News

Men’s Wearhouse Targets Millennials To Drive Growth
The menswear market is hot. Men’s apparel sales in the United States rose 2% in 2014 to $61.3 billion, up from $60.8 billion in 2013.

And Men’s Wearhouse — one of North America’s largest menswear specialty retailers with 1,758 stores — has been taking note.

The retailer is capitalizing on the category’s growth via acquisition-fueled expansion, new designer collections and more customized products and service.
Pep Boys puts itself up for sale
Several months after its CEO resigned in September, Pep Boys says it is reviewing strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, merger or other deal.

Trending Retailers

Blue Apron. Dollar Shave Club. The RealReal. The Honest Company.
Boot Barn steps up omnichannel strategy

Boot Barn has taken a significant step forward in its e-commerce strategy now that its acquisition of Sheplers is complete.
Pep Boys to consider sale

Philadelphia -- The Pep Boys – Manny, Moe & Jack is reviewing its options.

The chain announced that its board directors has commenced a review of strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including a possible sale, merger or other form of business combination or strategic transaction.
Payment service provider accepts digital currency

New York - Computop, a payment service provider (PSP), and Bitnet, a bitcoin payments processor, are launching a strategic technology partnership that allows retailers to accept bitcoin as a payment method on Computop Paygate. Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that does not depend on any central authority such as a bank to process or validate transactions.

Retailers will be funded by Bitnet in the local currency of their choice, with the standard transaction flow from Computop Paygate.
Jo-Ann makes executive moves

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the nation’s leading fabric and craft specialty retailer, has announced two significant organizational changes in the merchandising and marketing areas.

Megan Featherston, formerly senior vice president, merchandising, at Jo-Ann, has been promoted to executive vice president, merchandising & marketing. In her new role, Megan will oversee the retailer’s merchandising, marketing, Joann.com and business intelligence and analytics teams.
Boot Barn seeks to expand omnichannel reach with acquisition

Irvine, Calif. – Boot Barn Holdings Inc. is looking to expand its ability to serve the needs of omnichannel customers with a new acquisition.

The retailer has completed its previously announced purchase of Sheplers Inc. a western lifestyle company with 25 retail locations across the U.S. and a catalog and e-commerce business.
Meijer exec and growers talk local commitment

In the midst of its strongest growth in year, Meijer and its produce partners are touting the company’s $100 million locally grown commitment.
Three solutions to Brighter Return-to-Work Programs

No one wants to get hurt. It is much more preferable to go about our days without the pain, frustration, or aggravation of an injury. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that often immediately following a workplace injury, the first question asked is, “When can I go back to work?” Employers share these sentiments. After all, healthy employees are good for business; however, the path from injury to resuming work duties is not always a smooth one. It can be difficult to balance the concerns of the employer and the injured worker alike.