News

Gainesville’s Butler North tops off with Total Wine
The Butler North component of Butler Enterprises’ massive retail complex in Gainesville, Florida, brings itself close to 100% occupancy with next week’s opening of Total Wine & More. The 20,000-sq.-ft store is the latest in a series of new store openings at the center. Also debuting there over the past four months were Walmart Supercenter, Aldi, Marshalls, Payless Shoe Source, and Dollar Tree.
Department store retailer strong in Q3, raises outlook
Nordstrom delivered a strong performance in its fiscal third quarter even as a hefty charge related to its Trunk Club business ate into its profit. Total net sales rose 7.2% to a better-than-expected $3.5 billion from $3.2 billion a year ago, fueled by the shift of the company’s popular anniversary sale to the quarter. Same-store sales increased 2.4%, also more than expected. As it has done in recent past quarters, Nordstrom Rack outpaced the full-priced division, Net sales were up more than 10%, and same-store sales rose nearly 4%.

J.C. Penney sales slide in Q3; cuts annual forecast

Weakness in apparel helped make for a disappointing third quarter for J.C. Penney Co. as the retailer cuts its forecast amid sliding sales. On the positive side, Penney said sales trends improved in October, fueled by increasing momentum behind its new appliance business.
Commentary: J.C. Penney turnaround still on track despite weak Q3

Neil Saunders, CEO of retail insights and consulting firm Conlumino, comments on J.C. Penney’s results for the third quarter in which sales came in under forecasts. “After a good run of growth, J.C. Penney has faltered this quarter with both total and comparable sales slipping into negative territory. While the company is now overlapping some tougher prior year comparatives, this is nonetheless a disappointing outcome that takes the shine off some of the recent progress made under its recovery program.
First Look: Nike SoHo is something to see — and experience

Nike has upped its game in downtown Manhattan. The athletic giant has opened a five-level, multi-sport category outpost in the heart of New York City’s SoHo neighborhood.
Analysis: Holiday sales should increase, but profits will stay flat

Holiday retail sales should increase 2% to 4% over last year but retailers should not be expecting a similar profit boost. That’s the view of Purdue University retail management expert Richard Feinberg who expects retailers will lose pricing power due to online competition.
Alex and Ani makes exec appointment

Alex and Ani has promoted Cindy DiPietrantonio to president of the company. DiPietrantonio joined the jewelry and lifestyle brand in July 2016 as interim COO, and her transition to president has happened in “a very natural, organic way,” the company said.
Minimum wage hikes approved in four states

Retailers and other employers of minimum-wage earners can expect to see their labor costs go up in four states. Voters in the states of Colorado, Maine, Washington, and Arizona all approved measures to raise their state’s minimum wage in Tuesday’s election. The biggest hike will be in Maine, where the minimum hourly pay will increase from $7.50 to $12 by 2020, and later increasing with inflation.
Regional grocer offers the latest in mobile self-scanning technology

Shoppers can skip the line and checkout on their phones at a new supermarket in San Luis Obispo At California Fresh Market, shoppers can download an app that lets them scan items' barcodes to add to their purchase. Shoppers can keep track of their running total while they browse and see specials and other information.
Report: Election will impact online commerce

The unexpected election of Donald Trump as president has serious implications for the retail supply chain, which could especially effect online commerce,
Alibaba off to blistering start on Singles Day

Chinese shoppers were so eager to participate in Singles Day that they purchased more in the first hour than the entire 24-hour event in 2013. Specifically, more than $7 billion of gross merchandise volume (GMV) was settled through Alipay on Alibaba’s China and international retail marketplaces within the first two hours of the 2016 “11.11 Global Shopping Festival,” according to a company statement. The annual shopping event kicked off at 12 a.m. China Time, on Nov. 10.
Online fashion retailer files Chapter 11

Competition is fierce in the apparel business — even for online players with a devoted following. Los Angeles-based women’s apparel retailer Nasty Gal has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.