News

Tech Guest Viewpoint: The Top Five Customer Engagement Mistakes
Today’s customers are firmly in charge of the buying process. The Internet allows them to research products and prices at the click of a button, and in most cases, they are better informed about what’s available in the marketplace than the associates in brick-and-mortar stores. And, the retail environment is more crowded – and less personalized – than ever before.
Rite Aid gives $1.3M toward educating children of vets
Rite Aid associates plan to honor 274 students who have been named recipients of Folds of Honor educational scholarships provided by the Rite Aid Foundation’s KidCents program.

Christopher and Banks misfires during summer

A “merchandising misstep” took its toll on Christopher & Banks in its second quarter as sales decreased more than expected.
Update on Quiksilver bankruptcy

Huntington Beach, Calif. -- Quiksilver Inc. has got the OK on financing and on some store closures.

Quiksilver Inc. has received preliminary approval from bankruptcy court for a $175 million bankruptcy financing package. The surf apparel chain filed for Chapter 11 protection on Sept. 9.
A supplier with too many eggs in Target’s basket

Dependent on Target for 43% of its revenue, licensed apparel company Cherokee Global Brand saw its market value obliterated after disclosing Target would not renew a decades old relationship.
Report: Kohl’s takes visionary e-commerce approach

Menomonee Falls, Wis. – Kohl’s took what could be called a visionary approach to promoting and selling goods from its new Lauren Conrad designer collection online.

According to Advertising Age, Kohl’s livestreamed the debut of Conrad’s latest collection at New York Fashion Week on the Periscope social media site.
Restoration Hardware keeps building; launching new businesses

Corte Madera, Calif. – Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc., which is set to launch two businesses in its third quarter, had generally rewarding second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Net income rose 9% to $29.93 million from $27.25 million the same period a year earlier, with costs and expenses not growing at the same rate as sales.
Gymboree net loss declines, sales grow

Gymboree increased same store sales and profit in the second quarter, but the kids' retailer still plans to close dozens of stores and sell a distribution center.
Survey: Mobile is dominating increase in e-commerce traffic

More and more consumers are browsing, creating baskets and making purchases from their smartphones, according to the latest Demandware Shopping Index.

Globally, phones accounted for 94% of the year over year increase in e-commerce traffic, 74% of the increase in basket creation and 47% of the order growth.
Report: eBay to launch Amazon Prime-styled program

New York -- eBay is about to launch a shipping club that seems somewhat fashioned after Amazon Prime — but it’s not starting out in the United States.

The company will debut its shipping program in Germany, The Street reported. Called eBay Plus, it will reportedly cost 19.90 euros (about $22) a year and will allow buyers to receive certain orders within two days plus free returns.