News

Crafting retailer names head merchant
Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has appointed a permanent chief merchandising officer. Sharyn Hejcl has been promoted to executive VP, chief merchandising officer. For the past year, Hejcl served as the interim head of merchandising in conjunction with her role as senior VP, inventory management and supply chain. She will continue to report to the chain’s president and CEO Jill Soltau.
Report: Brands aren’t prepared to excel at e-commerce
With an eye on merging the physical and virtual shopping experience, too many retailers still struggle with how to engage shoppers pre- and post-purchase. This was the message delivered in a new global study from Sitecore. Based on responses from 826 marketing and IT decision makers, and 414 IT partners and suppliers in 14 countries, the majority reported they do understand the importance of online commerce. However, they do not feel fully prepared for driving the growth of this channel globally.

Target to open a third Manhattan location

The mainstreaming of Manhattan’s once seedy Alphabet City continues apace with the promised arrival of Target on 14th Street and Avenue A. RKF announced it has concluded a deal for Target to lease 27,000 sq. ft. in one of two seven-story buildings being constructed by Extell Development Company at this location. The mass retailer will occupy 17,700 sq. ft. in the lower level and 9,649 sq. ft. on the ground floor.
More details about Amazon’s drive-up grocery store — now under construction in Seattle

It’s no secret that the world’s biggest online retailer is planning to open a drive-up grocery store in its Seattle hometown — at least it hasn’t been a secret since GeekWire reported the news about two months ago.
Solid employment gains for retail industry

The retail industry saw an increase of 10,000 jobs in September over August, according to the National Retail Federation. The gains came as the Labor Department announced that the U.S. economy overall gained 156,000 jobs.
Wendy’s cuts energy use

The Wendy’s Company is in the spotlight for dramatically reducing energy usage. The company received two environmental awards from the 2016 Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) campaign. Wendy’s was recognized for the largest absolute number of facility upgrades and highest percentage energy savings in a retrofit of a parking lot.
Macerich opens big-box addition to Long Island mall

Macerich spent the weekend celebrating the opening of Green Acre Commons, an open-air congregation of big-box retailers adjoining its Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, New York. A fixture in the retail scene on the Queens-Nassau County border, the 1.8 million-sq.-ft. mall has served the area for more than 50 years with tenants such as Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Century 21, Express, and American Eagle. Last year, Macerich redeveloped and re-merchandised the south side of the property, creating a new entrance for Old Navy and H&M.
The North Face premiers new concept pop-up

The North Face is trying on a new store format. The retailer has opened a pop-up in San Francisco aimed at the city explorer. The temporary store, in the city’s Jackson Square neighborhood, will focus exclusively on the brand’s premium streetwear merchandise. (A similar space will be featured in the retailer’s new flagship, scheduled to open on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue in late October.)
Electronics chain extends private label card partnership

Hhgregg is ensuring its shoppers retain their buying power. By entered into a multi-year renewal of its consumer financing program, Hhgregg is extending its 17-year partnership with Synchrony Financial. The electronics chain’s private label credit card program provides qualifying cardholders with special financing offers, exclusive in-store and online deals, and online bill pay. The card is accepted across the chain’s 220 stores, and online.
Study: Online-driven shoppers at risk for identity theft

Online shoppers that prioritize convenience for security could begin feeling the fallout.
Coffee giant in environmental milestone

Starbucks Corp. has opened its 1,000th LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) location. The store, in Ames, Iowa, uses LED lighting to decrease energy use by 30%. Water use was reduced by more than 50% due to low flow sinks and other equipment.
Walmart ramps up fulfillment center growth to compete with Amazon

Walmart has gone into high gear in its fight to challenge Amazon. The chain is on track to double the number of warehouses dedicated to online sales to 10 by the end of 2016, according to a report on nbcnews.com.