News

Tech Bytes: Three Tips to Help Women Succeed in Technology
Political feelings aside, the fact remains: When Hillary Rodham Clinton was nominated as our nation’s first official female presidential candidate, history was made. It sets a tone for all going forward — women can achieve anything they have the determination to pursue, regardless of the industry.
Macy’s stays committed to Thanksgiving Day shopping
Macy’s is not joining the ranks of retailers and mall operators who plan to close their doors on Turkey Day. That’s according to BestBlackFriday.com, which tracks retailers' holiday hours and promotions. The research company said it received confirmation from five U.S. shopping centers that their Macy's locations would open at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Off-price retailer continues loyalty partnership

As the loyalty landscape heats up, TJX Companies is renewing its existing program to remain competitive. The off-price retailer announced a multi-year renewal of its partnership with Synchrony, a move that will continue to support financing for its five-year-old Rewards Credit Card program.
Investor seeks shakeup at Pier I

New York investment management firm Alden Global Capital is not happy with the board — or the CEO — of Pier I Imports. Alden, the retailer’s largest active institutional investor, is demanding a shakeup of the Pier 1 board, reported the Dallas Business Journal.
Holiday season brings out shoppers — and hackers

Everyone across retail industry is preparing for the holiday shopping season — especially the hackers. Shoppers will continue to use more payment methods — from debit and credit to mobile wallets — during the hectic holiday shopping season, and hackers are standing at the ready. Whether infiltrating in-store peripherals, firewalls or databases, hackers are prepared to invade retail networks, disrupt systems and steal valuable information.
Iowa center sells for $3.4 million

Rubinstein Real Estate Company has sold the Blackhawk Village shopping center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, for $3.4 million to a private investor. Mid-America Real Estate brokered the sale. The 65,548-sq.-ft. center includes Chuck E. Cheese’s, Famous Footwear, Key West Fitness, and Dollar Tree. Cedar Falls, a city of about 40,000 people, is the home of the University of Northern Iowa and is situated in Black Hawk County.
Apple’s new tree-filled flagship

Apple has re-opened its 12-year-old London flagship after a major overhaul that reflects the company’s updated store strategy. Located on Regent Street, the redone space has an airy look and natural feel, with an open glass façade, high ceilings, oversized windows and plenty of room to move around. The increased ceiling height allowed for the addition of twelve Ficus Ali trees, complete with planters that double as a comfortable place to sit. Two “living” walls are covered with greenery.
Sears names new finance head; consolidates some finance functions

Sears Holdings announced that Jason Hollar has been promoted to CFO, effective immediately. Hollar succeeds Robert A. Schriesheim, who the chain previously announced would be departing to focus on his other business interests and pursue other career opportunities. Hollar, 43, joined Sears Holdings in October 2014 as senior VP, finance, overseeing the financial planning & analysis function, the business finance relationship with centralized finance, and procurement.
Retail sales mixed for September

First the good news: Retail sales rose 0.6% in September, after falling a revised 0.2% in August, according to figures by the Commerce Department. The increase, the most in three months, was helped by a rebound of automobile and restaurant sales. On the less positive front, excluding autos and gasoline, sales were up only 0.1%, less than economics predicted.
Macy’s and Apple make history

Macy’s on Friday became the first department store retailer to open an in-store Apple shop. The shop is located on the main floor of Macy’s New York City flagship in Herald Square. Similar to in-store Apple shops at Best Buy, it features light wood tables. The product line-up includes iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple watches.