News

Study: Father’s Day spending headed for record high
Americans are expected to spend more than ever on gifts for Father’s Day this year — proof that consumer confidence is growing. This was according to a study from the National Retail Federation. The report, conducted by Prosper Insight & Analytics, is based on responses from 7,335 consumers surveyed between May 2 and May 9.
Joss & Main and cable series team up, just in time for summer
A home furnishings retailer is making it easier for their shoppers to make their homes “summer-ready.” Through its partnership with the HGTV series, “Beachfront Bargain Hunt: Renovation,” Joss & Main is enabling viewers to purchase the budget-friendly, stylish looks presented on the show directly through their e-commerce site. The retailer will feature merchandise throughout the show’s six-week season, starting on June 10.

Consortium makes ‘stalking horse’ bid for upscale fashion retailer

BCBG Max Azria Group LLC is getting a shot at keeping its brand alive.
Online baby brand puts down anchor in Manhattan

A digitally native organic baby and toddler's clothing brand has opened its second brick-and-mortar location. Monica + Andy has opened its first store in New York City, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The brand was launched online in 2014 by new mom Monica Royer, sister of Andy Dunn, co-founder of Bonobos, the online menswear brand that is rapidly growing its physical store footprint. It features clothing made of kid-friendly fabrics that are free of lead, phthalates and flame-retardants.
eBay personalizes every shopper’s visit

Shoppers are demanding that retailers treat them as individuals, and eBay is listening. eBay is launching an enhanced, more personalized eBay shopping experience through a new homepage that is responsive to its individual customers’ interests. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology, eBay is tailoring recommendations across all categories during each shopper’s new site visit, and serving up an inventory mix that's unique only to them.
Walmart leverages ‘employees’ for last-mile delivery initiative
Children’s apparel retailer misses critical interest payment

Gymboree Corp. could be filing Chapter 11 sooner than expected. Struggling to manage its debt and churn a profit, Gymboree missed an interest payment due June 1, for its outstanding 9.125% senior notes due 2018. The missed payment was reported in a filing on Thursday, June 1, by the Securities and Exchange Commission, according to CNBC.
Historic Hudson’s Bay store opens event venue

Hudson’s Bay Co.’s is taking advantage of the views and design of its iconic Calgary building in a new way. Through a partnership with restaurant group Oliver & Bonacini, the retailer is transforming the entire sixth floor of its 104-year-old building into an event venue. The 18,000-sq.-ft. space, called The Hudson, features meeting rooms on either side of a large common area, and two large event spaces that can accommodate up to 700 people, according to The Calgary Herald.
7-Eleven opening futuristic store in South Korea

Convenience-store giant 7-Eleven is opening a store that allows customers to pay simply with a wave of their hand.
Office supplies giant sells operations in China

Office Depot is selling off another international unit. The office supplies giant announced it will sell its stores in China to Shanghai M&G Colipu Office Supplies Co., Ltd. The public, China-based public company manufactures and sells writing instruments, as well as stationery products for offices and students.