News

PayPal makes digital purchases even easier
PayPal is entering the buy button arena in a big way.

The new PayPal Commerce service, currently running in closed beta, allows retailers to embed buy buttons into any digital format they choose. This includes blogs, emails, online ads, apps, and social shares. PayPal Commerce is based on a set of open application program interfaces (APIs) and also offers a software developer kit (SDK), making it platform-agnostic and fully embeddable.
First Look: Victoria’s Secret, Las Vegas
Victoria’s Secret has gone big with a remodel in Las Vegas.

Located at Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, the expanded and remodeled store is almost triple its original size, and now totals over 20,000 sq. ft. It’s the chain’s largest space to date in Las Vegas.

In addition to Victoria’s Secret’s complete collections, the flagship features a dedicated space for the company’s Pink brand.

Tech Bytes: Three Reasons to Buy a Pure Play Retailer

I previously wrote a column about the benefits opening physical stores can offer pure play online retailers. Inspired by the recent completion of the Hudson’s Bay-Gilt acquisition, this week I’d like to examine three instant advantages purchasing a pure play retailer can provide to brick-and-mortar chains.

Instant Expertise
Report: The Fresh Market is on the auction block

The Fresh Market is being viewed as a takeover target with recent media reports indicating that some of the biggest names in the grocery game are interested in the company.

Reuters reports thatKroger is in the second round of an auction process for Fresh Market that has also attracted other companies and private equity firms. Apollo Global Management, KKR & Co and TPG Capital are among the buyout firms participating in the auction.
Nation’s favorite fashion retailer is…

For the fourth consecutive year, a department store has nabbed the top spot in a survey of the nation’s favorite fashion retailers.

Nordstrom took the top spot in the study, by Market Force Information. Interestingly, several discount retailers moved up the list this year, with Marshalls landing in the No. 2 spot. H&M and Ross Dress for Less tied for third, Kohl’s was fourth and Macy’s was fifth.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Driving Impulse Buy with Technology

The term “impulse buy” has a negative connotation to many. Picking up that guilty pleasure snack in the checkout line at the supermarket, that gadget you don’t really need, or those shoes that are on sale all qualify.
IHL: Do retailers have their heads in the clouds?

When it comes to systems infrastructure, retailers are moving in a particular direction.

According to a new study from IHL Group, “Total Retail SaaS Market,” 26% of all retail spending on software in 2016 in North America will be cloud-based. This includes 60% of retailers’ e-commerce spend and 53% of their BI/analytics and sales/marketing software spend will be on cloud-based systems.
Divaris’ Washington, D.C. team completes five leases

Washington, D.C. -- Gerald S. Divaris, chairman and CEO of Divaris Real Estate, announced the company negotiated five leases totaling 17,469 sq. ft. of commercial space in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., market.

Wash ‘N Dry - leased 5,792 sq. ft. of retail space at Ashdale Plaza located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Retailers at the center include: Family Dollar, Popeye’s, Wells Fargo, Goodwill and Davita. The landlord, A.R. Kronstadt Realty Investors, was represented by DRE’s Susan McGee.
Toys"R"Us names new global leader

Toys“R”Us has promoted its senior vice president of store operations to a global leadership role.
Whole Foods reveals more 365 locations

While Whole Foods continues to work on the performance of its flagship stores, the company disclosed new locations and expressed confidence in its 365 format even though the first unit is scheduled to open until May.
RT offices closed Monday for Presidents Day

The offices of Retailing Today will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15, for President's Day, and the RT Daily Edition will not publish. RT will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
CSA offices closed Monday for Presidents Day

The offices of Chain Store Age will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15, for President's Day. and the DayBreaker will not publish. CSA will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Feb. 16.