News

UPS is the latest company to try its hand at drone deliveries.   The delivery company has successfully tested a drone on Monday, Feb. 20, in Lithia, Florida. Called an octocopter drone, the device launches from atop of a UPS package car, autonomously delivers a package to a home, and then returns to the vehicle while the driver continues along the route to make a separate delivery.   

Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, comments on Macy’s fourth quarter results:   

Walmart on Tuesday reported a solid fourth quarter amid a big increase in online sales and higher store traffic. The company also announced it is raising its dividend.   Walmart earned $3.76 billion, or $1.22 per share in the quarter ended Jan. 31, compared with $4.57 billion, or $1.43 per share, in the year ago period. Walmart’s earnings were impacted by investments in its digital business as it continues to boast its defenses against Amazon and other online competitors.    

Slowing mall traffic continued to slow Dillard’s sales in the fourth quarter.   Net income for the quarter ended January 28, 2017, was $56.9 million compared to net income of $84.0 million in the year-ago period. Included in the amount is an after-tax asset impairment of $4.2 million on a cost method investment.   Net sales for the period were $1.94 billion, down from $2.07 billion last year. This missed analyst estimates of $1.999 billion.  

Toys “R” Us is the latest company to downsize its workforce.   The toy retailer laid off between 10% and 15% of the employees at its Wayne, New Jersey headquarters — approximately 250 jobs — on Friday, Feb. 17, Forbes said.   

HSN’s feature, “The Beauty Spy,” uses social media to introduce shoppers in the United States to new, emerging and exotic beauty trends. Now it is coming to the small screen.   The program, which can be seen on HSN’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and SnapChat, will become a monthly program appearing exclusively on HSN — a move that will deliver a multi-platform experience to viewers.  

In a move that could attract more tech start-ups, New York City will be the home to one of the newest innovation labs.   The 250,000-sq.-ft. “Union Square Tech Hub,” which was announced in December, will include 58,000 sq. ft. of “fluid space” for startups, and a 36,500 sq.-ft. tech training center, reported TechCrunch.   

Nike has brought its experiential retail format to Miami Beach. The company has opened a two-story, digitally connected, 31,000-sq.-ft. store on Lincoln Road, in the heart of Miami Beach.   Similar to Nike’s new store in Manhattan’s SoHo, the Miami location is designed to deliver the best of Nike products and personalized, immersive experiences services through a series of unique spaces. These include zones dedicated to running, soccer and basketball where consumers can try out the brand’s latest products.