News

Study: Associates complain they can’t access necessary info
Despite retailer efforts to deliver information, store employees still struggle to access the information needed to complete tasks. In fact, 75% of decision makers said their employees frequently ask about procedures that are documented, and 73% indicated that critical information is scattered across many disparate locations.
Predictive analytics drive specialty retailer’s new product intros
New product introduction volume continues to increase. Lilly Pulitzer’s analytics platform helps hone in on the winners. In an omnichannel world, customer satisfaction is key, which means merchandise must be available when shoppers want it. By extending its partnership with First Insight, Lilly Pulitzer will continue to use predictive analytics to make faster and more accurate design, buying and pricing decisions, and gain the insight needed to mitigate risks associated with new product introductions.

New platform drives unified commerce for The Paper Store

A specialty retailer is taking steps to establish itself as a digitally driven brand. The Paper Store is extending its partnership with Aptos. The retailer first joined forces with the technology provider when it deployed the Aptos Singular Commerce platform, an end-to-end cloud-based solution, to help support the opening of 50 new stores.
Study: Associates complain they can’t access necessary info

Despite retailer efforts to deliver information, store employees still struggle to access the information needed to complete tasks. In fact, 75% of decision makers said their employees frequently ask about procedures that are documented, and 73% indicated that critical information is scattered across many disparate locations.
Washington Spotlight: May Day Becomes International Day of Anger

Monday's May Day demonstrations across the country and world are yet another reminder that we are in a politically precarious position in this country. The intensity of anger within our populace far outweighs the ability of our government mechanisms to address it.
Department store giant on hunt for a CFO

Hudson’s Bay Company is losing its finance head. The retailer said that CFO Paul Beesley has made the decision to resign in order to return home to Canada to be closer to his family. Beesley will continue in his role over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition. His last day with HBC will be July 7. HBC has engaged an executive search firm to assist in recruiting a new CFO.
Staples continues to explore sale

Two private equity firms are “actively” exploring a buyout of Staples, according to a report by CNBC. Cerberus Capital Management and Sycamore Partners have emerged as the leading frontrunners pursuing a deal, the report said. While other private equity firms, including Clayton Dubilier & Rice LLC, Advent International Corp and Bain Capital LLC, held discussions with the retailer include, they appear to be walked back and are less interested in the deal.
Leadership shakeup, layoffs at Etsy

There’s been a couple of change in the C-suite of hand-made goods marketplace Etsy. The company said chairman and CEO Chad Dickerson is stepping down, to be succeeded as CEO by board member Josh Silverman, effective May 3. Fred Wilson, who has served as lead independent director of the Etsy board, since October 2014, will succeed Dickerson as chairman.
Coach profit tops Street as efforts to reduce discounting help bottom line

Coach reported better-than-expected profit for its third quarter as its turnaround efforts to reduce discounts on its goods sold in the United States gain increased traction. The upscale retailer reported net income of $130 million, with earnings per diluted share of $0.46, in the quarter ended April 1, compared to $124 million in the year-ago period. Its results exceeded Wall Street expectations.
Men’s grooming concept has big plans for growth

A men’s grooming shop that provides hand and foot care, haircuts and shaves in a “man cave nirvana” has ambitious designs for expansion.