News

Fashion retailer automates merchandising
Soft Surroundings is making moves to create more customer-centric assortments. The St. Louis-Missouri-based fashion retailer’s goal is to help customers maintain their unique sense of style without sacrificing comfort. This was becoming a challenge through its spreadsheet-based planning processes. With an eye on driving more customer-centric assortments across its growing chain, the company knew it was time for a change.
Long-delayed megamall inches closer to reality with new financing

Gymboree names retail veteran as CEO

Gymboree Corp. has tapped the former chief of Tilly’s executive as the children’s clothing retailer’s new CEO.
Off-price giant to debut new store banner this summer

TJX Cos. is importing one of its Canadian/European brands to the United States.
The top five breakout trends in shopping centers are…

There is a good chance that the shopping center as its exists today will look completely different 10 years from now.
Walmart in big remodeling push

Walmart will be making big changes to a lot of stores this year, according to a report from MLive.com. Among the roughly 400-640 stores that will get a remodel this year are 12 Michigan locations, the report said.

MLive notes that among the changes coming to stores undergoing a remodel will be a lounge-like area for in-store pickup, the locations of which will move to the front of the store, more fresh and organic offerings, wider aisles and changed sightlines. Three markets in Michigan also will see the piloting of online grocery ordering for in-store pickup, the report said.
Specialty beauty retailer thriving in bricks-and-mortar

Someone forgot to tell Bluemercury about the slowdown in physical retail. The beauty retailer, which was purchased by Macy’s in 2015, plans to open some 40 stores in 2017, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune, including six in Chicago. Currently, it has nearly 200 locations nationwide.
Lowe’s VR app spurs project planning

A home improvement chain is helping shoppers better envision how to design and build their homes. Though a partnership with Google, Lowe’s launched the Lowe's Vision app. Powered by Tango, a 3D technology developed by Google, the app leverages augmented and virtual reality to enable shoppers to begin planning their renovation needs before they even set foot inside a store.
Philly tops list of 10 most affordable retail locations

Retailers who want a prime location but also one that’s affordable should check out Philadelphia, Chicago and Seattle.
Report: Facebook caters to hungry members

There’s a new Facebook icon that users are sure to “like:” a food ordering service. Rolling out to select users, Facebook’s new “Order Food” option can be found on its navigation menu — both online and mobile app. The service aggregates all supported restaurants together on one page, making it easier for Facebook users to place orders with their favorite restaurants, according to TechCrunch.