News

Online giant to launch messaging app?
Amazon could be the newest player in the consumer messaging game. The online giant is considering a new messaging platform that will rival the likes of Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. The full-featured standalone messaging app will be accessible via smartphones, tablets, PCs and smart watches, according to TechCrunch.
Study: Mobile, social media promotions top back-to-school investments
Besides exceeding their 2016 efforts, retailers’ back-to-school marketing investments are going digital this year. This was according to the “2017 Retailer and Consumer Back-to-School Insights Guide,” a report from RetailMeNot. The study, which was conducted June 6-12, tapped 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18 and over about their back-to-school spending and deal-seeking goals.

Regulatory Wrap-Up: Where state and national policy impact retail

Wages
Amazon sets sights on new retail segment

Amazon has found a way to further expand its foothold in the grocery industry. The online giant has submitted a trademark application that will enable it to enter the meal kits business. The move will directly rival meal kit provider Blue Apron, according to CNBC.
Troubled jewelry store giant taps 25-year P&G vet as new CEO

Signet Jewelers, which is battling a gender-discrimination class-action case, has named its first-ever female CEO. Signet announced that CEO Mark Light has retired due to "health reaons." He will be succeeded by beauty and health veteran Virginia "Gina" C. Drosos, who has served as an independent director of the company’s board since 2012, effective August 1, 2017.
How to Make a Next-Generation Store a Right Now Store

Over the next three years, outdoor lifestyle apparel retailer Toad&Co. plans to open 20 new brick and mortar stores. With news of store closings by powerhouse brands likely swirling around in your head, you may be tempted to make sure you read that number correctly. It’s been dizzying for sure. So why would an apparel retailer be looking to expand its brick and mortar footprint in this environment?
Leader in secondhand luxury retail trying out brick-and-mortar

Online luxury consignment retailer The RealReal is taking its resale model into the physical space. The retailer plans to open its first-ever permanent retail location in November, in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood, reported Women's Wear daily. The two-level, 8,000-sq.-ft. store will showcase items from all of The RealReal's categories and also feature contemporary artwork and a wall of Hermès bags, according to the report. It will host classes and discussions.
New tenant specialist joins Mid-America

Retail tenant specialist Jack Gray has joined Mid-America Real Estate’s Minnesota operation. He will be representing clients that include Starbucks, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Mills Fleet Farm. Gray arrives at Mid-America from an internship on Cushman & Wakefield Northmarq’s industrial brokerage team. Gray is a recent graduate of University of St. Thomas, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in marketing.
Subway gives itself a makeover — with tech updates

Subway is debuting a new look. On Monday, the fast-casual restaurant chain unveiled a new store design intended to provide a more distinctive and welcoming customer experience. The new "fresh forward" design, by FRCH Design Worldwide, includes a bright color palette, inspired by the hues of fresh vegetables, wall decor that communicates the brand's emphasis on quality ingredients, and more contemporary-looking seating. It also features such tech enhancements, such as self-ordering digital kiosks.
Neiman Marcus’ digital security exec jumps ship

A luxury department store retailer has lost its first-ever cyber security chief. Sarah Hendrickson has left her post as Neiman Marcus’ chief security information officer, reported D Margazine. She joined the company in November 2014, the first executive to hold the position. Neiman Marcus introduced the role following its high profile data breach in 2013.