News

Webinar Today: Maximize your traffic and conversion program
There’s still time to sign up for today’s Webinar, “Getting the Most Out of Your Traffic and Conversion Program.”

The presentation, on Tuesday, March 1, from 2 p. m. to 2:30 p.m. EST, will provide valuable insights for retailers who are already tracking traffic and conversion in their stores and those that are considering it. Click here to register.
Lumber Liquidator woes continue in Q4

Things were worse than expected for Lumber Liquidators in the fourth quarter, which experienced decreased customer activity that was likely due to cancer-related concerns over its laminate flooring.

Net sales for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2015 were down 13.7% year-over-year to $234.8 million, including a comparable store net sales decline of 17.2% that was based on a 15.6% decrease in customer count and a 1.6% decrease in the average sale.

More good news for J.C. Penney

J.C. Penney on Monday received an official vote of confidence in its performance: an improved credit rating.

Fitch Ratings upgraded Penney’s credit rating, saying the department store retailer has “demonstrated a meaningful turnaround of its business over the last over the last two years.” Fitch upgraded Penney from B- to B with a positive outlook.
Amazon in big supply deal with U.K. grocer Morrisons

Amazon is about to launch its biggest venture into food outside of the United States.

The online giant will deliver groceries to Amazon Prime Now and Amazon Pantry customers in the United Kingdom under a new wholesale supply deal it has struck with Morrisons, the U.K.’s fourth-largest supermarket chain.

Under the arrangement, Morrisons will supply fresh, frozen and non-perishable goods to Amazon customers, starting later this year.
First-ever Breakout Retailer Awards at SPECS

Chain Store Age will honor the winners of its first-ever Breakout Retailer Awards, which honors emerging retail/restaurant concepts that are innovative in their segment and poised for growth, at its annual SPECS Conference, March 13-15, 2016, at the Hilton Anatole, Dallas. This year’s awards are sponsored by The Paint Folks.
Amazon makes a delivery deal with UK grocer

Amazon is about to launch its biggest venture into food outside of the United States.

The online giant will deliver groceries to Amazon Prime Now and Amazon Pantry customers in the United Kingdom under a new wholesale supply deal it has struck with Morrisons, the U.K.’s fourth-largest supermarket chain.

Under the arrangement, Morrisons will supply fresh, frozen and non-perishable goods to Amazon customers, starting later this year.
Target looks to Amazon for new logistics chief

Target Corp. is hiring Arthur Valdez, a 16-year veteran of Amazon.com, as executive VP, chief supply chain and logistics officer.

Valdez will lead Target’s supply chain transformation including planning, distribution and transportation. He will report to Target’s executive VP and COO John Mulligan.
A Children’s Place's Ezra Dabah returns with online shopping service for young girls

Young girls are notoriously picky about what they wear, and a new online shopping service founded by the former chairman and CEO of A Children’s Place is looking to do something about it.
Five Innovations Transforming How Consumers Shop on Mobile

The abandoned shopping cart rate for mobile shoppers approximates an astounding 97%, according to some estimates. Clearly, this hair-raising stat proves consumers’ deep disappointment with mobile commerce.
Retail revival continues in downtown Detroit

An award-winning comic book store will open in a new ground-up retail development in Detroit.

Vault of Midnight will occupy one the remaining retail spaces in The Z, which now includes several restaurants, art spaces, a sneaker shop and yoga studio.

The 2,000-sq.-ft. shop, expected to open this spring, will offer a broad selection of comic books and graphic novels as well as toys, games, action figures and branded merchandise.