News

Urban influx, urban infill, and urban migration
Across the United States, cities have been experiencing a development resurgence. Legions of Americans are departing suburbia and returning to urban environments, with millennials leading the migration. Young adults are abandoning the suburban subdivisions they grew up in for denser, more vibrant urban settings. Consequently, once-empty lots, city blocks, and otherwise underutilized properties are being replaced with multi-use buildings that can accommodate new residences, office space, and retail.
Specialty outdoor retailer in new sustainability milestone
REI continues its efforts to lead on sustainable operations. The retailer’s newest distribution center, in Goodyear, Arizona, has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum certification — the highest level in the U.S. Green Building Council’s green building rating system — making it the first DC in the U.S. to achieve both LEED Platinum certification and Net Zero Energy.

Retail brands lag behind mobile consumer expectations

The future of retail is mobile. Yet, brands are failing to keep pace with consumer expectations.
Analysis: The Finish Line stumbles

While Finish Line notched up reasonable overall sales growth in its third quarter, this has been overshadowed by both very weak comparables and an almost doubling of net losses to $40.4 million. Overall, the results are markedly worse than last quarter when total sales grew by 5.4%, aided by a 5.1% growth in comparables.
Luxury brands grab online holiday shoppers through digital disruptors

Upscale brands are grabbing the attention of holiday procrastinators. Three in 10 shoppers are still scrambling to finish holiday shopping, according to the National Retail Federation, and many are jumping online in search of their perfect, albeit “last minute” holiday gifts.
Ikea: No more store sleepovers

Ikea stores are so inviting that some teens want to spend the night. Ten of the Swedish home furnishing giant’s stores across the world have been the location of illegal sleepovers, BBC News reported.
NPD Group: Deep discounts taking a bite out of holiday dollar sales

Dollar sales for holiday 2016 are trending lower than last year — with some exceptions — and retailers are partially to blame. According to The NPD Group’s weekly point-of-sale results for key general merchandise categories across in-store and online channels, dollar sales in the sixth week of the 2016 holiday shopping season were 5% lower than the same week in 2015. Cumulatively, dollar sales in the first six weeks of the 2016 holiday shopping season were 4% behind the first six weeks of the 2015 holiday season.
BJ’s online ordering gets ‘fresh’

Just in time for holiday entertaining, BJ’s Wholesale Club members can now place deli and bakery orders online. The service, which augments BJ’s e-commerce program, enables members to place orders for deli platters, sandwiches and 3-ft. subs, freshly baked cookies, pastries and customizable cakes and cupcakes. All merchandise is provided by Wellsley Farms, according to the retailer’s website.
Finish Line goes off course in Q3

Finish Line missed analyst estimates for third quarter earnings, an issue the company blames on declines in its apparel and accessories categories. The athletic specialty retailer reported revenue of $371.1 million for the 13 weeks ended Nov. 26, 2016. While this is an increase of 3.0% over the prior year period, it falls short of the consensus estimate of $411.61 million.
The Container Store helps travelers wrap up the holidays

The Container Store and Southwest Airlines are teaming up to surprise harried holiday travelers passing through airports across the nation. Starting Thursday, Dec. 22, the partners are easing holiday stress for travelers by offering complimentary gift wrapping. The service is available between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the following 10 airports: • Chicago (Midway) International Airport • Dallas (Love Field) • Denver International Airport