News

Teen apparel retailer exits bankruptcy; gets new owner
Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. has won court approval to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The chain’s reorganization plan was approved by the court on Tuesday. Under the plan, the chain will give all its stock to affiliates of private equity firm Golden Gate Capital, its senior lender.
Lifestyle brand bringing activewear concept to Midwest
Tory Burch is expanding its fledgling new retail format. The company will open a 2,060-sq.-ft. Tory Sport store at Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota, in late October. Tory Sport, which launched in 2015, currently has a store in Manhattan’s Flatiron District and another in East Hampton, New York. In addition to the upcoming Mall of America store, it will open a location in Dallas, also this fall.

DSW develops, adopts suite of enterprise applications

The ability to scale solutions as a means of meeting customer expectations is the name of the game in omnichannel success. By adding a new cloud-based retail suite, DSW is modernizing its back-office applications, and adding a new level of flexibility, security and innovation required in an always-evolving omnichannel landscape.
Home furnishings retailer adds Apple Pay on the mobile Web

Wayfair is making it even easier for shoppers to purchase home furnishings and décor from their mobile devices.
Office Depot expands ‘customer science’ commitment

Retail success is based on a blend of art and science. Office Depot is such an advocate that it is expanding its use of customer insights and dedication to customer science.
Cabela’s improves front-line customer strategy

Cabela’s is known for transforming mere customers into raving fans. To elevate these efforts, a new optimization solution will help associates further improve in-store customer engagement efforts, from both tactical and strategic levels.
Report: Fire at Gap DC was set

The fire that damaged a Gap Inc.’s primary distribution center in the Northeast was no accident. The massive fire at Gap’s DC in Fishkill, New York, was intentionally set, according to Reuters, which cited a report by the New York State Police. "The ATF National Response Team has concluded that the fire was incendiary in nature. This means that the fire was intentionally set," the State Police said.
Francesca’s raises outlook after strong Q2

Francesca’s Holdings Corp. posted better-than-expected sales and earnings for its second quarter, helped in part by higher online sales. The retailer reported a profit of $10.6 million, or 27 cents a share, compared with a profit of $9.3 million, or 22 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Sales increased 9% to $115.3 million, helped by a net gain of 44 stores over the year-ago period. Online sales rose 37%.
Kohl’s growing its fulfillment network

Kohl’s comprehensive omnichannel distribution network is about to get even bigger. The department store chain is preparing to open a new distribution center in Plainfield, Ind., just in time to manage the 2017 holiday season.
OMG! Nordstrom, Topshop launch fashion emojis :)

U.K. retailer Topshop will debut more than a new fashion line at London’s Fashion Week. The British fashion brand and Nordstrom teamed up to launch a co-branded emoji keyboard app that features fashion and lifestyle emojis, stickers and GIFs resembling actual Topshop product sold at Nordstrom.
Crate and Barrel drives mobile engagement

With its mobile traffic growing on a seemingly daily basis, Crate and Barrel is future-proofing its mobile experience.
Mixed-use project slated for up-and-coming Austin ‘hood

A newly formed developer called the Maker Bros. has announced plans to build a $150 million mixed-use project in South Austin, Texas, christened the Saint Elmo Market District. A 40,000-sq.-ft. former school bus factory on the site will be converted into and indoor-outdoor marketplace that will serve as the new home of the Saxon Pub, a celebrated live music hall in Austin. Maker Bros. has apportioned 100,000 sq. ft. of the site for office space, a boutique hotel, and condos.