News

PetSmart has been setting the stage to accelerate its digital offerings. Now it can.  

The interim CFO of Neiman Marcus has resigned after seven months on the job.   Michael Fung will step down from his position as the luxury retailer’s interim CFO and COO, effective June 30. Fung temporarily left his retirement to join the company on an interim basis in November 2016.   

A premium brand born from the celebration of colder climates, Mackage (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto) was named Store in the Year in the Retail Design Institute’s 46th annual International Store Design Competition. The awards were presented during a gala celebration on Wednesday, May 24, in New York City.

New attitudes, behaviors and shopping preferences among Generation Z and Millennials are keeping retailers on their toes.    Emerging in-store technologies and positive social media feedback are top priorities among both Generation Z and Millennial consumers. This is according to retail advisory firm HRC Retail Advisory (HRC), which surveyed 1,350 participants in North America about their shopping experiences.  

It's official: Crate and Barrel has confirmed that CEO Doug Diemoz has left the company.   Crate and Barrel announced Tuesday that board chair Neela Montgomery will become the new chief executive, effective August 1. In the interim, Montgomery will continue in her current position, working closely with Crate and Barrel president and chief merchant Steve 'Woody' Woodward, and COO Mike Relich.  

Payless ShoeSource is seeking bankruptcy court approval to close more stores.   The chain, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the beginning of April, may close up to 408 more stores, according to the Chicago Tribune. Payless had originally said it planned to shutter nearly 400 underperforming locations.   

Ikea is looking to open its second location in Tennessee.   The home furnishings chain plans to submit plans to the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee, for a store in the Nashville area. Construction of the 341,000-sq.-ft. proposed Ikea could begin in spring with an opening in summer 2020.  

Wayfair is making it easy for customers to emulate decor trends from one of cable television's most popular series.    Wayfair is collaborating with HGTV home improvement and house flipping series “Brother vs. Brother.” The popular show features siblings Jonathan and Drew Scott competing to see who can make the biggest profit when flipping renovated properties. The Wayfair-HGTV partnership will enable viewers to shop the looks featured on the show directly on Wayfair.  

BJ's Wholesale Club has tapped two experienced retailers to drive its digital innovation and omnichannel strategy.    BJ's announced that Scott Kessler has been named executive VP, CIO, effective immediately. He succeeds Peter Amalfi, who plans to retire later this year.  

Beefing up its digital officer’s responsibilities is one of many changes that Office Depot has made in its leadership team.   Kevin Moffitt was named chief digital officer. This new role, which builds off of his current position as senior VP, e-commerce, will focus on all of the company’s digital-related activities. He will be responsible for transforming Office Depot’s digital platforms, driving digital strategy and innovation and accelerating the company’s online and mobile growth.