News

Target recalls Halloween-themed window lights over choking hazard
Target’s voluntary recall is helping keep Halloween safe for young children. The mass merchandiser recalled 127,000 Halloween-themed LED gel window “clings” because of the choking hazard they pose to children. The decals, an easy and affordable way to decorate windows and glass doors, light up when a dedicated button is pressed.
Sears responds to claims that it failed to pay toy vendor
A spat with a toy vendor could make for a difficult holiday shopping season for Sears Holdings. Due to claims of financial difficulties, reports claim that toy manufacturer Jakks Pacific has halted sales of its Star Wars and Disney Princess toys, among other merchandise, to “a major U.S. customer," which was presumed by some to be Kmart, according to CNBC.

Alibaba co-founder urges China to use big data to fight cyber-crimes

Alibaba’s co-founder has a solution to ward off harmful cyber-attacks across China. The online platform’s co-founder Jack Ma proposed that the nation’s top security bureau use big data to prevent crime — an announcement that endorses China’s budding efforts to build an unparalleled online surveillance system, according to Bloomberg.
Hudson’s Bay adds position to lead partnerships

Ed Burstell will join Hudson’s Bay Company’s leadership team as head of partnerships. In this newly created position, Burstell will develop and lead partnerships to drive innovative and exclusive offerings across all of HBC’s banners globally — a move that will help differentiate the company across the marketplace. Burstell, who comes aboard on Dec. 5, will report to the company’s CEO Jerry Storch.
Specialty outdoors retailer opens community-minded D.C. flagship

The venue where the Beatles performed their first concert in the United States now houses REI’s newest flagship location.
Holiday Hiring Wish List: Three Best Practices

My family – and many other consumers – have already started planning for the holidays. With Deloitte projecting a 4% increase in holiday sales over last year's shopping season, it’s critical that you have the workforce in place to address this opportunity.
Raley’s ‘Park’ gets OK from Sacramento planners

Raley’s, the Northern Californian grocery chain, got one step closer to its vision to build a neighborhood “hub” in Sacramento. According to a report in the Sacramento Bee, the city’s Planning and Design Commission voted 12-to-1 to approve the chain’s plans for “The Park,” a 108,000-sq.-ft. open-air center ringed by a metal canopy and featuring large store windows and shrub-filled “green screens.”
Nordstrom hiring less holiday employees this year

Nordstrom may be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but a new team of associates will be ready to serve shoppers come Black Friday. The chain will hire approximately 11,400 seasonal employees that will be trained to serve customers at its Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores, as well as in its fulfillment and distribution centers that support stores, Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com, HauteLook and Trunk Club.
Staples moves beyond office supplies with new licensing efforts

Staples is getting into the licensing game as a means of expanding its brand. It’s first target — document storage.
The North Face, New York City

The North Face is targeted urban adventurers at its new global flagship on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. The two-level, 20,000-sq.-ft. store offers an immersive brand experience that includes an interactive climbing wall, community seating and a custom embroidery service called “Lot, Stock and Barrel” that allows shoppers to personalize garments by selecting from 20 designs.