News

Tech Bytes: Three Reasons to Partner with a Tech Accelerator
Target Corp., which has operated a proprietary innovation lab in San Francisco since 2013, is eyeing a more outward-focused approach to innovation. Target is partnering with startup accelerator Techstars to open a new retail accelerator program in its hometown of Minneapolis.
Havertys names Nexus exec to head up supply chain
Home furnishings retailer Havertys reported that Gary Niedermeyer, assistant VP, supply chain, will retire at the end of 2015. He will be succeeded by Abir Thakurta, who will report to Richard D. Gallagher, executive VP, merchandising.

Abir Thakurta joins Havertys with considerable experience in cross-industry supply chain strategy and operational design. He was most recently with GT Nexus as a director in their supply chain consulting practice where he implemented performance improvement programs with retailers worldwide.

Tech Guest Viewpoint: Empowering the Store Employee

In recent years, the omnichannel world has turned retail on its ear. But after all the innovation, retailers have spoken: the store is back - and employees are going to be a key driver to its success. Retailers are trying to provide services in stores that consumers just can't get online, and for that, store employees become a clear differentiator.

But do retailers have the workforce they need? And what tools does that workforce need to be successful?
Shopify teams with another online giant

Shortly after expanding its e-commerce partnership with Facebook, the cloud-based multichannel Shopify platform is teaming up with another online giant. Shopify has been selected as the preferred migration provider for Amazon Webstore, making it easier for online businesses to sell on both Amazon and other channels using Shopify.
Holiday Forecast: Will earlier Hanukkah fuel even bigger November sales?

October will be over in a flash, and with it, all eyes will be on the holiday season, which is measured from November 1 through December 31.

The 2015 retail calendar has several distinctions, as we saw Memorial Day fall on the earliest possible date and Labor Day on the latest possible date. This holiday season, there are 28 days between Thanksgiving (not counting the actual day) and Christmas, which is an average amount for the period separating the two holidays.
Target vet joins NACDS as director, pharmacy affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Thursday announced the appointment of Jason Ausili as director, pharmacy affairs, effective Sept. 28. Ausili will report to Kathleen Jaeger, SVP pharmacy care and patient advocacy.
Retailers to get tax relief for store remodels/improvements?

Two bills passed by a key House committee would help retailers save on store remodeling and improvement costs upfront.
Nordstrom opens first international flagship

Nordstrom Inc. has opened its first international flagship location. The luxury retailer opened its new store at Pacific Centre inVancouver, British Columbiaon Friday, Sept. 18.

The 230,000-sq.-ft. flagship store offers a curated selection of merchandise from accessible to luxury price points.
Report: Leading pet retailers may merge

The two biggest specialty pet retailers in the U.S. may merge. According to Reuters, Petco Holdings Inc. is considering a possible acquisition from chief rival PetSmart Inc.
Former Famous Footwear exec named CMO at Crocs Inc.

Crocs Inc. has promoted one of its marketing directors to be the company's next CMO.

The company announced that Terence Reilly was promoted to senior vice president and chief marketing officer. In this new role, Reilly will continue to lead the Global Marketing team in Niwot, Colo., providing strategic direction and support to the company's regional and country marketing teams across the globe. Reilly will continue to oversee all aspects of Crocs' marketing, including the company's brand, advertising, consumer and social media campaigns.