News

Godiva, New York City
Godiva has opened its first in-store cafe in the United States, in Manhattan's Rockefeller Center.

The newly renovated store features a seating area where customers can enjoy a new collection of French-style desserts or Godiva’s signature chocolates, along with beverages. Godiva first introduced its cafe concept in London, where it operates a 40-table cafe on the second floor of the famous Harrods department store.
NAFTA Renegotiations: What’s at Stake for Retailers?
In May, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer began the formal process for renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which establishes the rules of trade among Canada, Mexico and the United States. The retail sector has urged USTR to preserve NAFTA’s basic structure, while advocating changes that could help retailers begin sourcing more items from NAFTA countries rather than Asia. As explained below, the outcome of NAFTA renegotiation also will signal the future direction of U.S. trade law and policy.

L.E.K. Executive Insights Report
Stitch Fix, Trunk Club and Le Tote upping the ante on online apparel retailing

When it comes to brands that stand out in online apparel shopping segment, subscription services are leading the pack. Apparel subscription services, like Stitch Fix and Trunk Club, and introduction of Amazon’s Prime Wardrobe are disrupting the apparel segment. While the subscription method of shopping for apparel is still in its infancy, consumer reach — and interest — is growing, according to research from The NDP Group.
Brick-and-mortar retail is hot in this specialty segment

Multi-brand and vertically integrated beauty stores are shaking up the beauty industry — and growing at a rapid rate. With hundreds of new doors opening in various formats, cosmetics specialty and vertically integrated stores, such as Ulta, Sephora, Bluemercury, NYX, Kiko Milano, and e.l.f., have grown at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 19% over the past five years, according to a report by research and consulting firm Kline. Such stores now account for an estimated 20% of total beauty market sales.
Regulatory Wrap-Up: Where state and national policy impact retail

Wages
The most profitable retailers in sales per square foot are....

Sales per square foot are declining across the board. But some retailers continue to pull in hefty revenue. The No. 1 retailer in terms of sales per square foot is Apple Inc., which does a staggering $5,546 per square foot, according to research provided by CoStar.
Staples is one step closer to being acquired

Staples met the first requirement on its road back to private ownership. The office supplies giant, which is being acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, has been granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. This act states that no merger or acquisition can take place until the United States Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice have determined that the filed transaction will not violate U.S. commerce antitrust laws.
Rent the Runway launches same-day delivery

A designer fashion rental company is getting merchandise into New York City fashionistas' hands even faster. Rent the Runway, already a disruptor in the traditional formal wear category, now offers a service that delivers orders in a matter of hours. Specifically, customers that place orders before 12 p.m., will have it in their hands by 5 p.m., according to CNBC.
Whole Foods Market has sluggish Q3, but beats analyst expectations

Despite a drop in profits and same-store sales, Whole Foods Market still managed to surpass analyst predictions for the third quarter. Net income for the quarter, ended July 2, net income fell to $106 million, or 33 cents per shares, from $120 million, or 37 cents a share, a year ago. This beat analyst expectations of 33 cents expected, according to Thomson Reuters.