News

Target expands health clinic initiative
Target Corp. is adding more health clinics to its stores. Target is opening clinics staffed and operated by Kaiser Permanente in 31 of the chain's stores In Southern California. The expansion builds on an existing collaboration the two companies launched in 2014.
Discounter swaps out Apple devices for Android on its sales floor
Target associates are using new devices to complete their daily tasks. After using iPod Touches for the last three years to manage stock, pull items, and handle other essential sales floor duties, Target is now putting Android devices into its associates’ hands, according to Gizmodo.

Office Depot names chief marketing officer

Office supply retailer Office Depot has tapped a 30-year marketing veteran to lead its marketing efforts. Office Depot announced that Jerri DeVard has been appointed executive VP and chief marketing officer. She will report directly to Office Depot CEO Gerry Smith.
First Look: Hot online start-up opens NYC store

The maker of what it calls "the world's most comfortable shoes" has set up shop in New York City. Allbirds, the eco-friendly online brand with a fast-growing and devoted following (especially in the Silicon Valley), has opened its second brick-and-mortar location, in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood. The company opened its first store, on the ground floor of its San Francisco headquarters, in April.
Footwear giant opens first store in Saudi Arabia

DSW Inc. is making good on its promise to create a foothold in the Persian Gulf. The footwear giant opened of its first warehouse store in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new 15,000-sq.-ft. store is located at the Mall of Dhahran.
Specialty boating supplies retailer acquired

West Marine has gone private. Monomoy Capital Partners announced Thursday that it has successfully completed the acquisition of West Marine for approximately $337 million, or $12.97 per share. The transaction was originally announced at the end of June.
Report: Amazon’s 1-Click patent runs its course

A patent that changed how customers make purchases online has expired — and opened up new opportunities for competitors. The “1-Click” patent filed by Amazon in 1997, expired Tuesday. As a result, any brand can now feature this functionality on their own e-commerce site, according to C-Net.
Shoptalk 2018 reveals initial speaker lineup

The president and CEO of Macy's, Jeff Gennette, and Google's president of global partnerships, Daniel Alegre, will be among the headliners at Shoptalk 2018, the nex-gen retail and e-commerce event. Also on the bill: Alon Cohen, president and co-founder of Houzz, the home furnishings and design site. Shoptalk's final agenda will feature more than 400 speakers, an increase of 25% over 2017’s event.
Study: Hispanic customers going online for holiday shopping

With access to more disposable income, Hispanic consumers will up their holiday spending this year — especially through e-commerce.
Home furnishings giant launches augmented reality design app

Ikea is allowing its shoppers to virtually test drive merchandise before making a purchase. The home furnishings giant is preparing to launch a new augmented reality (AR) app. Called Ikea Place, the app allows customers to virtually place furniture in any space in their home, office, school or studio — and share the images. The app, which will be supported by Apple’s iOS 11 platform, will launch in late September.