News

How to Make a Next-Generation Store a Right Now Store
Over the next three years, outdoor lifestyle apparel retailer Toad&Co. plans to open 20 new brick and mortar stores. With news of store closings by powerhouse brands likely swirling around in your head, you may be tempted to make sure you read that number correctly. It’s been dizzying for sure. So why would an apparel retailer be looking to expand its brick and mortar footprint in this environment?
Off-pricer remains bullish on store expansion
Ross Stores continues to build out its store footprint at an aggressive pace. The off-price retailer opened 21 Ross Dress for Less stores and seven dd's Discounts locations across 15 different states in June and July. The openings are part of the company's plans to add approximately 70 Ross and 20 dd's locations in 2017.

Online giant to launch messaging app?

Amazon could be the newest player in the consumer messaging game. The online giant is considering a new messaging platform that will rival the likes of Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. The full-featured standalone messaging app will be accessible via smartphones, tablets, PCs and smart watches, according to TechCrunch.
Troubled jewelry store giant taps 25-year P&G vet as new CEO

Signet Jewelers, which is battling a gender-discrimination class-action case, has named its first-ever female CEO. Signet announced that CEO Mark Light has retired due to "health reaons." He will be succeeded by beauty and health veteran Virginia "Gina" C. Drosos, who has served as an independent director of the company’s board since 2012, effective August 1, 2017.
Subway gives itself a makeover — with tech updates

Subway is debuting a new look. On Monday, the fast-casual restaurant chain unveiled a new store design intended to provide a more distinctive and welcoming customer experience. The new "fresh forward" design, by FRCH Design Worldwide, includes a bright color palette, inspired by the hues of fresh vegetables, wall decor that communicates the brand's emphasis on quality ingredients, and more contemporary-looking seating. It also features such tech enhancements, such as self-ordering digital kiosks.
Bridal dress retailer closes all stores — and panic ensues

It's a nightmare for brides-to-be.
Amazon sets sights on new retail segment

Amazon has found a way to further expand its foothold in the grocery industry. The online giant has submitted a trademark application that will enable it to enter the meal kits business. The move will directly rival meal kit provider Blue Apron, according to CNBC.
New tenant specialist joins Mid-America

Retail tenant specialist Jack Gray has joined Mid-America Real Estate’s Minnesota operation. He will be representing clients that include Starbucks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Mills Fleet Farm. Gray arrives at Mid-America from an internship on Cushman & Wakefield Northmarq’s industrial brokerage team. Gray is a recent graduate of University of St. Thomas, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in marketing.
Sears gets fresh lifeline from familiar source

Beleagured Sears Holdings is borrowing yet more money from CEO Eddie Lampert's hedge fund. Lampert's hedge fund, ESL Investments, has agreed to give the company a new line of credit, valued at $200 million. On July 13, Lampert's ESL Partners entered into a short-term line of credit loans, which carry a maturity date of 151 days and a fixed interest rate of 9.75% per year, Sears said.
Regulatory Wrap-Up: Where state and national policy impact retail

Wages
Leader in secondhand luxury retail trying out brick-and-mortar

Online luxury consignment retailer The RealReal is taking its resale model into the physical space. The retailer plans to open its first-ever permanent retail location in November, in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood, reported Women's Wear daily. The two-level, 8,000-sq.-ft. store will showcase items from all of The RealReal's categories and also feature contemporary artwork and a wall of Hermès bags, according to the report. It will host classes and discussions.
Update on True Value: Reports and rumors

Since reports began to swirl around a possible sale of True Value Company -- or at least the consideration of such a move – the Chicago-based co-op’s CEO has downplayed the story as “rumor.” But that hasn’t stopped rival co-ops from weighing in with their own statements.