News

Tech Guest Viewpoint: Flexible, Agile Networks: The Backbone of Retail Operations
Customer experience remains at the hub of all retail strategies, including technical strategy. Whether it’s global inventory availability, mobile payment or loyalty apps, e-commerce and call center integration, or ubiquitous points-of-sale, infrastructure that uses all assets while integrating suppliers and consumers continues to define a retailer’s network design. Further, in highly competitive retail segments, managing the costs of digital fluidity is not only vital to capturing profitable share; it can also distinguish competitive advantage.
Teen retailer back in favor
Urban Outfitter Inc. turned in a better-than-expected performance in the second quarter amid increased sales and fewer promotions and markdowns. “Urban has now regained its position as the brand leader for young people,” said Urban Outfitters CEO Richard A. Haynes during the chain’s quarterly conference call.

Lowe’s posts growth, but not enough for Wall Street

Mooresville, North Carolina-based Lowe’s reported modest second-quarter growth. It also had a message for RONA employees in Canada: welcome to the team.
Fred’s names new executive VP, chief merchandising and marketing officer

Fred’s on Tuesday announced its new executive VP and chief merchandising and marketing officer, Mary Lou Gardner. Gardner will be replacing Bryan Pugh, who has resigned from the company, effective immediately.
Target Q2 earnings fall but top Street; plants red flag for full year

Target Corp. on Wednesday reported second quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, but the discounter lowered its guidance for the full year amid declining sales and what it called a “difficult retail environment.” Net income for the quarter was $680 million, or $1.16 cents per share, versus $753 million, or $1.18 per share in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted per-share earnings were $1.23, easily outdistancing analysts’ projections of $1.12.
Walmart Foundation pledges $500K in Louisiana flood relief efforts

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation on Monday made a commitment to provide support through cash and in-kind donations of $500,000 to organizations helping with relief efforts for those affected by the floods in Louisiana. Working closely with the Salvation Army, American Red Cross and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, coordination efforts are being made with elected officials and governmental entities across the region to meet the needs of those affected by the overwhelming flooding in the Louisiana region this week.
Barnes & Noble fires CEO

That didn’t take very long. Barnes & Noble on Tuesday announced the abrupt departure of CEO Ronald D. Boire, who has held the position for just under a year. In a short and bluntly-worded statement, the book-seller announced that its board had determined that Boire “was not a good fit for the organization and that it was in the best interests of all parties for him to leave the company.”
Walmart goes on the offense against shoplifting

Walmart has launched an unusual program to combat crime in its stores. In an experiment, the chain is dealing with shoplifters on its own terms through an initiative called “Restorative Justice,” Time.com reported.
Survey: The top-rated mobile retail apps are…

Groupon, One Kings Lane and ModCloth have the top-rated mobile apps in the retail industry. That’s according to a study conducted by Application Resource Center, which analyzed data taken from 1.2 million user reviews posted on the Apple and Google Play app stores for 50 retailers. (The retailers were reviewed represented the retailers with the most mobile app sales in 2015.)
How one retailer uses Snapchat

Rent the Runway has launched a Snapchat service to help its customers find the right fit. The company, which rents out brand-name dresses, outfits and accessories, is prompting its followers on Snapchat to send a video, image or text that address concerns around how a certain dress might fit on their body type, Glossy.com reported. But that’s just the beginning.
Ralphs rolls out online grocery shopping in California

Ralphs is inviting customers to take advantage of the convenience of online grocery shopping at its Carlsbad, Calif., store, and the retailer plans to expand the service company-wide by the end of the year.
Time Equities acquires Utah Mall for $69.5 million

In what it says is part of an expansion into the western United States, New York-based Time Equities Inc. (TEI) purchased the Newgate Mall in Ogden, Utah from General Growth Properties for $69.5 million. The 718,035-sq.-ft. mall is anchored by Burlington Coat Factory, Cinemark, Dillard’s, and Sears. TEI reports it is 98% leased with approximately 100 tenants. Bath & Body Works, Kay Jewelers, Gymboree, and Victoria’s Secret are among those on the roster.