News

Starbucks shuttering ‘tea bar’ format
Starbucks Corp. is still hot for tea, but it’s not feeling too warm and cozy about its Teavana "tea bar" format, which debuted in New York City about two years ago. The concept sought to elevate the tea-drinking experience, much the way Starbucks did for coffee, and featured an array of tea-related beverages and food items in a comfortable environment that encouraged people to linger.
Staples gives Goodman greater responsibility
In the name of creating a more efficient and focused organization, Staples announced several key senior leadership moves while its acquisition of rival Office Depot appears in jeopardy.

Shira Goodman, currently president, North American commercial, has been named president, North American operations with responsibility for Staples’ business-to-business, online and retail operations across the United States and Canada.

How brick-and-mortar retailers can build shopper loyalty

Retailers understand that loyal customers are the most profitable shoppers. While these consumers make buying decisions that are increasingly influenced by online channels, the vast majority of retail business in the United States is conducted in the physical store, and this isn’t changing with the Millennial generation.
Survey: What’s driving wearable growth?

Consumer interest in wearables is booming for reasons that retailers should find encouraging.

New research from Mintel reveals that the U.S. wearable technology market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with estimated sales increasing 186% from 2014-2015, reaching $7 billion in 2015.

And despite just one in 10 consumers owning a fitness tracker (12%) or smartwatch (7%), 16% of consumers said they planned to purchase a fitness tracker or smartwatch in the final three months of 2015.
Star World, Huntington Park, California

Welcome to Star World, a new retail format that combines brick-and-mortar and e-commerce — with Latino sensitivity.

The 30,000-sq.-ft. store combines a streamlined environment with a high-tech business model that digitally extends its aisles into the warehouses of its suppliers via interactive in-store kiosks. Shoppers can make purchases via the kiosks, which connect directly to vendors.
RadioShack hopes to spark growth with new CEO

RadioShack has lost its CEO after he served only nine months on the job.

Ron Garriques has stepped down as chief executive of the consumer electronics chain in order “to pursue other interest in a role that will put him back closer to his family,” the retailer said in a statement to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The company's CFO, Gordon Briscoe, will serve as interim CEO until a replacement is found.
Walmart CEO McMillon funding innovation at alma mater

It may seem an unlikely location, but the future of retail may soon be invented in abandoned gift shop on the ground floor of a parking garage at the University of Arkansas thank
Study: Retailers seek seamless store capabilities

Retailers’ top priorities for POS and customer engagement reinforce the concept of the store as the foundation of an omnichannel enterprise.

According to the Boston Retail Partners (BRP) 2016 POS/Customer Engagement Survey, a leading 85% of respondents said having a unified commerce platform that seamlessly operates across all commerce channels is a top priority. Another 68% cited customer experience and engagement as a top priority.
RadioShack looking for a new CEO—again

RadioShack has lost its CEO after he served only nine months on the job.
Amazon turns into a clotheshorse

Amazon.com is getting its nose out of books and consumer electronics and into a more fashionable merchandise area.

According to Re/Code, Amazon now offers more than 30 million apparel and accessory items for sale – which totals more than all the products sold at 250 Walmart supercenter stores.

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