News

Target's CMO talks brands
Mark Tritton, Target’s executive VP and chief merchandising officer, discussed the retailer's new exclusive brands in a posting on the company's corporate website. Here are some key excerpts: What’s the inspiration behind these new brands?
Tech Bytes: Four tips to compete on Prime Day
Amazon has brought the saying, “Christmas in July” to life with its Prime Day global shopping extravaganza and this year's event promises to be bigger than ever.

Target to debut four new brands

Target Corp. is doubling down on its efforts to distinguish itself with exclusive brands and to be a leader in two key categories. The discounter revealed in a posting on its web site that it will launch three new apparel brands and one new home goods brand in its stores and online this fall.
Online giant plans to open robotics-based facility in South Florida

Amazon is once again bolstering its warehouse fleet in the Sunshine State. The online giant will open an 850,000-sq.-ft. facility staffed with robots and more than 1,000 workers in South Florida. The depot will reside in a vacant property that is currently being transformed into a 97-acre commercial center adjoining the county’s Opa-locka airport, according to The Miami Herald.
Williams Sonoma to go big with new concept in Seattle

Williams Sonoma will open the largest version yet of its new dual-concept format, which combines its traditional kitchen and food products with home furnishings.
Nike in pilot with online giant

Nike is opening up shop on Amazon. The sportswear giant has entered into a pilot program with the online giant to sell a limited (at least initially) selection of footwear, apparel, and accessories on the online site. Nike products have long been available on Amazon, but only through unauthorized third party sellers. This will be the first time that Nike has sold directly on the Amazon.
Midwest home furnishings retailer expanding

The RoomPlace growing its store portfolio. The family-owned company has opened a new showroom and warehouse distribution center in Indianapolis. The location is part of a strategic initiative to expand the furniture retailer's footprint in the city. The new outpost also marks The RoomPlace's 25th store, with locations across Illinois and Indiana. It is one of the company's largest, at over 70,000 sq. ft. features a 16,000-sq.-ft. clearance center.
Another grocer launches same-day delivery

Regional supermarket operator Shnucks is the latest grocer to offer customers same-day delivery.
Study: Majority of shoppers favor ‘next-gen' payments

Consumers are ready to leave paper-based checks behind. In fact, 80% of Americans are in support of "futuristic" payments technologies and currencies, including tools like sensor fingerprinting, facial recognition, retinal scanning and voice control, as well as currencies like bitcoin. This was according to research from Viewpost, a B2B network provider for invoicing, payments and cash management.
Private equity fund acquires specialty retailer

West Marine Inc. is going private. The retailer of boating gear, apparel and other waterlife-related products has agreed to be acquired by New York-based Monomoy Capital Partners for $12.97 per share. The deal has a total equity value of $338 million. Following the close of the deal, West Marine will continue to be operated independently by the company's management team.