News

Report: Boxed to create robotics-run warehouse
While some industry observers fear that robots will replace retail workers, Boxed is embracing the technology. The online retailer, which sells consumer packaged goods in bulk, announced on Thursday, April 27, that it will completely automate its fulfillment center in Union, New Jersey, with robotics — a move that will contribute to driving reliable profits, according to Business Insider.
Mobile wallet, services extends to four new countries
Samsung Pay is expanding its breadth. Besides launching in Sweden and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the digital wallet also kicked off an early access program in Hong Kong and Switzerland. The launches in UAE and Sweden are Samsung Pay’s first introduction in the Middle East and the Nordics respectively, Samsung said. Samsung Pay users in Sweden and the UAE can also integrate loyalty and membership cards within their mobile wallets.

Longtime Nordstrom exec joins DSW in big role

A veteran Nordstrom executive has been named COO of DSW. The footwear retailer appointed Michele Love as executive VP and COO, effective May 1, 2017. With responsibility for marketing and digital, she will oversee all aspects of customer engagement, driving messaging across all touchpoints.
Albertsons names longtime vet Jewel-Osco division president

Albertsons’ Jewel-Osco division has a new executive at the helm. The company has named Doug Cygan division president, effective immediately, overseeing 186 stores in Ill., Ind. and Iowa. Cygan was most recently Jewel-Osco’s VP marketing and merchandising. He joined the company in April 1980 as a part-time clerk, staying with the chain as he completed his education and worked his way up through the ranks. He became VP marketing and merchandising in 2011.
San Diego center gets six new tenants

A San Diego strip center that underwent a repositioning and renovation over the past two years is welcoming six new tenants. The Presidio, which sits below the 18th Century Presidio fortress in the Linda Vista community has transformed its retail lineup with the signings of Rip Curl, Luv Bridal, Hopsy, Babe Kombucha, West Coast Veterinary Hospital, and Sharetea.
Free People to cap off re-made Princeton center

Madison Marquette’s transformation of the MarketFair center in West Windsor, New Jersey, will be complete with next week’s opening of the first Free People store in the Princeton area. Free People has become a sought-after retail brand known for bringing new creative flair to women’s apparel retailing.
Regional supermarket chain sees more growth ahead

After growing its store base through an acquisition last year, Weis Markets is investing $90 million in its growth in 2017. The budget includes new stores and remodels of existing locations. It also calls for supply chain improvements and continued information technology upgrades.
Dollar General acquires 300-plus stores

Dollar General Corp. has added to its portfolio through an acquisition. The Federal Trade Commission has approved the sale of 323 Dollar Express stores by Sycamore Partners to Dollar General, reported Reuters. The Dollar Express chain is made up of former Family Dollar stores that Family Dollar sold to Sycamore Partners in late 2015. Sycamore Partners bought the stores in 2015 when Dollar Tree sold the stores in order to win antitrust approval to buy the Family Dollar chain.
New women’s fashion brand looks to expand

A brand new women’s contemporary apparel and accessories brand with a French aesthetic is moving fast out of the starting gate.
Apparel retailer launches first mobile app in Europe

Tommy Hilfiger is giving European customers a new way to connect with its brand. The specialty apparel retailer joined forces with PredictSpring to launch a mobile app targeting the European market. The app will enable consumers in 17 countries to log into their Hilfiger Club loyalty accounts, and receive personalized messages, promotions and event invitations.