News

Remaining Relevant
It’s easy these days to get caught up in the frenzy as online sales growth outpaces total retail sales growth. But let’s not lose sight of an important fact: The physical store still remains the most crucial brand touchstone for shoppers. It’s also where the overwhelming majority of retailers still rack up their volume. And according to nearly every reputable forecast, that isn’t likely to change anytime soon.
Sam's Club promotes breast cancer awareness
Sam’s Club maintains its emphasis on health care this month with a traffic-generating promotion tied in with breast cancer awareness.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Sam's Club is offering free women's health screenings to members and non-members on Saturday, October 12 from 11a.m. to 3p.m. at its 576 clubs which contain a pharmacy.

Jarden completes acquisition of Yankee Candle

Rye, N.Y. -- Jarden Corporation, a global consumer products company, announced that it has completed its acquisition of Yankee Candle Investments LLC from a fund managed by Madison Dearborn Partners for approximately $1.75 billion in cash, subject to final working capital and other adjustments.
Role Reversal

JustFab blends fashion, commerce and technology in its first physical store
JustFab, the fast-growing fashion subscription e-commerce brand, has joined the growing ranks of pure online players venturing into brick-and-mortar. The company made its retail debut in Glendale Galleria, Glendale, Calif., opening a 3,000-sq.-ft. flagship that combines digital and traditional retailing.
An enlightening collaboration between Walmart and GE

Walmart was an early proponent of compact fluorescent light bulbs and now, thanks to a collaboration with GE, it plans to introduce low cost LED light bulbs under its Great Value store brand.
West Elm makes itself at home in Alabama

Home furnishings retailer West Elm is opening a retail store in Birmingham, Ala., Thursday, Oct. 10 — it’s first ever location in the state.

The nearly 8,000-sq.ft. store located in the Summit Birmingham shopping center will feature the brand’s mix of furniture, home décor, gifts and artist collaborations. The store will also feature an assortment of local handcrafted products sourced through Etsy.com, including one-of-a-kind furniture, lighting, leather goods and wall art.
IBM acquires cloud-based mobile alerts provider Xtify

Armonk, N.Y. -- IBM announced the acquisition of Xtify Inc., a leading provider of cloud-based mobile messaging tools that help organizations improve mobile sales, drive in-store traffic and engage customers with personalized offers. Financial terms are not being disclosed.

The acquisition will help extend IBM’s mobile capabilities to digital marketers across all industries ranging from retail to citizen engagement in the public sector through cloud-based services.
Spreading Good Vibes

Feelgoodz leverages shipping solutions to deliver savings and customer service
Feelgoodz Inc. likes to create a customer environment that is as carefree and comfortable as its signature merchandise: eco-friendly flip-flops.
Although the company operates one store in Raleigh, N.C., its e-commerce site serves as its primary direct-to-consumer selling channel, meaning that smoothly functioning order fulfillment is of paramount importance to maintaining positive customer-service vibrations.
E-Commerce Impacts DCs

Distribution centers are evolving to keep pace with demands of omnichannel retailing
Distribution centers have evolved alongside trends such as just-in-time manufacturing and the rise of overnight shipping. Now they are changing again, this time to accommodate omnichannel consumers.
Wolverine brand opens first-ever permanent store

Rugged boot manufacturer Wolverine has opened a permanent store in New York's Nolita at 254 Elizabeth St. The company decided to give the retail space a try following its successful New York pop-up venture in fall 2012.