News

First Look: Ugg’s new store concept
Storytelling elements provide an immersive brand experience at Ugg’s new global store concept, at Disney Springs, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The brand’s Californian roots, connections to nature and modernist vibe all come into play in the 2,828-sq.-ft. space, which has a relaxed, soothing ambience.
Rue La La readies pop-up shop
Cotton lovers in the Boston area have a two-day opportunity to shop an in-store collection before it becomes available online.

Rue La La has partnered with promotional group Cotton Inc. for a second year. To kick off the collaborations, the brands will launch a custom-developed pop-up shop. The co-branded #SummerofCotton pop-up shop will be located on Newbury Street in Boston for two days, June 4-5.

Fast-growing retailer enters new state

Five Below is expanding at a fast clip this year.

The extreme-value brand for pre-teens and teens will open its first store in Oklahoma, in Oklahoma City, on June 3, 2016.

A second store Oklahoma, in Edmond, will open on June 24, 2016.

The Philadelphia-based chain is one of the fastest growing retailers in the country. It plans to open approximately 85 new stores in 2016, up from 71 stores in 2015.
Department store retailer continues Canadian expansion

Nordstrom has opened its second full-line store In Toronto. The department store retailer opened a three-level, 199,000-sq.-ft. store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre on Oct. 21. It is the company's second location in Toronto, with the first, at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, opening in September.
Office Depot regrouping

Office Depot Inc. is regrouping less than a month after a federal judge blocked the chain’s planned acquisition by rival Staples Inc., causing the two companies to abandon the deal.

On Tuesday, Office Depot announced its board had approved a $100 million stock buyback program. The retailer also said it is finalizing its comprehensive strategic review, which includes capital structure and return of capital alternatives.
Three Retailers Who Threaten Amazon

Amazon.com is starting to appear like the ‘Teflon e-tailer.”
Chargebacks 101: What E-Commerce merchants should know

Credit card chargebacks are a costly reality for online merchants. Chargebacks occur when customers contact their credit card issuers to dispute charges. If an issuer deems a dispute valid, the e-commerce merchant is required to pay the amount owed for the transaction plus a chargeback fee from the processer – which can range from $15 to $100.
Study: How to boost store conversion and traffic

Retailers are always asking how they can increase the numbers of shoppers who visit and buy goods at their stores. According to a study from store traffic and conversion measurement provider HeadCount, “In-store Traffic and Conversion Study: Retailers Find Keys to Impressive ROI,” the answer lies in combining data-driven coaching with analytics.
Gap exec moving over to specialty athletic retailer

A store development executive from Gap Inc. has been tapped to head up real estate for Foot Locker. Foot Locker announced the appointment of Scott Martin as senior VP – real estate, effective June 13. Martin succeeds Jeffrey Berk, who retired in April after almost 20 years with the company.
Big Lots makes big splash with profit growth, healthy sales

Another value retailer has posted a stellar first quarter, outshining traditional department stores and many specialty stores. Big Lots Inc. surpassed Wall Street expectations with net income and revenue performance that one major presidential candidate might term “huge.”
Today's Consumer is Smarter - Is Your Board?

Today, when it comes to adding new members to your board of directors, creating a balance between industry experience and innovation is extraordinarily important. Filling board seats with industry veterans and compliance experts may feel comfortable in the short term. But, to adapt to today's savvy and demanding consumer, companies must be more forward thinking.
Online jeweler continues offline expansion

Blue Nile is expanding its fledgling store portfolio. The online jewelry retailer has opened its second physical location, at The Westchester mall in White Plains, New York. Blue Nile opened its first store in June 2015, at Roosevelt Field mall in Garden City, New York. Two additional locations will open later this summer: one at Tysons Corner Center mall in Fairfax County, Virginia, and one at the Washington Square mall in Portland, Oregon.