News

Walmart in new jobs commitment
Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer with nearly 1.5 million associates, plans to add 10,000 new retail jobs in its upcoming fiscal year, which begins on February 1, 2017. The discounter says the new jobs will be created through the opening of 59 new, expanded and relocated Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities as well as e-commerce services.
From SSKs to Mobile Pay: Three Retail Technology Predictions for 2017
Retail in 2016 had its share of ups and downs. While several major businesses filed for bankruptcy, others in the category saw incredible growth, leveraging technology to connect with customers in new and exciting ways. For instance, Walmart tripled its online catalog and opened more stores that allow shoppers to pick up online orders in-person. In an often-cluttered retail landscape, Walmart and others have shown that technology can be a key differentiator.

Home furnishings retailer develops next-gen cloud-based engagement platform

Crate and Barrel is taking its omnichannel experience into its own hands. The home furnishings chain is the latest retailer to join forces with Infor to co-develop the Infor CloudSuite Retail, a suite of application offerings that can be tailored to an individual retailer’s needs. The software prod-uct is designed to deliver superior interactions for store associates and consumers.
Report: Walmart realigns leadership to blend online and stores

Walmart has made some big changes in its executive ranks, bringing together management of its Web and retail teams. The changes, which the chain has not officially announced, come on the heels of media reports that Karenann Terrell would step down as CIO of Wal-Mart Stores on Feb. 24. As reported by CNBC.com, Walmart’s executive realignment includes the following:
Conn’s makes three new executive appointments

Consumer electronics and furniture retailer Conn’s has named a COO, along with heads for logistics and service. The retailer named Coleman R. (“CR”) Gaines as president and COO, effective February 1, 2017. Gaines previously spent seven years at TMX Finance in Savannah, Georgia, a consumer retail finance company, where he was most recently the company’s executive VP of store operations.
Home improvement giant to cut some jobs in new store staffing model

Lowe’s Cos. is shifting to a new staffing model for its stores that will result in the loss of some jobs nationwide. The new model will be rolled out across Lowe’s stores and is designed to free up resources to boost customer service, CNBC reported.
Holiday sales better than expected; data reveals winners — and losers

It was a less than merry holiday for some retailers, especially in the department store sector, but total sales still managed to beat industry projections, fueled by a strengthening economy. Retail sales (excluding autos, gas stations and restaurants) during November and December rose 4% over 2015 to $658.3 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. The group had forecast sales would rise 3.6% to $655.8 billion.
Golf retailer continues expansion

PGA Tour Superstore is celebrating the opening of its 28th U.S. store. The privately held retailer has opened a store in Glendale, Arizona, its fifth location in the western state. Two more locations are in the works for 2017, with one in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and another in Jacksonville, Florida.
Conn’s makes three new executive appointments

Consumer electronics and furniture retailer Conn’s has named a COO, along with heads for logistics and service. The retailer named Coleman R. (“CR”) Gaines as president and COO, effective February 1, 2017. Gaines previously spent seven years at TMX Finance in Savannah, Georgia, a consumer retail finance company, where he was most recently the company’s executive VP of store operations.
Convenience store chain on the move in Florida

Wawa has big plans for the Sunshine State. The privately-owned, Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain plans to open 25 to 30 stores every year throughout Florida during the next several years. In 2017, Wawa will start its push into the southeast part of the state, with a first wave of stores opening in Palm Beach and Broward Counties.