News

Analysis: Holiday sales should increase, but profits will stay flat
Holiday retail sales should increase 2% to 4% over last year but retailers should not be expecting a similar profit boost. That’s the view of Purdue University retail management expert Richard Feinberg who expects retailers will lose pricing power due to online competition.
J.C. Penney sales slide in Q3; cuts annual forecast
Weakness in apparel helped make for a disappointing third quarter for J.C. Penney Co. as the retailer cuts its forecast amid sliding sales. On the positive side, Penney said sales trends improved in October, fueled by increasing momentum behind its new appliance business.

The Rise of Robots in Retail

The retail industry is on the precipice of a robotics revolution. While leading-edge retailers like Amazon have been using robots, their role has largely remained experimental or behind the scenes, primarily used in warehouses and fulfillment centers to perform pick, pack and ship duties. That is about to change.
Commentary: J.C. Penney turnaround still on track despite weak Q3

Neil Saunders, CEO of retail insights and consulting firm Conlumino, comments on J.C. Penney’s results for the third quarter in which sales came in under forecasts. “After a good run of growth, J.C. Penney has faltered this quarter with both total and comparable sales slipping into negative territory. While the company is now overlapping some tougher prior year comparatives, this is nonetheless a disappointing outcome that takes the shine off some of the recent progress made under its recovery program.
Gainesville’s Butler North tops off with Total Wine

The Butler North component of Butler Enterprises’ massive retail complex in Gainesville, Florida, brings itself close to 100% occupancy with next week’s opening of Total Wine & More. The 20,000-sq.-ft store is the latest in a series of new store openings at the center. Also debuting there over the past four months were Walmart Supercenter, Aldi, Marshalls, Payless Shoe Source, and Dollar Tree.
Sure sign of the holidays

Lord & Taylor takes customers on a whimsical winter journey in the 79th annual holiday window display at its Manhattan flagship on Fifth Avenue. With an Enchanted Forest theme, the five windows portray scenes of a winter wonderland and are filled with 34 hand-sculpted holiday animals. Each vignette is enhanced with over 350 square feet of LED walls. The store’s façade features more than 9,000 ft. of mixed garland, foliage, twinkling lights and holiday music
Alex and Ani makes exec appointment

Alex and Ani has promoted Cindy DiPietrantonio to president of the company. DiPietrantonio joined the jewelry and lifestyle brand in July 2016 as interim COO, and her transition to president has happened in “a very natural, organic way,” the company said.
First Look: Nike SoHo is something to see — and experience

Nike has upped its game in downtown Manhattan. The athletic giant has opened a five-level, multi-sport category outpost in the heart of New York City’s SoHo neighborhood.
Department store retailer strong in Q3, raises outlook

Nordstrom delivered a strong performance in its fiscal third quarter even as a hefty charge related to its Trunk Club business ate into its profit. Total net sales rose 7.2% to a better-than-expected $3.5 billion from $3.2 billion a year ago, fueled by the shift of the company’s popular anniversary sale to the quarter. Same-store sales increased 2.4%, also more than expected. As it has done in recent past quarters, Nordstrom Rack outpaced the full-priced division, Net sales were up more than 10%, and same-store sales rose nearly 4%.
Report: Women’s specialty apparel retailer looking to go public

J. Jill Group Inc. is moving forward with plans for an initial public offering. The Quincy, Massachusetts-based retailer has tapped Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, and Jefferies Group LLC as underwriters for a possible initial public offering, Reuters reported.