News

Luxury retailer loses interim key executive
The interim CFO of Neiman Marcus has resigned after seven months on the job. Michael Fung will step down from his position as the luxury retailer’s interim CFO and COO, effective June 30. Fung temporarily left his retirement to join the company on an interim basis in November 2016.
Study: Innovative tools turn online customers into repeat shoppers
Attracting — and sustaining — loyal online customers is no easy task. However, retailers that offer innovative customer service tools, a variety of fulfillment options, and engagement solutions will successfully turn frequent browsers into loyal shoppers. These details were revealed in a new retail report from Radial and CFI Group.

Consumer confidence slips in May

Wary about business conditions and jobs, consumer confidence dipped a bit further in May. But consumer still remain optimistic on the whole about the economy. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its Consumer Confidence Index fell to 117.9 in May, from a revised 119.4 in April. The index hit 124.9 in March, its highest mark in 16 years.
Online home furnishings retailer teams up with hit cable series

Wayfair is making it easy for customers to emulate decor trends from one of cable television's most popular series. Wayfair is collaborating with HGTV home improvement and house flipping series “Brother vs. Brother.” The popular show features siblings Jonathan and Drew Scott competing to see who can make the biggest profit when flipping renovated properties. The Wayfair-HGTV partnership will enable viewers to shop the looks featured on the show directly on Wayfair.
Home furnishings retailer confirms new CEO

It's official: Crate and Barrel has confirmed that CEO Doug Diemoz has left the company. Crate and Barrel announced Tuesday that board chair Neela Montgomery will become the new chief executive, effective August 1. In the interim, Montgomery will continue in her current position, working closely with Crate and Barrel president and chief merchant Steve 'Woody' Woodward, and COO Mike Relich.
Kitchenware retailer cooks up delivery service

A new partnership is helping Sur La Table take the term “farm to table” to a new level. Sur La Table is the go-to source for all things culinary — from cooking tools and kitchen gadgets to tableware. All it was missing was a way to be at their shoppers’ beck and call — and at a moment’s notice — as they prepared a stellar meal.
BJ's adds former Belk and Dick's Sporting Goods execs to its leadership team

BJ's Wholesale Club has tapped two experienced retailers to drive its digital innovation and omnichannel strategy. BJ's announced that Scott Kessler has been named executive VP, CIO, effective immediately. He succeeds Peter Amalfi, who plans to retire later this year.
Bankrupt footwear retailer may close more stores

Payless ShoeSource is seeking bankruptcy court approval to close more stores. The chain, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the beginning of April, may close up to 408 more stores, according to the Chicago Tribune. Payless had originally said it planned to shutter nearly 400 underperforming locations.
And the Store of the Year is...

A premium brand born from the celebration of colder climates, Mackage (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto) was named Store in the Year in the Retail Design Institute’s 46th annual International Store Design Competition. The awards were presented during a gala celebration on Wednesday, May 24, in New York City.
South African merchant improves in-store omnichannel fulfillment

Woolworths is taking steps to bolster its online shopping experience. Woolworths South Africa, a division of Woolworths Proprietary Limited, is known for its vast assortment ranging from groceries, fresh produce and prepared food to clothing, beauty products, home goods and general merchandise. As the company entered into the world of omnichannel, it knew it had to deliver easy access to its merchandise, and provide a painless experience for online customers.