News

Amazon continues to bolster distribution fleet
Amazon is preparing to expand its fulfillment capabilities in Georgia. The online giant will open a new 850,000-sq.-ft. distribution center in Jefferson, Georgia. The facility will employ 1,000 full-time employees. The fulfillment center will pick, pack and ship large items, including household furniture, sporting equipment and gardening tools, among other merchandise. The facility will be the second in Georgia’s Jackson County, and the fourth in the state.
Lululemon starts year strong, but division restructuring is underway
Product innovation, an enhanced digital experience, and its first-ever global brand campaign boosted Lululemon’s first quarter earnings — however these gains are not swaying the company’s restructuring plans. The athleisure brand is currently restructuring Ivivva, its activewear brand for girls. The division will operate primarily as an e-commerce business, supported by only a select number of stores in key communities across North America.

Five in-store amenities helping to drive traffic and engagement

Retailers looking to bring customers in the door need to upgrade the shopping experience with added amenities. That's according to JLL, whose new report examines how brick-and-mortar retailers can deliver in-store experiences and brand loyalty through added amenities. The report, JLL’s Retail Amenities Guide, notes that today's shoppers have countless options when it comes to where they can buy, leaving retailers with fewer opportunities to create brand converts.
Luxury retailer loses interim key executive

The interim CFO of Neiman Marcus has resigned after seven months on the job. Michael Fung will step down from his position as the luxury retailer’s interim CFO and COO, effective June 30. Fung temporarily left his retirement to join the company on an interim basis in November 2016.
Study: Innovative tools turn online customers into repeat shoppers

Attracting — and sustaining — loyal online customers is no easy task. However, retailers that offer innovative customer service tools, a variety of fulfillment options, and engagement solutions will successfully turn frequent browsers into loyal shoppers. These details were revealed in a new retail report from Radial and CFI Group.
J.Jill’s comp sales soar in Q1

Despite a challenging retail landscape, J.Jill’s same-store sales growth and profits not only climbed, but topped analyst expectations. For the first quarter ended April 29, the mall-based women’s specialty chain’s overall revenue increased 12.5% to $166.1 million — a jump from $147.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. This also beat analyst estimates at $162 million.
Study: E-commerce fraud is declining — but the battle continues

E-commerce fraud as a percent of sales dollars may be on the decline, however losses still account for billions of dollars. This was according to the “Q1 2017 Global Fraud Index,” a report from Pymnts.com and Signifyd. The study measures and benchmarks innovations and trends that are reshaping the payments and commerce ecosystem.
Accenture launches new customer innovation center

Accenture is taking on its next innovation initiative. The company announced on Wednesday, May 31, that it opened an innovation hub dedicated to the retail, fashion and consumer goods industries. The Accenture Customer Innovation Network (ACIN), which resides in Milan, Italy, bolsters the company’s existing fleet of innovation facilities in Bangalore, Chicago, Manila and Singapore.
Kitchen and bath products giant launches experiential retail concept

Kohler Co. is debuting a retail format designed to showcase its full offering of products and offer on-site product immersion — literally. The first-ever Kohler Experience Center (KEC), located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan, houses fully-functioning displays of Kohler's global product line — including showers, tubs, sinks and "intelligent" toilets — in what is a first for the brand. The center is open to trade design professionals and regular customers.
Dunkin’ Brands names new finance chief

The parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins has ended its hunt for a new chief financial officer. Following a comprehensive search for a permanent CFO, Dunkin’ Brands has promoted Kate Jaspon to the position, effective June 5, 2017. Jaspon was appointed the company’s interim CFO when Paul Carbone left the position in April to become COO at a specialty retail chain. She will report directly to Dunkin' Brands' CEO Nigel Travis.