts leader Michaels Cos. a run for its money. The company's profit fell 20% to $67 million, or 38 cents a share, in the first quarter ended April 29, down from $85 million, or 34 cents a share, a year ego. Its results missed analysts' expectations. Total sales were flat at $1.16 billion, also less than expected. Same-store sales fell 1.2%
Meijer plans for first small-format grocery store

Meijer plans to open its smallest urban store yet — but with a twist. The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based grocer’s newest store will be nearly 30,000 sq. ft., but it won’t feature the Meijer moniker. Instead, the store will go by the name, Bridge Street Market. Construction begins in July, and is expected to be open for business in the early fall of 2018.
Coming to the ‘small screen’: Amazon Prime

Amazon is giving Prime members another way to shop — through their Amazon Fire TV. Amazon Fire TV already streams Web-based content, such as videos, music and games on the “big screen.” Now Amazon’s new app lets Prime members search and browse Amazon products and make purchases directly through their Fire TV remote, according to TechCrunch.
Online giant takes on Walmart with big Prime discount

The battle for low-income shoppers is heating up. Amazon announced that individuals participating in government assistance programs can sign up for Amazon Prime membership at the discounted rate of $5.99 per month. The regular annual membership for Prime is $99 per year, or $10.99 a month for those who prefer to pay on a monthly basis.