News

Ikea facilitates expansion in Canada
Ikea is opening a new distribution center in Ontario as the Swedish home furnishings retailer ramps up plans to double its footprint in Canada over the next 10 years.

Ikea says its new distribution center in Mississauga, Ontario, allows the company to become even more accessible to customers by allowing for fulfillment of customer orders from four Toronto area stores and e-commerce purchases. This improved logistical set-up will enable shorter lead times for customers to receive their products, while at the same time contributing to Ikea's sustainability goals.
Lynnhaven Mall remerchandising and redevelopment nearly complete
Virginia Beach, Va. -- GGP announced outdoor retailer L.L. Bean will be opening at Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, Virginia this spring.

Shoppers hop to stores for Easter apparel offerings

The growth of digital shopping tools continues to benefit physical stores with new seasonal research from the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) showing how much.
Beverly Center to get $500 million renovation that promises more food — and light

The grand lady of Los Angeles retailing is getting a major facelift.

Taubman Centers is embarking on a $500 million remodel of Beverly Center this month that promises to transform every aspect of the iconic — and monolithic — eight-story center, which opened in 1982.
Neiman Marcus veteran joins CallisonRTKL

Design and architecture giant CallisonRTKL named a global leadership team in retail design that includes the appointment of retail veteran Ignaz Gorischek as VP. He is with the firm’s retail practice group, in the Dallas office.
Staples and Office Depot take another shot at FTC

The CEOs of Staples and Office Depot penned a letter to customers which reveals the extent of their deteriorated relations with the Federal Trade Commission ahead of a hearing that begins March 21 that will determine whether the retailers are allowed to merge.

In the letter, Staples chairman and CEO Ron Sargent and Office Depot chairman and CEO Roland Smith stop short of actually calling the FTC stupid, but that is the inference from more diplomatically worded prose.
Gordmans enters the world of omnichannel

Gordmans Stores plans to open a new store next month in its hometown of Omaha in April, the first of five new units apparel and home décor retailer has planned for the year.
Study: Retailers vary and so should retail minimum wages

Should Walmart and Costco be required to pay employees the same minimum wage?

The answer is no, at least that’s the conclusion of a new study according to the National Center for Policy Analysis, a conservative think tank based in Dallas.
SPECS Exclusive: A new day for physical stores

Photo: Amazon Dash
Harry & David plays social engagement game

Harry & David is using social media to bring consumers back to the fun of a childhood Easter egg hunt.

The specialty gourmet gift retailer is hosting a social media giveaway called the “Eggciting Hunt Sweepstakes” through April 15 with hundreds of dollars of gift cards as prizes. Participants register online and then are sent on a hunt for clues to find virtual eggs on Harry & David’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.