News

LIDS goes old school for 20-year anniversary
LIDS is celebrating 20 years of retail innovation with the launch of a new headwear line that will take customers back to the 1990s.

Available at select stores throughout North America and on LIDS.com, the 20th Anniversary Platinum Collection will feature a selection of limited edition (1,995 units) fashion hats inspired by popular designs from the past 20 years. The first style in the series, the Flawless cap, was originally launched in 2003 as part of a collection inspired by recording star Fred Durst of the band Limp Bizkit.
Study: Consumers spend fuel savings on groceries
Jacksonville, Fla. – A majority of consumers are spending savings from lower fuel prices to buy groceries. According to the new “Why? Behind the Buy” report from Acosta Sales & Marketing, 72% of shoppers age 18-34 will spend fuel savings on groceries.

Almost all (95%) U.S. shoppers report buying household groceries at regular supermarkets in the past six months; followed by shopping at mass merchants (79%); warehouse/club stores (42%); dollar and drug stores (39%); convenience stores (25%); natural/organic grocers (21%).

Forestry campaign to take root at Ikea

Ikea is taking its multi-year partnership with American Forests to a whole new level with the introduction of an educational video for children.

The Swedish retailer and the forestry group have teamed up to produce a video to be shown in designated kids’ areas at Ikea stores. The video will explain how forests and trees benefit all life on the planet, including wildlife, and how trees help to slow or mediate climate change.
Tilly’s looking for a CFO

Irvine, Calif. -- Tilly’s announced today that CFO Jennifer Ehrhardt intends to resign from Tilly’s to relocate closer to her family and pursue other professional interests. She will continue to serve in the role for an interim period expected to end in June 2015, and will help with the transition process.
Shopping center visionary Alfred Taubman dies

A. Alfred Taubman, the father of the modern indoor shopping mall, has died. He was 91.

The announcement was made over the weekend by his son, Robert Taubman, the chairman, president and chief executive officer of Taubman Centers Inc. Taubman said his father suffered a heart attack.
Rite Aid has a new information chief

Rite Aid Corp. announced Monday that Steve Rempel, a highly experienced information technology executive, has been named Rite Aid's SVP and chief information officer.
Caribou Coffee leaps into mobile payment

Minneapolis - Caribou Coffee is making the leap to mobile payment with its first mobile app. Caribou's custom app provides customers with mobile payment and access to the Caribou Perks loyalty program.

The mobile pay feature allows Caribou Perks members to add funds and manage their account. Caribou Coffee partnered with brand and technology company Modern Climate to create a custom mobile app that delivers a personalized experience. The retailer plans to release updates to the app later in the year.
Overstock and Bret Michaels want to rock Mom’s world

Moms who liked rocking out to Poison in the 1980s will love Overstock.com’s new promotion.

The retailer will be hosting a new Mother’s Day sweepstakes in which one lucky winner and one guest will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Phoenix, Ariz. to enjoy three days and two nights at a luxurious hotel and spa. There, they will be treated to a spa pampering package before a car whisks them off to join Poison singer Bret Michaels at his home for dinner. Overstock.com and Michaels created the sweepstakes to say thanks to all mothers and honor them on their special day.
Kmart introduces pharmacy rewards program
Kohl's to offer limited-edition Thakoon line

Another high-end designer is making a limited edition pit stop at a mass market retailer. This time it's Kohl's, which plans to offer a line from Thakoon Panichgul this fall.

The designer will work on the seventh installment of the retailer’s DesigNation limited-edition collection. Thakoon is a fashion industry favorite and he visited London to inspire the capsule of misses apparel that will be available exclusively at Kohl’s and Kohls.com beginning fall 2015.