News

Gifting retailer gets “Moms” comfortable with emerging technology
Getting a handle on innovative technologies can be overwhelming — especially for parents of Generation X’ers and millennials. To keep its associates’ moms in the know, 1-800 Flowers is hosting an educational, hands-on experience showcasing how the company fosters a culture of innovation and leverages emerging technologies.
Report upbeat about retail industry
A just-released analysis of the U.S. retail sector offers positive news for an industry that has been subject to some gloomy assessments in recent times. Despite the rash of recent Chapter 11 filings and store closings, the U.S. retail sector as a whole remains incredibly strong and shows no signs of slowing down, according to a report by business intelligence firm Creditsafe USA.

End of an era at coffee giant

It’s a new day at Starbucks Corp. Kevin Johnson officially took over as CEO of Starbucks on Monday, April 3. Outgoing CEO Howard Schultz continues on at the company as executive chairman, and will focus on the development of Starbucks’ new formats, Reserve Roasteries and Starbucks Reserve, and the company’s social impact initiatives.
Washington Spotlight: What Supreme Court Pick Could Mean for Retail

This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee considered the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court. Since vacancies on the bench are rare and the political stakes so high, few spectacles in Washington D.C. invite this level of drama. He was confirmed by the committee but when his nomination eventually goes to the floor of the Senate for a vote, the real fun will begin. (See “nuclear option.”) Lost in the hype is what his eventual seat on the court will mean to retail operators.
Plus-size women’s fashion retailer goes social in new store concept

Ashley Stewart has opened its first-ever “concept store,” in Newark, New Jersey.

The 4,500 sq.-ft. location marks a significant milestone for the company as it is the first brick-and-mortar opening since the reinvention of the brand, which has gone through a turnaround under the leadership of CEO James Rhee, http://www.chainstoreage.com/article/unlikely-champion-ashley-stewart.
Frye, Cherry Creek North, Denver

The Frye Company’s first location in Colorado took top honors as Store of the Year in the 2017 Shop! store design competition.
Beauty powerhouse goes high-tech, high-service in Manhattan

Sephora is taking experiential retail to a new level in New York City. The beauty retailer has remodeled two of its high-profile Manhattan locations to its new “Beauty Tip” (Teach, Inspire, Play) store format. The locations include Sephora’s 11,300-sq.-ft. store on 34th Street, its largest store in North American, as well as a Fifth Avenue location.
Fashion retailer expanding into new markets

South Moon Under is on the move. The on-trend fashion retailer, which carries a variety of contemporary brands, will open its first stores in the South in April, with locations at Ponce City Market, Atlanta, and Avalon, Alpharetta, Georgia. In the fall, the company will open a store at Shops Around Lenox, Atlanta.
How Retailers Can Get Up to Speed in the New Age of Instant Gratification

Consumer expectations in retail are changing more rapidly than ever. As e-commerce takes ever-larger shares of retail and redefines customer expectations, retailers are hard at work developing stronger online presences, seamless links between their online and brick-and-mortar offerings, and faster and cheaper delivery to meet rising customer demands.
Wegmans names new CEO

Wegmans Food Markets has appointed a familiar name as its new chief executive. Danny Wegman announced that he is stepping down as chief executive of the family-owned supermarket company and will be succeeded by his daughter, Colleen Wegman, who will serve as president and CEO. Danny Wegman will assume the title of chairman.