News

Department store retailer steps back from the off-price retail game
Off-price retailing is hot, but Neiman Marcus is emphasizing what it knows best. Neiman Marcus will close 10 of its 37 off-price Last Call stores in order to focus on its full-line luxury department stores. Prior to the news, the retailer has already closed three Last Call outlets this year, including its locations at Allen Premium Outlets, Allen, Texas, and Legacy Place in Dedham, Mass.
Nordstrom edging closer to going private
One of the nation's best-performing department stores retailers may soon be out of the public arena. Nordstrom family members are close to selecting Leonard Green & Partners to help fund a buyout of their namesake department store, reported CNBC, which cited people familiar with the matter.

Report: Walmart reorganizing U.S. store ops

Walmart is simplifying its U.S. business as it looks to respond more quickly to the accelerating pace of change in the retail industry. The discounter is consolidating its six divisional groups into four and its 44 U.S. regional groups to 36, reported Bloomberg.
Restaurant lets customers pay using their face

A new restaurant concept gives customers an easy — and high-tech way — to pay for their meal without having to take out their wallet or even their smartphone.
Study: Majority of grocery sales are digitally driven

Digital's influence on grocery overall has nearly doubled year over year, and is now impacting the in-store experience.
Target pairs associates with digital experts in 'innovation sprint'

Target Corp. has kicked off a partnership with BCG Digital Ventures to conduct a 14-week “innovation sprint.” For the project, BCG's experts (including designers, engineers and investors) are working side-by-side with five Target associates to develop new growth concepts and ideas. (The associates are middle managers from across Target's various divisions, reported the Star Tribune.)
America's most trustworthy brand is...

Face-to-face human contact is not necessary for a brand to make a strong connection with consumers.
First Look: Pottery Barn flagship, New York City

Pottery Barn is showing off its latest store concept at its just-opened flagship in Manhattan's Flatiron District. Located in a landmark Beux-Arts styled building, the 17,000-sq.-store features original columns and adorned ceiling accents. It emphasizes local partnerships, design services and exclusive products, including one-of-kind vintage items.
Amazon rings up $500,000 in grocery sales in one week following Whole Foods Market deal

It only took seven days for Amazon to begin reaping the benefits of its acquisition of Whole Foods Market.
Report: Social media giant turns catalogs into buyable mobile ads

Facebook is helping retailers bring their catalogs to life. The social media giant introduced a new ad format that enables brands to distribute catalogs through mobile devices. Called "lifestyle templates,” the new format replicates the look of a print catalog, and also allows customers to make a purchase items directly through the Facebook ad, according to Business Insider.