News

All you can eat protection plans a holiday treat
Asurion Retail Solutions has introduced an unlimited device protection plan to help retailers build stronger, more connected relationships with small businesses and consumers.

The new initiative is a first-to-retail product innovation, according to Asurion, that allows retailers to serve as a single-source destination for customers’ protection coverage needs across an unlimited number of devices purchased from any retailer.
Lowe’s names new leaders to drive loyalty
Lowe’s has a new chief marketing officer and a new senior vice president of strategy, insights and planning.

TOYS “R” US TIMELINE

June 2, 2015: David Brandon is named chairman and CEO, effective July 1, succeeding the retiring Antonio Urcelay.

November 2013: Former Walmart executive Hank Mullany is named president of Toys “R” Us, U.S.

October 2013: 17-year Toys “R” Us veteran Antonio Urcelay is named chairman and CEO after serving in an interim role for five months.
Petco trades private equity owners

The convoluted ownership history of Petco has just taken an interesting new turn that cost $4.6 billion.

According to a statement release by Petco, funds affiliated with CVC Capital Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) entered into a definitive agreement to jointly acquire Petco from a group of investors led by TPG and Leonard Green & Partners for approximately $4.6 billion. The acquisition of the 1,400 store retailer is expected to close in early 2016.
Aiming for Innovation

Target Corp. has long been an innovator in retail marketing and merchandising. But its latest efforts to think outside the box are taking it even further afield.
Cloudy with a Chance of Managed Workforce

Retail cloud technology deployments have been getting a lot of attention lately. However, the most publicized retail uses of cloud technology tend to be flashy, front-end implementations. For example, cloud platforms are frequently deployed to support the seamless customer experience that underpins omnichannel retail strategies. But the cloud is not just suited to running customer-facing systems. Cloud technology can also serve as an ideal platform for back-end systems and functions, such as workforce management.
Cash receipts: not going anyway anytime soon

John Bultema, executive VP, treasury management and currency processing solutions for Fifth Third Bank, spoke with Chain Store Age editor Marianne WIlson about the current status of cash receipts in retail store. And how they aren’t going away anytime soon.
Worth the Switch

Retail facilities are making the shift to LEDs, a more efficient, brighter and longer-lasting lighting option that saves energy and reduces operating costs. Its rapid return on interest makes LED retrofitting a smart, simple fix.

But what if LED lighting installations could also increase and guide purchasing decisions? What if thoughtful placement and controlled lighting could make customers feel more comfortable and safe, and make employees more productive?
TechBytes: Three ways automation is changing workforce management

The recent KronosWorks 2015 conference was held in Las Vegas, a city built on taking chances. However, increasing automation of workforce management tasks is helping retailers remove the risk from activities such as scheduling, staffing and hiring.

Here are three hot automation trends highlighted at KronosWorks that are helping retailers win the workforce management game.
SHOP TALK

RANDOM NOTES: Microsoft made its Manhattan debut with a 22,369-sq.-ft. flagship on Fifth Avenue — its largest location yet. Designed in collaboration with Gensler, the store has a striking, all-glass facade that provides a full view of the contemporary, multi-level interior. High-definition video walls and digital signage are featured throughout the space, streaming video, images and information. A two-story video wall is located behind an “answer desk,” where shoppers can receive assistance and training. ...