News

There is a growing disconnect between shoppers’ growing in-store service expectations and retailers’ current service offerings and focus for the coming year.

Under new ownership and management, a revamped RadioShack is working to transform its remaining 1,720 stores, as well as its online presence, according to the Star-Telegram. “It was herculean to get the stores back into position, and they’re proof of what people want and expect,” said chief marketing officer Michael Tatelman. [Star-Telegram]

Walgreens, along with a host of other retailers, on Tuesday opted into Visa's Visa Checkout to help facilitate an omnichannel shopping experience. Walmart.com also will be incorporating the option into its services within the year, Visa reported.

Supervalu wants to unlock the value of its Save-A-Lot division with a planned spinoff, but the 1,336 store division did little to enhance its appeal to investors with a weak showing in the third quarter.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is still expecting a third consecutive year of positive same store sales despite a decline in traffic over the holiday period.

On a preliminary basis, for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 3, the company said it now expects:

Retailers frequently misjudge the omnichannel needs of their shoppers when they visit stores.

According to a new study of 500 consumers and 150 retail decision-makers in the U.S. and U.K. by Forrester Consulting on behalf of RetailNext, “Real-Time Data Drives the Future of Retail,” only 49% of consumer respondents feel they receive consistent seamless experiences across all channels.

In an effort to control cost, Aeropostale is reducing its corporate headcount by 13% and CEO Julian Geiger is relinquishing one million stock options that will be doled out to others for retention purposes.

The mall-based specialty retailer of casual apparel for young women and men plans to eliminate 100 corporate position by the end of its 2015 fiscal year and said the move would save between $35 million and $40 million annually.

A new study links retailers' success to an omnichannel strategy that includes physical stores.

According to the report, by L2 and titled "Death of Pureplay Retail," online-only retailers are at a disadvantage due to high costs for marketing and shipping, making their business model challenging and ultimately unsustainable in the long-term. The report was sponsored by Simon Property Group.

Another batch of retailers released holiday results this week and provided further evidence that an unusual blend of economic factors and evolving shopping behaviors made for a strange holiday season.

Retailers frequently misjudge the omnichannel needs of their shoppers when they visit stores.

According to a new study of 500 consumers and 150 retail decision-makers in the U.S. and U.K. by Forrester Consulting on behalf of RetailNext, “Real-Time Data Drives the Future of Retail,” only 49% of consumer respondents feel they receive consistent seamless experiences across all channels.