News

Target recalls Halloween-themed window lights over choking hazard
Target’s voluntary recall is helping keep Halloween safe for young children. The mass merchandiser recalled 127,000 Halloween-themed LED gel window “clings” because of the choking hazard they pose to children. The decals, an easy and affordable way to decorate windows and glass doors, light up when a dedicated button is pressed.
Sears responds to claims that it failed to pay toy vendor
A spat with a toy vendor could make for a difficult holiday shopping season for Sears Holdings. Due to claims of financial difficulties, reports claim that toy manufacturer Jakks Pacific has halted sales of its Star Wars and Disney Princess toys, among other merchandise, to “a major U.S. customer," which was presumed by some to be Kmart, according to CNBC.

Report: Authentic Brands Group, Iconix Brand Group eyeing American Apparel

Several companies have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the debt-laden American Apparel. Brand licensors Authentic Brands Group and Iconix Brand Group are among the companies eying the chain, Reuters reported.
Big number paid for Houston center

A 65,798-sq.-ft. neighborhood center in the Houston suburb of Greenspoint has been purchased for $15 million, or about $228 per square foot, according to the Chron website. Deal broker CBRE said that’s one of the highest prices paid for retail space in the area on a square-foot basis.
Walmart makes another big move in China

Walmart has made another big e-commerce investment in China. On the heels of launching three major e-commerce initiatives in China, Walmart will invest $50 million in New Dada — China’s largest local on-demand logistics and grocery online-to-offline (O2O) e-commerce platform.
German audio company opens experiential store in New York

A German brand known for its high-quality headphones had dropped anchor in the United States. Sennheiser has opened a pop-up, in the SoHo section of downtown Manhattan, that is designed to let visitors try out its products firsthand. The brand is also set to open a permanent retail space, at the Westfield World Trade Center in Manhattan, in late October. It will serve as a showroom and not sell product (product is sold at the pop-up, however).
Skechers Q3 misses

Skechers’ third quarter results came in below estimates as the company said it would continue to focus internationally for growth. The Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based brand’s net income fell 2.2% to $65.1 million, or 42 cents per diluted share, which was below forecasts for diluted EPS of 47 cents. Skechers said its diluted EPS were negatively impacted by foreign currency translation and exchange losses.
Staples moves beyond office supplies with new licensing efforts

Staples is getting into the licensing game as a means of expanding its brand. It’s first target — document storage.
The North Face, New York City

The North Face is targeted urban adventurers at its new global flagship on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. The two-level, 20,000-sq.-ft. store offers an immersive brand experience that includes an interactive climbing wall, community seating and a custom embroidery service called “Lot, Stock and Barrel” that allows shoppers to personalize garments by selecting from 20 designs.
Walmart amps up online strategy in China with three new initiatives

Walmart is ready to sink its teeth into the world’s largest e-commerce market. Three months after entering into a strategic alliance with JD.com, China’s second-largest e-commerce website, Walmart is introducing Chinese shoppers to a new digitally-driven shopping experience. For example, Chinese shoppers got their first taste of Sam’s Club when Walmart opened the doors of its first flagship store in China today.