News

Teen apparel retailer steps up its digital engagement ‘game’
Hollister & Co. is connecting with its shoppers through two of their favorite pastimes: mobility and video games. Through a partnership with Rovio Entertainment and TreSensa, the re-tailer debuted a mobile video game whose activation functionality func-tions as an ad that connects the brand with loyal and potential shoppers, according to AdAge.
Fashion retailer credits record online holiday sales to AI
The use of artificial intelligence has given Charlotte Russe an important competitive edge. With its online and mobile shopping communities growing larger and their expectations for flawless services increasing, the apparel retailer turned to IBM to prepare for the busy and critical 2016, five-day holiday shopping season kick-off. To get a jump start, Charlotte Russe launched IBM’s Watson Customer Engagement solutions in seven months. And the technology immediately gave the retailer a wake-up call.

Former Gordmans CEO set to make offer for bankrupt retailer

Jeff Gordman, the former CEO of Gordmans, plans to submit a bid for the bankrupt 106-store chain that would rescue it from liquidation. But he isn’t the only interested party.
Commentary: Francesca’s will remain one of the winners in the fashion space

Håkon Helgesen, analyst at GlobalData Retail, comments on Francesca’s fourth quarter and full year results:
Staten Island outlet project hires top consultant

Developers of a 350,000-sq.-ft. outlet mall in Staten Island’s burgeoning St. George district have looked across the New York Narrows to enlist the help of one of Manhattan’s most noted real estate brokers.
Rouse sells Oregon power center

Rouse Properties has divested itself of an 821,564 center in Eugene, Oregon, whose tenants include Target, Cinemark, Cabela’s, Kohl’s, Hobby Lobby, and Ulta. The Shoppes at Gateway was purchased by Balboa Retail Partners for an undisclosed amount. “The Shoppes at Gateway is a thriving shopping center that drew significant investor interest," said JLL EVP Geoff Tranchina, who represented Rouse in the deal. JLL will continue on as the managing agent of the property.
Apparel and accessories retailer Q4 sales, profit top Street

A move to a more fast-fashion model helped Francesca’s to outperform many of its peers in the fourth quarter, with sales and income that topped expectations. The retailer reported better-than-expected profit of $14.6 million, or 39 cents a share, for the quarter ended January 28, compared to $14.7 million profit, or 35 cents a share, in the year ago period.
First Look: Target’s next-generation store concept

Target Corp. has unveiled its next-generation store format, which will make its debut in Richmond, Texas, a Houston suburb, in October. In addition to the new 124,000-sq.-ft. Richmond store, 40 additional Target locations will receive elements of the redesign when they are updated, also in October.
Walmart in patent filing for in-store drones

The nation’s largest retailer is ready to put a whole new spin on merchandise fulfillment. Speed is the name of the game in retail these days, in store and online.
Online giant serves up personalized homepages

eBay is preparing to connect with each of its individual consumers — starting from the first minute they visit the site. The company plans to do so with a new homepage that is “designed to inspire and engage with relevant, personalized content and highlighted deals,” according to the company.