News

Target board gains retail, CPG expertise
Two retail and consumer product goods veterans are the newest members of Target's board of directors.
Embattled American Apparel issues blunt warning to shareholders
New York -- Things are not getting any better at the struggling and cash-poor American Apparel. In fact, it looks like they are getting worse.

In a short form quarterly filing, the retailer said its net loss increased to $19.4 million in the second quarter from $16.2 million in the year-ago period while net sales fell 17% to $134 million. It estimated that, as of June 30, it had only $7 million in cash and $6 million left in its Capital One credit line. (American Apparel’s full quarterly filing will be delayed.)

Back-to-school not all about students at Lane Bryant

Lane Bryant is taking a non-student approach to back-to-school marketing with its third annual Chalk it up to Style promotion.

Now through Aug. 31, teachers and supporting school staff who shop at Lane Bryant during Chalk it up to Style will enjoy saving 15% off their purchase when shopping in store with a valid school ID or paystub.
These brands are tops with students

Barnes & Noble is tops when it comes to the most powerful “Back-to-School” retail brands, according to a new survey.
A Five-Point Checklist for Retailers Making the Move to EMV Before the October Deadline

Credit card fraud is in the United States is at epidemic levels. Last year, the U.S. accounted for more fraud than the rest of the world combined. And the fraud rates are accelerating. EMV technology, which has shown to greatly reduce in-store fraud in the Europe, is finally being rolled out in the United States with an impending deadline in October 2015 when retailers will be liable for in-store fraud for cards that have chips on them.
Report: Impulsive, thrifty millennials a tricky group to court

Seattle — A new report from MSLGROUP and the Hartman Group is underscoring grocers’ need to appeal to millennial shoppers in unique ways. The report, Food Shopping in America found that one of the youngest and constantly connected consumer groups is also a tough nut to crack — simultaneously impulsive, thrifty and wary of inauthentic marketing.
Report: Target to test grocery-delivery service

New York -- Target Corp. is joining other retailers in the grocery delivery service.

The chain plans to begin testing a grocery-delivery service, reports the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal.

To read the story, click here.
Sports Authority stays on same omnichannel track

Sports Authority is looking to advance its omnichannel strategy by continuing to partner with personalization solutions provider Certona for the fifth year in a row.
Primark sets the date for Boston

New York -- Get ready for Irish fast-fashion.

Value apparel retailer Primark, which recently launched its U.S. website, announced it will open its first U.S. location, in Boston, on Sept. 10. The store measures 77,000 sq. ft. and is situated downtown in the Burnham Building, the site of the city’s iconic Filene's department store.

Primark’s second U.S. outpost will open in King of Prussia mall. The retailer said it plans to open an additional eight stores over the next two years.
From Staples, school supplies that can change the world

As back to school season heats up, Staples is launching an innovative promotion that aims to give students in North America the opportunity to make a world of difference with their back-to-school purchases.