News

Tile Shop enters new market
The Tile Shop is expanding, in new markets and existing ones. The specialty retailer opened its first location in Washington, D.C., a 10,400-sq.-ft. store in the historic neighborhood of Tenleytown. The Tile Shop also opened its twelfth location in the Chicago metro area, in Schererville, Indiana.
Holiday spending surpasses expectations
Initial reports about holiday spending bode well for retailers. Consumers spent 16% more on holiday purchases this year than in 2015, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers Post-Holiday Shopping Survey.

Amazon kicks up private-label food offering

Making an even bigger push into private-label foods, Amazon launched a new line of natural snacks. Already a player in non-food private label categories, including household goods and other items under the Amazon Basics and Amazon Elements brands, Amazon’s newest line, Wickedly Prime, is making a push into grocery — specifically among “foodies.” The line currently features popcorn, blue corn and sweet potato tortilla chips, and soft shell almonds.
Bankrupt fashion retailer to initiate auction process

Nasty Gal is moving ahead with plans to be acquired by a British online fast-fashion retailer.
Report: Sears lines up more credit from its CEO

Sears Holdings Corp. has received another lifeline courtesy of CEO Eddie Lampert. The struggling retailer said it has received loan, called a secured letter of credit, for $200 million, with an option to expand the amount to as much as $500 million with the consent of lenders.
Delaware center site is Native American burial ground, opponents say

A Delaware developer’s plan to create a green space and shopping center in Lewes, Delaware, an idyllic shore town that was the site of the first European settlement in the state, has encountered a new obstacle. After overcoming opposition by some residents to the commercial re-zoning of 11 acres in this town north of Rehobeth Beach, J.G. Townsend Jr. & Co. now must content with protestors who say that its proposed Gills Neck Village Center would desecrate a Native American burial ground.
Amazon extends ‘digital’ holiday shopping season a bit further

While most retailers have already bid adieu to the 2016 holiday shopping season, Amazon has one more trick up its sleeve.
Report: Big Lots working on 'fun' new store design

Big Lots is looking to attract shoppers with more than deep discounts. The retailer is working with Big Red Rooster, Columbus, Ohio, and Alloy, Westerville, Ohio, to develop a store of the future, according to a report in The Columbus Dispatch.
Happy New Year from CSA

Chain Store Age offices will be closed December 30 through January 2. We will resume publishing on Tuesday, January 3. Have a happy, healthy new year!
Closing time for the Limited?

As the new year begins, it’s not looking very good for the ailing Limited Stores. Reports are coming in from around the country of Limited store closings, The Columbus Dispatch reported. In Florida, some stores closed after business hours on Christmas Eve.