News

Consumer electronics giant partners with Amazon, Google
Best Buy is looking to grab share in one of the hottest categories of the "smart" home market: voice-activated devices. The retailer is adding Amazon Alexa and Google Home "experiences" to about 700 Best Buy stores nationwide. The new interactive displays will start arriving in stores in July, with the rollout complete by the end of the year. In addition, there will be an enhanced online presence for the devices on Best Buy's e-commerce site.
Footwear retailer supersizes it with new format
Skechers has debuted a new store format in its largest mall location to date. The company has opened a 24,000-sq.-ft. outlet store at Ontario Mills, Ontario, California, that houses one of the widest assortments of Skechers products under one roof, with dedicated departments for the brand's various lifestyle and performance collections for men and women. The new Skechers Superstore also features a fun kids’ area, complete with a candy shop and a theater space screening Skechers cartoons.

Supervalu exec joins Kohl's leadership team

Kohl's has ended its search for a new finance chief. The retailer has appointed Bruce H. Besanko to the position of CFO, effective July 10. He will replace Wesley McDonald, who announced plans in November to retire this spring after 14 years with the company.
Study: Consumers' shipping expectations higher than ever

There is a major disconnect between retailers and consumers when it comes to shipping expectations. Retailers understand that consumers want free shipping. But they are challenged by and grappling with the rising costs of shipping online orders, according to “The State of Shipping in Commerce,” a report from Temando, a shipping and fulfillment software platform provider.
U.K.-based grocery giant jumps into the one-hour delivery game

Tesco is launching a one-hour delivery service — a move that will enable the chain to go head-to-head with Amazon. The U.K.-based supermarket giant introduced its new Tesco Now app, which enables shoppers in central London to choose from a range of 1,000 products, and have them delivered within an hour. Merchandise crosses categories such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, bakery goods and dairy, as well as pet, baby, health and beauty products.
Under Armour taps former Aldo CEO for key role amid management changes

Under Armour founder and CEO Kevin Plank is stepping back from his role as president. The sporting goods company announced that retail veteran Patrik Frisk will become president and COO, effective July 10. He will have responsibility for the company's go-to-market strategy and the successful execution of its long-term growth plan and report directly to Kevin Plank, who has also held the title of president since 2010.
Walgreens’ mobile app popular with this age group

Walgreens’ mobile apps biggest fans aren’t exactly the demographic people typically associate with technology adoption.
Consumers rank ‘cool’ vs. ‘creepy’ technologies

Consumers may want a more personalized shopping experience, but some efforts in this regard creep them out.
Target debuts next-day delivery service

Target Corp. has entered the fast-growing next-day grocery delivery market. The discounter on Tuesday launched a pilot for Target Restock, a next-day delivery service for household essentials and dry grocery items ordered online, in its hometown market of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The service, available only to Target REDcard holders, comes with a flat fee of $4.99 per box.
Fast-fashion giant steps up POS game with new partnership

Eager to improve customer service and security at the front end, Forever 21 is converting its point-of-sale (POS) fleet to a single solution. Through a partnership with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, the fast-fashion retailer is adding the vendor’s hardware, equipment and services across all its corporate stores around the globe. The agreement makes Toshiba the chain’s single point of contact for all POS systems, peripherals and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) front and back office retail store technology.