News

Report: Facebook testing shopping feed
The world’s largest social network is testing new e-commerce eatures, including a dedicated shopping section, Re/code reported. Facebook’s push comes as other social sites, including Twitter, are exploring social shopping.
Restoration Hardware furnished for growth
Restoration Hardware has opened a new format that redefines the retail experience and has CEO Gary Friedman calling it the company’s finest work to date.

The retailer says its new brand, RH Modern, aims to offer one of the most fully-integrated assortments of modern furnishings, lighting and décor under one brand in the world. The multi-channel business debuts with its own 540-page magazine-catalog hybrid, a dedicated website, and a significant retail presence, including a standalone RH Modern store.

Report: Whole Foods Market invests in sandwich chain

Whole Foods Market has made a minority investment in a fast-growing California restaurant chain, according to Nation's Restaurant News.

As part of the deal, Whole Foods plans to test the opening of Mendocino Farms outlets in select Whole Foods store locations, the report said.
Staples-Office Depot deal is delayed again

Staples and Office Depot have agreed to a Federal Trade Commission decision to extend the review period for a possible $6.3 billion merger of the two companies.

The companies announced Monday that the FTC has agreed to issue its decision regarding this transaction by Dec. 8.
Ross rolls on, next stop 2,000

Leading off price retailer Ross Dress for Less has made good on its 2015 growth plans and reaffirmed its long-range targets for existing and newer formats.

On Monday, the company announced the opening of 19 Ross stores and seven dd’s Discounts stores across 14 different states in September and October. The new locations complete the retailer’s 2015 expansion plans to add a total of 90 stores during the year.
Another retailer takes a stand on turkey day

GameStop is joining Staples in what could be new trend this year of retailers just saying no to opening on Thanksgiving Day.

GameStop announced Monday that its stores will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. GameStop’s other brands such as Spring Mobile, Simply Mac, Cricket Wireless stores, and the new ThinkGeek retail store will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Taubman Center named Best Retail Development

Sarasota, Fla. -- Taubman Centers celebrates two milestones for The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota, Florida.

Oct. 16 marks the one year anniversary for the property and it has recently been named “Best Retail Development, Florida” by the International Property Awards and on.
Raiders tackle retail communications networking

The Oakland Raiders professional football team needs to communicate more than plays and formations.

The Raiders operate 12 Raider Image retail stores throughout California, an online store and a corresponding fulfillment center. Effective voice and data communications are critical for streamlined coordination and ideal performance in these locations.
Study: E-commerce keeps growing

The retail revolution may not be televised, but it will be digitized.

The new Q3 E-commerce Pulse from predictive analytics platform provider Custora shows that e-commerce revenue grew a healthy 11.8% year-over-year in third quarter 2015. E-commerce transactions rose an almost identical 11.6%.

Mobile continued to grow in significance as a channel for e-commerce in the quarter. Phones and tablets made up a combined 28.7% of e-commerce transactions, up from 23.1% of orders during the same time the prior year.
Chip and PIN gains influential supporter

The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association are aligned with the nation’s top law enforcement agency in an effort to ensure consumers have access to the most secure payment methods.

The FBI has released an official advisory warning consumers that EMV-compliant cards are still vulnerable to fraud and PIN authentication is the best means to prevent personal data theft. According to the FBI. EMV cards can still be counterfeited with stolen card data obtained on the black market.