News

RadioShack on comeback trail?
Under new ownership and management, a revamped RadioShack is working to transform its remaining 1,720 stores, as well as its online presence, according to the Star-Telegram. “It was herculean to get the stores back into position, and they’re proof of what people want and expect,” said chief marketing officer Michael Tatelman. [Star-Telegram]
Walgreens enables Visa Checkout on its sites, Walmart.com next
Walgreens, along with a host of other retailers, on Tuesday opted into Visa's Visa Checkout to help facilitate an omnichannel shopping experience. Walmart.com also will be incorporating the option into its services within the year, Visa reported.

Save-A-Lot hinders Supervalu performance ahead of spinoff

Supervalu wants to unlock the value of its Save-A-Lot division with a planned spinoff, but the 1,336 store division did little to enhance its appeal to investors with a weak showing in the third quarter.
Not a fun-filled holiday for Build-a-Bear

Build-A-Bear Workshop is still expecting a third consecutive year of positive same store sales despite a decline in traffic over the holiday period.

On a preliminary basis, for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 3, the company said it now expects:
Do you understand your in-store customers?

Retailers frequently misjudge the omnichannel needs of their shoppers when they visit stores.

According to a new study of 500 consumers and 150 retail decision-makers in the U.S. and U.K. by Forrester Consulting on behalf of RetailNext, “Real-Time Data Drives the Future of Retail,” only 49% of consumer respondents feel they receive consistent seamless experiences across all channels.
Aeropostale CEO gives up 1 million shares

In an effort to control cost, Aeropostale is reducing its corporate headcount by 13% and CEO Julian Geiger is relinquishing one million stock options that will be doled out to others for retention purposes.

The mall-based specialty retailer of casual apparel for young women and men plans to eliminate 100 corporate position by the end of its 2015 fiscal year and said the move would save between $35 million and $40 million annually.
Report: Online-only strategy ultimately unsustainable for most retailers

A new study links retailers' success to an omnichannel strategy that includes physical stores.

According to the report, by L2 and titled "Death of Pureplay Retail," online-only retailers are at a disadvantage due to high costs for marketing and shipping, making their business model challenging and ultimately unsustainable in the long-term. The report was sponsored by Simon Property Group.
Holiday scorecard Part II: More winners and losers revealed

Another batch of retailers released holiday results this week and provided further evidence that an unusual blend of economic factors and evolving shopping behaviors made for a strange holiday season.
Study: Do you understand your in-store customers?

Retailers frequently misjudge the omnichannel needs of their shoppers when they visit stores.

According to a new study of 500 consumers and 150 retail decision-makers in the U.S. and U.K. by Forrester Consulting on behalf of RetailNext, “Real-Time Data Drives the Future of Retail,” only 49% of consumer respondents feel they receive consistent seamless experiences across all channels.
Starbucks commits big time to China — and not just with more stores

Photo: Jack Ma and Howard Schultz, China Partner Family Forum
Not a fun-filled holiday for Build-a-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop is still expecting a third consecutive year of positive same store sales despite a decline in traffic over the holiday period.

On a preliminary basis, for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 3, the company said it now expects:
Aldi eliminates impulse temptation from some checklanes

Healthy checklanes free of bad-for-you impulse items are coming to nearly all Aldi stores by year end, and that’s just the beginning of the retailer’s stepped up commitment to offering healthier options at its expanding network of 1,500 stores.

Aldi isn’t shooting itself in the foot and getting rid of all impulse items from its checklanes, but rather re-merchandising select checkout lanes to feature healthier options such as single serving of nuts, trail mixes, dried fruits and granola bars.