News

Burlington keeps turnaround going with 25 new stores planned
Buoyed by impressive fourth quarter sales, Burlington Stores Inc. is accelerating its expansion strategy, with plans to open 25 new stores in 2015 and a long-term goal of 1,000 stores coast-to-coast.

The off-price retailer reported that total revenue for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 31 grew 10% to $1.5 billion from $1.34 billion. Same-store sales rose 6.7%.
Survey: Online buying to skyrocket in 2015
New York -- Retail CFOs expect U.S. consumers’ feverish appetite for online buying to continue its strong upward trajectory in 2015. According to a recent BDO USA survey, nearly four out of five (78%) retail chief financial officers anticipate their online sales to grow. Overall, CFOs forecast an impressive 9.9% boost to e-commerce sales this year. This projected increase comes after the Commerce Department’s estimate of a record-breaking $304.9 billion in U.S. online sales in 2014.

Martha Stewart debuts natural pet treats at PetSmart

PetSmart is hoping to lure more Martha Stewart fans to its stores with a new line of natural, Made-in-the-USA pet products.

The retailer already sells Martha Stewart pet products, but it is now launching the Martha Stewart Pets Treat Shop, a line of oven-baked natural dog treats sold only at PetSmart.
Ocean State Job Lot accepts mobile payment

North Kingstown, R.I. - Ocean State Job Lot is the latest retail chain to join the mobile payment revolution. The regional discounter now accepting two forms of mobile payments at the register, in addition to the traditional methods already accepted (cash, check, credit card, debit card, and EBT).

Shoppers can now opt to pay for purchases via Apple Pay and Google Wallet technology using their smartphones upon checkout. The technology is available chain-wide at all Job Lot stores.
Starbucks calls for better race relations

Seattle – Starbucks Corp. is publicly calling for better race relations and public discussion of racial issues in the U.S. The company took out full-page advertisements promoting better race relations in the New York Times and USA Today earlier this week, and also is encouraging employees and customers to participate in the effort.
Sports Authority debuts plus-size activewear

Sports Authority is targeting a new segment of shoppers looking for “athleisure” wear with a new line of plus-size clothing.

The retailer says its new Aspire and Aline Design lines were created specifically for women looking for stylish, affordable and cross-functional yoga and outdoor apparel that can be worn with confidence. The full product assortment is now available exclusively at Sports Authority stores and online at sportsauthority.com.
Barnes & Noble runs social Nook promotion

New York – Barnes & Noble Inc. is launching the #NookReadingStyle sweepstakes, designed to inspire book lovers to share their reading style on their Facebook pages and other social media channels. From March 16-31, participants can enter for a chance to win prizes including Nook e-readers and Barnes & Noble gift cards by completing the sweepstakes entry form on the Nook Facebook page.
'Whole Foods for pets' Kriser's adds 26th store

Trendy pet retailer Kriser's is opening another store in the Houston market as it blazes a trail of expansion across middle America.
Facebook buys, integrates personalization engine TheFind.com

Menlo Park, Calif. – Facebook has purchased personalized shopping engine TheFind.com, with the intent of making its ad more relevant to individual users. The social media giant will integrate TheFind’s functionality into its personalized ad-matching capability, rather than keep TheFind operating as a separate entity.

In a message on its homepage, TheFind said some employees will make the transition to Facebook.
Drizly updates app, site, branding

Boston – Omnichannel beer/wine/liquor delivery service Drizly is relaunching its mobile app, website and branding. New features of the site and app include ratings, reviews and rich media content; storable “favorite” orders and address books; smart searches that deliver results as users type; and the ability to share Drizly with friends and send gifts.

Drizly’s new digital interface also enables immersive brand experiences with alcohol products; rich content placements; and sponsored listings.