News

Nordstrom’s app lets shoppers ‘reserve online, try on in-store’
An upscale department store retailer has a new way to bridge the gap between its online and offline shopping experiences. Nordstrom is rolling out its Reserve Online & Try In-store service to approximately 40 stores across the country. As the program’s name implies, the service allows customers to select items online and try them on in person at their nearest Nordstrom store.
Athletic footwear retailer adopts poison pill; lowers guidance
The Finish Line's board on Monday adopted a shareholders right plan as the retailer warned of a grim second quarter and a steep decline in sales and profits for the year.

Owner of Panera Bread and Caribou Coffee in new acquisition

JAB Holding Company, the Luxembourg-based private equity firm, continues to expand its U.S. portfolio at a rapid pace. The company has entered into an agreement to buy Bruegger’s Bagels from Le Duff America, the Dallas-based parent of la Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Ulta Beauty beats Street; on track to open 100 stores in 2017

Ulta Beauty turned in another winning quarterly performance, besting analysts' earnings and sales estimates. The beauty powerhouse also raised its fiscal 2017 guidance. One of the few specialty retailers with an aggressive store opening program, Ulta Beauty said it remains committed to opening 100 new locations in 2017. It will also remodel 11 stores and relocate seven others.
Online or Offline? Report looks at future of 13 retail categories

Restaurants, off-price retailers, dollar stores and furniture outlets are likely to remain firmly in the brick-and-mortar corner even with the continued rise of online shopping. That is according to a new report by JLL, which explores the relationship between how shoppers value goods and the way 13 retail categories will be sold.
Walmart, Toys ‘R’Us and Target going all out for ‘Force Friday II’

Disney's marketing firepower will be on full display starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, when it launches a global merchandise promotion — complete with augmented reality — of toys and products inspired by its upcoming film, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."
Square opens its first brick-and-mortar store

Mobile payments processor Square has set up shop in New York City. The company has opened a store, called Square Showroom and located in downtown Manhattan, that provides hands-on support for merchants using its technology and space to display — and let sellers experience — its POS hardware. The store includes a Genius Bar-like support desk, where sellers can make appointments with Square employees to troubleshoot a specific issue or get training on a new product.
Discount retailer outperforms in Q2

Big Lots topped Street estimates in its second quarter as shoppers continue to seek out bargains. Net income rose 28.2 % to $29.1 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, in the quarter ended July 29, 2017, from adjusted income of $23.4 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, in the year-ago period. Analysts had expected the company to earn $0.62 per share
Target Q&A with its new chief strategy and innovation officer

On Sept. 11, Minsok Pak will step into the role of executive VP, chief strategy and innovation officer, for Target Corp. In the Q&A below, posted on Target's website, the retailer spoke with Pak about his past work with consumer brands, and the challenges facing retail today.
J. Crew names finance head amid ongoing sales decline

J.Crew Group named an internal associate as CFO as the retailer continues to struggle to turn around its namesake brand. The retailer announced that Vincent Zanna, previously senior VP of finance and treasurer, has been promoted to CFO and treasurer, effective immediately. He will continue to report to Michael Nicholson, who was previously CFO and COO, and now serves as president and COO.