News

Survey: Non-essential retailers won’t return to full staff as stores reopen
It won’t be business as usual for non-essential retailers slowly reopening stores — or when it comes to hiring holiday staff.
Starbucks to transform U.S. store portfolio and close some 400 locations
Starbucks Corp. will transform its U.S. stores — and shutter up to 400 locations — as it focuses on digital integration and convenience to meet “shifting customer behaviors.”

Midwest c-store chain targets customers by purchase

Kum & Go (K&G) is directly tying digital media promotions to actual in-store sales.
Former Sephora CEO: Pandemic is making retail do what it should have done years ago

In 2020’s first quarter, Sephora threatened to close the 600 shops it operates inside J.C. Penney stores before coming to an agreement to keep them open.
Best Buy expects to have 800 stores open by June 15 — with no appointment needed

Best Buy Corp. is dropping the shop-by-appointment model it put in place in its first wave of store reopenings.
Klarna hopes to create good vibes with new loyalty program

A global payment app is offering a rewards club for users across all its partner retailers.
Parent company of Kay’s Jewelers, Zales, Jared to close about 400 stores this year

The world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry is downsizing its store portfolio as it accelerates its emphasis on e-commerce.
Amazon moves toward full COVID-19 screening in warehouses

Amazon is reportedly preparing to test all fulfillment facility workers for COVID-19 every two weeks.
Shifting U.S. consumer behavior in the face of COVID-19

COVID-19 has forced many U.S. consumers to alter their shopping preferences. Consumers are now finding themselves shopping with what is available versus what is preferred.
Partnership brings theme park thinking to socially distancing retail queues

Two companies have teamed up to help retailers reimagine the customer queue experience as retailers limit store capacity to ensure social distancing.
Non-profit in pilot program to help grocers go green

A new pilot program is designed to help grocery stores offset the upfront costs of natural refrigerant technologies.
Deloitte: Three steps to surviving the COVID-19 recession

Deloitte recommends retailers seeking to successfully reopen stores focus on trust, the role of the store, and operating models.