News

Study: Mobile coupon usage on the rise
Not only is coupon app usage increasing, but discounts received via mobile devices are influencing where consumers decide to shop. Mobile coupon usage has increased 42% from 2016, while in-store shopping rewards app usage has increased 34% during the same time period. More importantly, the discounts received via smartphone or other mobile devices are influencing where 67% of consumers decide to shop.
Online giant expands its supply network in New Jersey
Amazon’s distribution fleet is once again bolstering its breadth. The online giant plans to open three additional fulfillment centers in New Jersey. The new sites in Cranbury Township, Edison and Logan Township, a move that will create more than 2,500 new, full-time jobs.

Mixed results for value retailer in Q4

99 Cents Only Stores turned in a strong sales performance for its fourth quarter, even as its net loss grew amid rising expenses. The retailer reported a net loss of $20.9 million for the quarter, versus a net loss of $18.4 million in the year ago period. Net sales increased 6.7% to $552.5 million, while same-store sales rose 6.4%. Average ticket gained 4.4% and customer traffic increased 1.9%. Operating loss was $6.5 million versus $2.7 million in the period a year prior.
Sears Holdings gives update on restructuring, real estate and finances

Things aren’t getting any better at Sears Holdings, at least not sales wise. The struggling chain on Friday provided an update on its restructuring program, increased its cost-saving target, and also gave a first quarter update. Since the beginning of the fiscal year, same-store sales at Sears and Kmart declined 11.9% on a combined basis, 10.8% when excluding consumer electronics, compared to the year-ago period.
Macy’s celebrates Earth Day with solar deployments

The nation’s largest department store has increased its deployment of renewable energy. Macy's Inc. said it installed 21 solar energy systems during the past year at Macy's and Bloomingdale's locations in seven states, totaling 15 meg-awatts. The deployments were done in partnership with SunPower. Elec-tricity generated by the new solar power systems will ultimately be sold to others.
Camper, Westfield, World Trade Center, New York City

Camper, the contemporary footwear brand based in Spain, stays true to its tradition of creating unique store experiences for shoppers at each of its locations at its new outpost in Manhattan. The 650-sq.-ft. store has a minimalist look, and features hardwood oak plank flooring with a satin finish. Oversized photo images provide a bold backdrop for product displays. The lighting is ambient and subdued in order to focus shoppers’ attention on the displays.
Fashion retailer closing all stores

It’s curtain time for Bebe Stores — or at least its brick-and-mortar operations.
Study: Customized, enterprise-wide plans fight cyberthreats

Senior executives must be ready to tackle the legal and business risks associated with cyberthreats — even before they happen. This means companies must establish enterprise-wide tactics to identify risks, appraise response metrics and apply company-specific risk mitigation strategies, according to the “2017 Data Security Incident Response Report,” from BakerHostetler. The study analyzed more than 450 cyber incidents that the firm handled last year.
VF Corp. CIO to retire

VF Corp. is getting a new technology leader. Martin Schneider, the company’s VP and CIO will retire at the end of 2017. Sandra Harris, VP, global business technology, will succeed Schneider as VP and CIO, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Harris also has been appointed to VF’s senior leadership team.
Beauty start-up turns profitable

Birchbox is no longer in the red. The online subscription beauty retailer has achieved profitability, MediaPost reported, and is returning to television advertising with a spot that speaks to the joy the company’s monthly beauty box brings to its customers. Founded in 2010, Birchbox had a tough 2016 during which it cut costs and laid off staff. But investments in technology and automation have helped it turn a corner.