News

First Look: Adidas Originals goes big in Chicago
Adidas has opened its largest Adidas Originals location to date, a 4,966-sq.-ft. flagship in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. The new outpost, which sits under a section of Chicago's elevated train system, is designed to reflect its surrounding. It is full of connections to the local creative community, including an original sculpture at the front of the store by Chicago artist POSE, and custom murals created by Tubsz, a South Side native that specializes in calligraffiti (a combination of calligraphy and graffiti.)
Lids’ new loyalty program hits a home run
With a mere six months under its belt, Lids’ new Access Pass loyalty program is driving customer engagement to new levels. Tired of running a stagnant loyalty program that only engaged a small amount of shoppers regularly, the sporting goods headwear and apparel retailer was ready to change the game. In April, Lids switched from a static points-based program to a digital model designed to “delight” shoppers.

Q&A: Boxed co-founder talks warehouse efficiency—via robotic automation
Wholesale club giant expands online delivery options

Costco Wholesale Club is upping its home delivery game for online food orders as the grocery delivery market continues to heat up. The retailer has introduced a new two-day delivery service, called CostcoGrocer, for customers across the U.S. (with the exception of those in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.). The service, which has a fee of $3, offers delivery of non-perishable foods and sundries, with about 500 items available. The delivery fee is waived for orders over $75.
Camper, Westfield World Trade Center, New York

Spanish footwear brand Camper stays true to its tradition of creating unique store experiences at each of its locations at its new outpost in Manhattan.
Joplin power center changes hands

Chase Properties has acquired North Point Shopping Center in Joplin, Missouri, from Kimco Realty Corp.
Embattled department store retailer gets fresh cash infusion from owner

As it heads into its most important selling season, Sears Holding Corp. is receiving another cash infusion from its CEO and largest shareholder. Sears is borrowing $100 million from units of CEO Eddie Lampert's hedge fund ESL Investments for "general corporate purposes," according to a regulatory filing. The new infusion brings the total of Lampert's outstanding loans to Sears to $499.4 million.
Study: More than half of retailers ready for AI

In a move to step up their customer experiences, more retailers are embracing artificial intelligence (AI). This was according to the third quarterly “2017 E-commerce Performance Index,” a report from SLI Systems. According to the data, 54% of companies reported they are using or plan to add AI in the future. The largest group of these respondents (20%) expect to add AI within the next 12 months.
Former GNC exec to head up auto parts retailer

Jegs Automotive Inc. has appointed a veteran marketing executive as its new chief executive. The family-owned high-performance auto parts retailer on Wednesday announced it has appointed Jeffrey Hennion as its new CEO, effective Oct. 16. Most recently, Hennion served three years at GNC Holdings, where he was executive VP, chief marketing & e-commerce officer. He resigned in June.
What Retailers Need to Know About Their Energy Bill — and How to Lower it

Energy is the fourth largest in-store operating cost for retailers, with the average 50,000-sq.-ft. retail building spending around $90,000 each year on energy costs. Retail building managers are constantly trying to better regulate their buildings’ energy costs, so understanding where those charges come from can be extremely beneficial.