News

Nike, Seattle
Nike has made over its Seattle flagship with a more contemporary look and technology that help customers select running shoes that are the perfect match for their feet and gait.

The store features such unique design elements as a custom neon sculpture celebrating sport icons and the city's cultural symbols. An art installation signed by Seattle Seahawks players honors Seattle's sports fans.
Target changes store pickup game in N.Y.C. area
Target customers at select stores in New York and New Jersey won’t have to get out of their cars anymore to pick up online orders.

Restoration Hardware to launch teen concept

Corte Madera, Calif. -- Teens with a hankering for pricey furniture and décor — and affluent parents — will now have a new place to shop.

RH (Restoration Hardware) is launching RH Teen, which will offer “tasteful, high quality” furniture, lighting, linens and décor for teens. Launching in late September, RH Teen will have a own dedicated 200-page catalog (or, in RH lingo, “source book”), website and dedicated retail space in the company’s next generation of stores.
Company expands c-store network

Westlake, Ohio -- TravelCenters of America has completed its previously disclosed acquisition of 33 convenience store locations in northern Illinois.

The company expects the stores, which average approximately 3,400 sq. ft., will be rebranded as Minit Mart convenience stores and the sites will undergo improvements in the coming months.

TravelCenters of America operates some 370 convenience stores under the Minit Mart, TA and Petro Stopping Centers brands.
Restoration Hardware targets teens

Teens with a hankering for pricey furniture and décor — and affluent parents — will now have a new place to shop.
More curbside pickup at Target

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Target customers at select stores in New York and New Jersey won’t have to get out of their cars anymore to pick up online orders.

Curbside, a Bay Area-based startup, announced that is has expanded its curbside pick-up service to New York and New Jersey with the rollout of 10 new Target locations. Until now, Curbside had only been available in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Petco puts its best paw forward for war dogs

Petco is putting a spotlight on the plight of military dogs who are left behind with an uncertain fate in a potentially hostile country.

The Petco Foundation has awarded $250,000 to the United States War Dogs Association to help return, reunite and provide medical care for retiring military and contract working dogs serving overseas with their handlers.
Why retailers shouldn't depend on apps for sales

When it comes to the rapidly changing retail landscape and how retailers should respond to engage shoppers, it turns out that it's not all about the app.

A new study by Forrester Consulting commissioned by RetailMeNot Inc. shows that while today's consumers overwhelmingly prefer to access the Internet on their mobile devices, only 30% use retailer applications to purchase products. In fact, 60% of consumers have two or fewer retailer apps on their phones, and 21% have none.
Poll: Minimum wage too low

New York -- A strong majority of Americans (72%) - crossing regional, political, generational, gender and income lines – believe the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour is lower than it should be. However, while Americans clearly feel minimum wage should be higher, exactly how high remains a more contentious subject.
The turnaround plan at Kohl's isn't working

Kohl’s has joined other major retailers this week reporting disappointing earnings and anemic same store sales growth.

The Wisconsin-based retailer posted a profit of $130 million in the second quarter ended Aug. 1, below the $232 million in the prior-year quarter. Earnings per share were 66 cents, compared with $1.13 in the second quarter of 2014. Same store sales grew a measly 0.1%. Overall revenue increased by just 0.6%, to $4.27 billion for the quarter.