News

Genesco cuts outlook
Changing footwear trends took a bite out of Genesco Inc.’s sales in the second quarter. The company reported net income of $14.6 million, up from a year-earlier profit of $7.5 million. Genesco’s revenue for the second quarter, ended on July 30, fell 4.6% to a less-than-expected $625.6 million. Total same-store sales fell 1%, with a 4% decline at the Journeys Group.
PREIT installs Amazon lockers at 15 malls
PREIT unveiled Amazon lockers at 15 of its mall locations on the East coast, making it one of the first mall owners to engage in this most physical of online-offline integrations. Amazon shoppers who choose the locker option when checking out are notified when their packages have been delivered and can go to the locker location to pick them up. Consumers gain an added convenience and mall tenants get Web shoppers in their stores.

Home décor brand opens first physical space

Halloween has arrived at Macy’s flagship. Home décor direct-marketer Grandin Road has opened its first-ever brick-and-mortar space, a pop-up at Macy's Herald Square flagship in Manhattan. The space is designed to inspire, spook and entertain shoppers throughout the months of September and October.
Chain Store Age will be closed for the Labor Day weekend

The offices of Chain Store Age will be closed for the Labor Day holiday weekend. We will resume publishing on Sept. 6. The CSA team wishes you and your family a happy and safe holiday.
Mexican developer to build 14 ‘Malltertainment’ centers

Mexico City-based developer Grupo GICSA announced plans for 14 new experiential retail centers it will format under the trademarked term, “Mallterntainment.” GICSA is perhaps best known as the developer of the Paseo Arcos Bosques retail center in Mexico City (above). Malltertainment developments will hew to four pillars, according to GICSA: • Average area of 2 million sq. ft.;
Iconic accessories brand to open first New York City store

Vera Bradley in entering the New York City market, opening a digitally-savvy flagship in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. Scheduled to open in September, the two-level, 2,700-sq.-ft. store will carry the complete Vera Bradley collection, ranging from handbags and travel items to eyewear and jewelry, and debut the brand's newly redesigned logo and store concept.
Amazon expands its growing Chicago-based fulfillment services

To uphold its reputation of providing the fastest possible delivery to its shoppers, Amazon is preparing to open a new fulfillment center in Monee, Ill. This is the third warehouse planned for the suburbs of Chicago. The 850,000-plus-sq.-ft. facility will facilitate the picking, packing and shipping of small items, such as books, electronics and consumer goods.
David’s Bridal CEO steps down; replaced by former Gap head

Photo: Paul Pressler The CEO of David's Bridal is out after three years on the job. The specialty retailer said Pam Wallack has left the company, but gave no reason for her departure, the Associated Press reported. Wallack will be replaced by David’s Bridal chairman and former Gap Inc. head Paul Pressler, who once worked with her at Gap.
Wendy’s honored for energy efficiency

The U.S. Department of Energy recognized The Wendy's Company, and one of its franchisees, Wendco Group, for its energy-saving efforts. Wendy’s Company and Wendco Group, which operates 43 Wendy's restaurants in Alabama and Florida, are participants in the DOE’s Better Buildings Challenge. The program aims to make commercial, public, industrial and residential buildings 20% more energy efficient over the next decade.
Foot Locker tries on new store model