News

Ikea expands breadth through third-party sales
Ikea is getting in on the online marketplace game. The home furnishings giant is embarking on a test that will focus on selling its products on websites other than its own. This move will get merchandise in front of more online customers, according to Reuters.
Regional supermarket chain steps up promotional game
Weis Markets knows the key to driving loyalty is to deliver value. In a move that will improve its marketing and promotions operations, the regional grocer has partnered with dunnhumby and Aptaris. By integrating an enterprise promotional planning, price optimization, modeling and forecasting system, Weis is one step closer to increasing sales, improving customer loyalty and building a more profitable and competitive market position.

Harris: Retailers take top spots in social responsibility poll

Consumers rank Wegmans, Publix Super Markets, and Amazon.com as the top three companies when it comes to corporate social responsibility efforts.
More store closings in the works at Sears

As Sears Holdings continues to struggle, the chain has once again updated is restructuring plan. The embattled retailer has added 72 more stores to its list of upcoming closures. This is in addition to more than 180 closings that it already an-nounced, according to Business Insider.
J.C. Penney concept targets collegiates

J.C. Penney is determined to become college-bound co-eds’ shopping destination for all of their dorm room needs.
Amazon gets caught in rare outage

Even Amazon isn’t immune to the occasional online hiccup. Pages failed to load across the online store on Wednesday, June 7. When they did, customers viewed a 503 error message, along with snippets from the online retailer’s “Meet the Dogs of Amazon” page, which included photos and stats of the company’s canines, according to The Verge.
Macy’s mulls rooftop park atop New York City flagship

Macy’s is toying with a lofty idea that could create more traffic at its Herald Square store in New York City.
Fast-growing home decor chain raises outlook

At Home reported a strong first quarter, helped by the addition of 23 new stores the chain opened in the past 12 months — and there are more on the way.
Study: Shoppers drawn to smart devices stay abreast of security

A majority of Americans want to use connected devices to make purchases, yet they are keeping a keen eye on securing personal data.
Specialty apparel retailer Q1 sales up 22%

Duluth Trading Company continues to grow its sales and store footprint. The retailer of men’s and women’s workwear, casual clothing, and accessories reported that net sales increased 21.9% to $83.7 million in the quarter ended April 30, up from $68.6 million in the prior-year first quarter. It was the company's 29th consecutive quarter of increased net sales year-over-year.