News

Retailer aims to make a difference in teens' lives
Teen retailer rue21 is collaborating with a youth nonprofit to make a positive impact on the lives of its customers.

The company announced it is partnering with Together We Rise, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the way youth navigate through the foster care system in America. The collaboration is a new addition to rue21’s philanthropy initiative, rueGIVESback.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: POS - Point of Weakness: Five Security Steps
Retailers and hospitality enterprises have a weak point unique to their business – the point of sale (POS) device. Despite significant investment in security, it’s still too easy for cybercriminals to access corporate networks via POS.

POS devices handle most of the payment card transactions around the world for retailers, restaurants, hotels, grocers, and gas stations. Because these systems are highly interconnected and accessed by numerous employees and other devices, they remain a highly lucrative target for organized cybercrime.

Brands to Watch in 2016

Which brands will break new ground, fall from grace, or overcome obstacles in 2016? Here’s my list of brands to watch in 2016. Since I couldn’t narrow the list to a handful as I’ve done in past years, I decided to expand the list to 26, one for each letter of the alphabet.

So here’s a brand-builder’s almanac for the coming year:
Bed Bath & Beyond issues worrisome warning

The holiday season got off to a horrible start at Bed Bath & Beyond and things went downhill from there, judging from the industry leader’s uncharacteristic and concerning profit warning.

The company badly missed its third quarter sales and profit forecast for a period that included most of Thanksgiving weekend, and said its same-store sales for the fourth quarter were likely to increase 1%.
Bed Bath & Beyond gives investors lump of coal

The holiday season got off to a horrible start at Bed Bath & Beyond and things went downhill from there, judging from the industry leader's uncharacteristic and concerning profit warning.
Election year manuevers and their impact on retailers

With 2016 upon us, many employers find themselves nervously awaiting what election-year politics might bring to their doorsteps. Retailers and restaurant operators, more than ever, have been thrust front and center into the political landscape, with labor issues at the top of candidate's agendas as well as the subject of numerous ballot issues at the state and local level. As a result, the business models and labor practices of entry-level employers are being evaluated by the public in much the same way the candidates are.
Harry & David tastes benefit of social marketing

Specialty gift retailer Harry & David is taking a visual and social approach to a holiday promotion.

Harry & David is hosting an interactive social media campaign called #TastetheHolidays through Dec. 31. Consumers who sign up for the campaign online and follow Harry & David on Instagram and/or Twitter can win a variety of prizes that include gift cards and baskets.
Sephora rejuvenates forecasting and replenishment

Specialty beauty retailer Sephora is getting a better look at the merchandise its stores will need.
Modell’s Sporting Goods continues to expand Northeast footprint

Three City Sports stores are being given a new lease on life.

Modell’s Sporting Goods has acquired three prime Northeast locations from City Sports, which filed for bankruptcy protection in October 2015 and subsequently announced plans to close all its stores. Beginning in early 2016, the stores, which range from 7,500 sq. ft. - 9,000 sq. ft. and are located in Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C., will start to transition to the Modell’s format.
Chef Nobu to open flagship at 60-acre coastal development in the heart of Honolulu

Photo: Chef Nobu Matsuhisa
Interior design firm enters retail with analytical help

Alice Lane Home, a Salt Lake City-based interior design firm which is opening brick-and-mortar showrooms, is ensuring stores meet customer needs.

Alice Lane Home opened its first store in Farmington, Utah, in 2008 and a flagship location in Salt Lake City in 2014. The retailer is now deploying the RetailNext store analytics platform at stores in Salt Lake City and Orem, Utah, with an eye toward future brick-and-mortar growth.
Tyco minds the store with latest acquisition

Security technology specialist Tyco International plc is continuing to expand its focus on providing store analytics to retailers.

Tyco has reached a definitive agreement to acquire ShopperTrak, a global provider of retail consumer behavioral data and location-based analytics, for approximately $175 million in cash.

Based in Chicago, ShopperTrak provides customer traffic and related intelligence to more than 1,200 retailers in 97 countries.