News

Study: Retailers lose $1.1 trillion in global inventory distortion
Franklin, Tenn. – Retailers lose $1.1 trillion worldwide due to inventory distortion. According to new research from IHL Group, by fixing problems such as out-of-stocks and excess inventory from overstocks, retailers could improve their revenues by 7.5%.

The combined cost of poor merchandise planning alone equals $452 billion. Inventory distortion costs retailers nearly $158 for every person on the planet, and $252.2 billion annually in North America. The Asia/Pacific region contributes 39% of all inventory distortion.
Walgreens launches digital initiatives
Walgreens has introduced two innovative digital initiatives to support its omnichannel strategy: one to help patients stick to their medication regimens, and another to drive social media engagement via video beauty tips.

Amazon to open its fourth fulfillment center in Texas

New York -- Amazon.com is going big in Texas with the announcement that it will open its fourth fulfillment center in the state.

The new 500,000-sq.-ft., which is currently under construction, will be located at the northeast corner of Interstate 45 and Interstate 20 in Dallas and will bring about 500 new jobs to the area when the facility opens early in 2016. It will process smaller items, such as books, electronics and consumer goods.
Study: Millennials seek automatic digital coupon redemption

Boston – Millennials as a generation are known for wanting instant gratification, and that desire extends to digital coupons. According to a new commissioned study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Linkable Networks, CPG retailers and brands must adopt digital coupon redemption experiences that are automatic to reach millennial shoppers.
Sears Canada closes sales and leaseback of three stores

Toronto - Sears Canada Inc. has closed a transaction to sell and leaseback three properties to Concord Pacific Group of Companies. The transaction, originally announced on March 11, 2015, has closed for total proceeds of $140 million.
Lands' End adds Saks, J.Crew vets to exec team

Lands' End is adding two highly regarded retail veterans to an executive team led by newly appointed CEO Federica Marchionni.

The company announced that Joseph Boitano is bringing his more than 30 years of retail and wholesale experience to a new role at Lands' End as executive vice president, chief merchandising and design officer and will lead all aspects of merchandising and design.
Kohl’s rolls out Apple Pay in fall; including private, loyalty cards

Menomonee Falls, Wis. – Kohl’s Department Stores will bring Apple Pay to customers in all Kohl’s stores nationwide this fall. Kohl’s will also be among the first retailers to integrate both its Kohl’s Charge private credit card as a form of payment as well as its successful Yes2You Rewards loyalty program within Apple Pay.
Fighter pilots wanted in war on big data

We are in a golden age of big data and analytics in which technology enables retailers to be more lean, efficient and competitive than ever. There are companies with solutions that address everything from pricing optimization and marketing effectiveness to optimal modular assortments and cybersecurity threats.
Walgreens launches video competition

Deerfield, Ill. - Walgreens is collaborating with the new social competition app Challenged to challenge customers to bring their best summer beauty tip to life in a 12-second video using either Circa Beauty or Nonie Creme Colour Prevails products. Beauty expert Lauria Locsmondy of the Walgreens Social and Content creative team will judge the top 3 "viewed" Beauty Challenge videos submitted based on use of Circa and/or Colour Prevails items as primary component of the look, clear steps to achieve the look, and summer-relevant look.
Kohl's hops on the Apple Pay bandwagon

Another retailer is embracing Apple Pay as an option for customers who want an easy, secure and private way to pay.