News

DSW takes personalization to new level
Shoe shoppers know how individual fit can be, and footwear chain DSW Inc. is trying to be as accommodating as possible.

DSW is partnering with 3D footwear printing specialist Feetz to create custom fit, sustainably made shoes. Feetz uses a combination of 3D printer technology and human craftspeople to make new pairs of shoes in hours and designed software to custom fit shoe designs to consumers’ feet.
Report: Target asks suppliers for help
Target is reportedly requesting that many of its suppliers assume up to 3% to 5% more of the cost of promotions and price reductions on some items.

According to Reuters, at least 12 Target suppliers have confirmed they were asked to pay for more of the promotional cost for a variety of slow-moving products. Target reported declining sales in its most recent fiscal quarter and publicly said it would likely enter an extended promotional period.

Another retail CFO moves on

Another day, another finance chief at a well-known retailer is leaving.

Jane Hamilton Nielsen, CFO at Coach Inc., will be departing the company to pursue another opportunity. In order to facilitate a smooth transition, Nielsen is expected to stay into August 2016. The company is commencing a search for her permanent successor with Crist Kolder Associates. Andrea Shaw Resnick, global head of investor relations and corporate communications, will be appointed interim CFO until a permanent appointment is made.
Jo-Ann Stores names veteran exec to omnichannel marketing post

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is promoting Chris DiTullio to senior VP, marketing and omnichannel.

While at Jo-Ann, DiTullio has served as interim senior VP, marketing; VP, e-commerce and omnichannel; VP, marketing and advertising; VP, inventory management; and director, merchandise planning.
Bed Bath & Beyond looks to drive sales, engagement

Specialty home furnishings Bed, Bath & Beyond Inc. is expanding its omnichannel credit and CRM offerings with help from marketing and loyalty solutions provider Alliance Data Systems Corp.

Bed Bath & Beyond has signed a new long-term agreement to create a co-brand credit card program. Alliance Data will develop a tailored marketing strategy for the retailer and each of its concepts, utilizing its data-driven lifecycle marketing approach.
Ace Hardware takes practical approach to supply chain

The do-it-yourself vertical is all about getting things done correctly, and Ace Hardware International is building the proper foundation for seamless commerce.

Ace will implement Blue Ridge supply chain planning technology to unify and optimize supply chain planning functions across its global distribution centers and retail locations.
Under Armour dives deep into personalization

Under Armour is looking to elevate the shopping experience with unique fitness data.

The retailer has launched UA Shop, a mobile shopping app built on the Under Armour Connected Fitness platform. Integrating data from the company’s proprietary digital fitness community allows UA Shop to provide a deeply personalized experience based on athlete inspiration, workout history and previous purchase history.
NRF: Consumers will remember Dad this year

Anyone who is a dad, or sells products dads like, may be in for a happy Father’s Day.

According to a new survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insight and Analytics, consumers say they will spend more than ever on Father’s Day in 2016 (Sunday, June 19). Shoppers are expected to spend an average $125.92 for the holiday, up 9% from the prior year’s $115.57. Total spending is expected to reach $14.3 billion, the highest in the survey’s 13-year history but still below the 2016 Mother’s Day total of $21.4 billion.
Megatrends for retail and commerce

Today’s retailers face significant challenges as online increases its share of wallet, mall-based stores stumble, technology requirements mount, and customer engagement remains elusive for many. The business environment is clearly marked by the need to rationalize store counts, headcount, and product count.

As management faces up to these challenges, they seek purposeful justification of expenditures, higher shareholder returns, and greater customer engagement.
NRF: Keep swipe fee limits in place

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has strong feelings about credit card swipe-fee regulations.

On Tuesday, June 7, the NRF released the following statement after Rep. Jeb Hensarling, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, announced plans to repeal swipe-fee reform and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act.