News

Rutter’s Farm engages on-the-go shoppers
The fuel pump is becoming an increasingly critical customer touch point.

Often overlooked in the omnichannel experience, convenience store fuel pumps are a prime way to reach on-the-go shoppers. Extending their partnership with NCR, Rutter’s Farm is adding a new outdoor payment terminal to reach this time-pressed customer segment.
Survey: Retail sites pick up steam among consumer searches
Search engines are getting knocked down a peg when it comes to where consumers begin their online research. More than two-thirds (67%) of shoppers now begin their online searches on a retail site, not a search engine, according to “Browsing & Buying Behavior by Category: 2016,” a report from HookLogic.

Naples Outlet Center getting a makeover

A 25-year-old outlet center in East Naples, Florida, is undergoing an extensive facelift and seeking new retail blood, according to Crossman & Company, which has just been signed as its leasing agent.

Once filled with shoppers, the Naples Outlet Center has dropped in recent years due to an economic downturn in the area, according the Naples Daily News. In 2014, nearly half of its 40 stores were vacant.
Report: Whole Foods demonstrates advantages of rapid solar rollouts

A new report makes the case for taking a standardized approach to rapidly rollout of solar rooftop installations may An analysis by the Retail Industry Leaders Association and The Solar Foundation found that Whole Foods Market’s approach to rooftop solar installations in multiple facilities could be a valuable model for other retailers to consider.
Warehouse giant streamlines online experience

Shopping online shouldn’t be an overwhelming task. To help its members better navigate its digital club experience, BJ’s Wholesale Club enhanced its online and mobile shopping sites with streamlined membership processes, enhanced search and navigation features, and an improved online assortment.
Target first out of the gate with holiday hiring plans

The holiday hiring wars have begun.

Target Corp. is the first national retailer to announce its holiday hiring plans with the news that it plans to hire 70,000 seasonal store associates. The amount is the same as last year.

In addition, the discounter plan to hire 7,500 employees to work in its distribution and fulfillment facilities during the holiday season, which is slightly up from last year.
Famed New York retailer—and felon—dies

The man who founded the Crazy Eddie consumer electronics chain has died at the age of 68. Eddie Antar grew his company from one location in Brooklyn, New York, to the largest electronics retailer in the New York metro area in the 1980s, with 43 stores in four states. The chain gained national fame for its television commercials which featured a maniacal-looking pitchman (which many people mistakenly took to be Antar) screaming at the end of the spot that Crazy Eddie’s prices were “insane.”
Lowe’s welcomes new senior VP

James Han has joined Lowe's Cos. as senior VP of business development. In this new role, Han is responsible for accelerating the company's business development strategy which involves identifying and implementing growth opportunities through new and emerging businesses, exponential innovation and corporate ventures. He reports to chief development officer Richard Maltsbarger.
Jo-Ann Stores names Fred’s, Walgreens vet to new exec role

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has appointed Bryan Pugh to the newly created position of executive VP, stores and store operations. He will lead financial, operational and cultural leadership of Jo-Ann Stores.

Pugh joins Jo-Ann from Fred’s Pharmacy & Super Dollar where he served as executive VP, chief merchandising and marketing officer. His experience also includes serving as senior VP, chief merchandising officer at Walgreen Co. in addition to several roles of increasing responsibility at Tesco.
Grandin Road, Macy’s, New York

Grandin Road has made the leap to brick-and-mortar with a spooky in-shop at Macy’s Manhattan flagship.

The brand’s 1,400-sq.-ft. Halloween pop-up is elaborately designed to offer a bewitching immersive experience, complete with digital signage animated with spiders, a costumed witch and scary animatronic products (also available for purchase.) An on-site photo booth allows customers to create a fun memento of their visit.