News

Study: Online-driven shoppers at risk for identity theft
Online shoppers that prioritize convenience for security could begin feeling the fallout.
Macerich opens big-box addition to Long Island mall
Macerich spent the weekend celebrating the opening of Green Acre Commons, an open-air congregation of big-box retailers adjoining its Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, New York. A fixture in the retail scene on the Queens-Nassau County border, the 1.8 million-sq.-ft. mall has served the area for more than 50 years with tenants such as Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Century 21, Express, and American Eagle. Last year, Macerich redeveloped and re-merchandised the south side of the property, creating a new entrance for Old Navy and H&M.

The North Face premiers new concept pop-up

The North Face is trying on a new store format. The retailer has opened a pop-up in San Francisco aimed at the city explorer. The temporary store, in the city’s Jackson Square neighborhood, will focus exclusively on the brand’s premium streetwear merchandise. (A similar space will be featured in the retailer’s new flagship, scheduled to open on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue in late October.)
Wendy’s cuts energy use

The Wendy’s Company is in the spotlight for dramatically reducing energy usage. The company received two environmental awards from the 2016 Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) campaign. Wendy’s was recognized for the largest absolute number of facility upgrades and highest percentage energy savings in a retrofit of a parking lot.
Solid employment gains for retail industry

The retail industry saw an increase of 10,000 jobs in September over August, according to the National Retail Federation. The gains came as the Labor Department announced that the U.S. economy overall gained 156,000 jobs.
More details about Amazon’s drive-up grocery store — now under construction in Seattle

It’s no secret that the world’s biggest online retailer is planning to open a drive-up grocery store in its Seattle hometown — at least it hasn’t been a secret since GeekWire reported the news about two months ago.
Target to open a third Manhattan location

The mainstreaming of Manhattan’s once seedy Alphabet City continues apace with the promised arrival of Target on 14th Street and Avenue A. RKF announced it has concluded a deal for Target to lease 27,000 sq. ft. in one of two seven-story buildings being constructed by Extell Development Company at this location. The mass retailer will occupy 17,700 sq. ft. in the lower level and 9,649 sq. ft. on the ground floor.
Electronics chain extends private label card partnership

Hhgregg is ensuring its shoppers retain their buying power. By entered into a multi-year renewal of its consumer financing program, Hhgregg is extending its 17-year partnership with Synchrony Financial. The electronics chain’s private label credit card program provides qualifying cardholders with special financing offers, exclusive in-store and online deals, and online bill pay. The card is accepted across the chain’s 220 stores, and online.
West Elm isn’t the only retailer going into the hotel business

Hotels may just be the new frontier for retailers. Shinola, the quirky company best known for its pricey watches, bikes and leather goods, already has its headquarters, manufacturing arm and a flagship in Detroit. Next on the agenda: a 130-room-plus boutique hotel.
AT&T goes big in San Francisco, puts modern spin on historic building

AT&T is pulling out all the stops in San Francisco, opening its largest, most elaborate and most tech-centered store to date. The new, two-level 24,000-sq.-ft. flagship is housed in an historic building located next to the busy and popular cable car turnaround on Powell Street. Constructed in 1908, the building has been restored from floor to ceiling back to its original Baroque architectural design.