News

David’s Bridal alleviates stress — for associates and customers
A specialty retailer’s new point-of-sale upgrade is helping to meet — and surpass — its customers’ expectations. David’s Bridal has created a reputation for enabling brides—and her entire wedding party— to choose a gown right off the rack. But as it expanded its offerings and services, the retailer has also established a robust special order business.
J.C. Penney in big miss on profit, sales in Q1
J.C. Penney got off to a rough start in the new year as it joined fellow department store operators Macy’s, Kohl’s and Nordstrom in reporting disappointing sales results.

‘Alexa, pay my AmEx bill…’

American Express cardholders are now only a voice-command away from browsing their account or paying their bill. The credit card company is expanding its partnership with Amazon by launching its new Amex skill for Amazon Alexa. The skill brings select experiences of AmericanExpress.com and AmEx’s mobile app to Amazon’s voice service Alexa, within devices like Amazon Echo and Echo Dot.
Specialty retailer becomes target of cyber-attack

Brooks Brothers is the latest victim of a data breach. According to the specialty retailer, an unauthorized individual installed malicious software designed to capture payment card information on some of the chain’s payment processing systems. The software compromised payment card information across some purchases made at certain Brooks Brothers and Brooks Brothers Outlet retail locations in the United States and Puerto Rico.
Saks opens unusual health and wellness mecca

Shoppers at Saks Fifth Avenue’s Manhattan flagship can now take a fitness class taught by ex-cons in addition to shopping for the latest fashions. They can even learn how to meditate. The luxury department store has transformed its second floor into a health and fitness hub dubbed The Wellery. The 16,000-plus-sq.-ft. space is comprised of 20 individual spaces offering everything from fitness classes and exercise equipment to athleisure apparel and specialized beauty treatments. It will be open through October 2017.
Supermarket chain files Chapter 11

Struggling Marsh Supermarkets is looking for a buyer, but it doesn’t have all that much time. The 86-year-old grocery store chain on Thursday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and said it is seeking a buyer for all or part of its business. The company’s 44 locations will continue normal operations throughout the process. But the stores will be shuttered if the company does not find a buyer within 60 days.
Big earnings, sales miss for Macy’s

Macy’s reported disappointing earnings for its first quarter, as its sale continued to slide. Macy's posted a first quarter profit of $71 million, or 23 cents a share, down from $116 million, or 37 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Excluding some costs, Macy's adjusted per-share profit fell to 24 cents from 40 cents, below analysts' expectations for 35 cents.
Nordstrom mixed in Q1

Nordstrom beat the Street on earnings in its first quarter amid strong sales in its off-price division. Nordstrom said it earned $63 million in the first quarter, compared with $46 million, in the year-ago period. The company earned an adjusted $0.43 a share, beating the $0.27 that analysts were expecting. Total company net sales increased 2.7% to $3.3 billion. Same-store sales fell 0.8%, worse than expected. Online sales accounted for 24% of total net sales.
Young women’s apparel retailer to open Chicago flagship

Canada’s Aritzia Inc. is expanding its Chicago footprint as it targets both brick-and-mortar and online expansion. The fashion retailer will open a flagship on Rush Street in Chicago this fall. The Vancouver, British Columbia-based company already operates a store in the Windy City, at Water Tower Place.
Canada Goose winging its way to new locations

Canadian outwear brand Canada Goose is continuing its expansion, both offline and online. The company will open two flagship stores this fall, in London and Chicago. It also plans to expand its e-commerce channel to seven new markets including Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Austria.