News

Hudson’s Bay Co. goes robotic — in fulfillment
Just in time to streamline the upcoming holiday e-commerce sales rush, Hudson’s Bay Co. is touting a new robotic fulfillment system. Called the first of its kind in Canada, the new state-of-the-art robotic fulfillment system is housed in the department store chain’s 752,000 sq.-ft. Scarborough distribution center, which manages the chain’s e-commerce operations.
Walmart’s new sustainability roadmap includes focus on renewable energy
Walmart is setting some lofty goals for itself on such critical issues as sustainability and job creation. In remarks Friday at the Net Impact Conference, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon outlined a "new roadmap" that will guide the company’s role in society on critical issues during the next several years, and pointed to a “new era of trust and transparency.”

Barneys New York promotes digital exec

Barneys New York named Josh Lieberman as its executive VP of digital. Lieberman, who was previously senior VP of digital marketing, will oversee the enterprise’s e-commerce and digital businesses, including all marketing, merchandising, operations, creative and technology.
Webinar: Taking Stock of Retail’s Analytics Capabilities
Searching for Cubs championship gear? Look no further than Uber

Uber wants to put championship gear commemorating the Cubs’ World Series victory into fans’ hands as quickly as possible. Through a partnership with licensed sports merchandise e-retailer Fanatics, Uber launched a program that enables Cubbies fans to purchase championship hats and t-shirts directly through the ride-hailing app, according to Recode.
Gap finance chief to depart

The CFO of Gap Inc. is leaving the company after serving in the role for nearly a decade. The retailer announced that executive VP and CFO Sabrina Simmons is leaving. She will remain through the end of the company’s 2016 fiscal year, "ensuring a seamless transition over the coming months."
Another high-profile Target exit: Grocery chief leaving

That was fast. Anne Dament, senior VP of grocery merchandising for Target Corp., is leaving the chain, after less than 18 months on the job. Her last day will be Nov. 18. Damen’s exit will mark the third high-level executive departure at Target in less than three months. In August, the chain’s chief marketing officer, Jeff Jones, resigned to join Uber. And in September, chief digital officer Jason Goldberger left.
Saks Fifth Avenue continues brick-and-mortar expansion

Saks Fifth Avenue has opened its third location in Miami, and seventh location year to date, at the just opened Brickell City Centre in the city’s financial district.
AmEx: Holiday spending, mobile usage jumps this holiday season

It may only be the first week of November, but American shoppers are steadily crossing items off of their holiday shopping lists. As of the end of September, one-third (33%) of consumers had already started their holiday shopping, up significantly from 25% in 2015. Further, they expect to spend an average of $908, an 8% increase from last year ($839 in 2015). Among affluent consumers, this threshold increases to an average of $1,513.
New retailers fill redeveloped New Jersey center

Target, HomeGoods, and Petco will be opening this month at Closter Plaza, a Whole Foods-anchored center in Closter, New Jersey, undergoing a complete redevelopment. Owner Edens has stated it is “re-energizing” the 208,337-sq.-ft. center with tenants possessing greater appeal to affluent local residents. The developer reports that the average household income within a five-mile radius of the center is $134,000.