News

Study shows influence of online on apparel sales
Changing consumer needs and an evolving retail marketplace contributed the U.S. apparel industry’s overall sales performance in 2016. Specifically, apparel dollar sales across women, men, and children grew by 3% last year, reaching $218.7 billion, according to the NPD Group.
Report: Midwestern retailer to file Chapter 11
A value-oriented regional department store chain could be the latest retail casualty. Gordmans Stores Inc. is preparing to file for bankruptcy, Bloomberg reported, saying the filing could occur as soon as this month. Founded in 1915, the Omaha-based retailer operates 106 stores in 22 states.

Four Keys to Cyber Security: Protecting restaurants and retailers from data breaches

Restaurants and retailers around the country continue to be plagued with the threat of cyber-attacks. Target, Eddie Bauer, Walmart, Wendy's, O'Charley's, are just a few of the major brands recently affected by data breaches, leaving millions of consumers' credit card information at risk.
Report: Amazon’s Elements brand offers invite-only vitamins

Amazon is once again expanding its commitment to private label. The online giant’s Elements line, which was originally launched as a baby products line, quietly introduced a vitamins and supplements category on Feb. 21 — the first addition to the Elements brand in years, according to TechCrunch.
Online clothing retailer opens seventh location

A Nordstrom-owned retailer that offers personalized styling services for men and women has made its Boston debut. Trunk Club has opened an 18,000-sq.-ft. Clubhouse location on Boylston Street. The store carries ready-to-wear for men and women, along with men's custom clothing.
Report: New robot controlled by user’s brain

The newest robots like the way their controllers think. Rather than relying on touch screens and artificial intelligence, a new “droid” is controlled by a user’s brain responses, according to ReCode.
KAI Total Pavement Management takes top honors

KAI Total Pavement Management was recognized with Best Parking Lot Pavement Project award at the 2017 National Pavement Expo awards ceremony. KAI Total Pavement Management received the award for the parking improvements project at the Target store in Kalispell, Montana.
Rural lifestyle chain promotes exec to finance chief

Coinciding with its management transition plan announced last summer, Tractor Supply Co. appointed Kurt Barton to senior VP, CFO and treasurer. Barton succeeds Anthony Crudele, who retired after serving as CFO for the past 11 years. Crudele and Barton have worked together over the last seven months to ensure a smooth transition of all responsibilities, according to the retailer.
Ethically-sourced Brilliant Earth expanding in brick-and-mortar

Another online retailer has made the jump to the physical space. Brilliant Earth announced plans to open three new locations, in San Diego, California; Washington, D.C.; and Denver, during the spring and summer. The new showrooms will join the retailer’s five other existing locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago.
Neiman Marcus exploring options to cut debt

Luxury department store retailer Neiman Marcus is looking for relief from its heavy debt. The company has hired Lazard Ltd. to explore debt restructuring options, but it is no immediate risk of bankruptcy, reported Reuters.