News

Toys ‘R’ Us gaining momentum with renewed investments
The nation’s largest specialty toy retailer finds itself in a sweet spot as its most critical selling season approaches. After years of just cutting costs, Toys “R” Us is starting to put money back into operations, as it looks to grow sales and traffic, Bloomberg reported. And for the first time in a while, the company is building inventory.
Report: Brands aren’t prepared to excel at e-commerce
With an eye on merging the physical and virtual shopping experience, too many retailers still struggle with how to engage shoppers pre- and post-purchase. This was the message delivered in a new global study from Sitecore. Based on responses from 826 marketing and IT decision makers, and 414 IT partners and suppliers in 14 countries, the majority reported they do understand the importance of online commerce. However, they do not feel fully prepared for driving the growth of this channel globally.

Ross Stores continues aggressive expansion

It’s shaping up as a busy fall for Ross Stores. The retailer is opening 25 Ross Dress for Less ("Ross") stores and nine dd's Discounts stores across 16 different states in September and October. The new locations round out the company's expansion plans to add approximately 90 locations in 2016.
Video Solutions Boost Business Intelligence for Retailers

Omnichannel retailing is no longer some far flung prediction, or even a trend, it’s the reality that today’s consumers demand. To succeed in the age of this cross-channel business model, retailers must prioritize customer engagement by building positive brand recognition and loyalty and providing experiences tailored to their preferences and behaviors.
Whole Foods Market honored for eco-friendly refrigeration

Whole Foods Market has received an award for deploying cutting-edge, advanced refrigeration technology. The grocer received the 2015-2016 “Best of the Best” award from the EPA’s GreenChill Partnership for using an advanced, more environmentally sustainable refrigeration system at its store in Dublin, California.
Study: Online-driven shoppers at risk for identity theft

Online shoppers that prioritize convenience for security could begin feeling the fallout.
Macerich opens big-box addition to Long Island mall

Macerich spent the weekend celebrating the opening of Green Acre Commons, an open-air congregation of big-box retailers adjoining its Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, New York. A fixture in the retail scene on the Queens-Nassau County border, the 1.8 million-sq.-ft. mall has served the area for more than 50 years with tenants such as Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Century 21, Express, and American Eagle. Last year, Macerich redeveloped and re-merchandised the south side of the property, creating a new entrance for Old Navy and H&M.
The North Face premiers new concept pop-up

The North Face is trying on a new store format. The retailer has opened a pop-up in San Francisco aimed at the city explorer. The temporary store, in the city’s Jackson Square neighborhood, will focus exclusively on the brand’s premium streetwear merchandise. (A similar space will be featured in the retailer’s new flagship, scheduled to open on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue in late October.)
Wendy’s cuts energy use

The Wendy’s Company is in the spotlight for dramatically reducing energy usage. The company received two environmental awards from the 2016 Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) campaign. Wendy’s was recognized for the largest absolute number of facility upgrades and highest percentage energy savings in a retrofit of a parking lot.
Solid employment gains for retail industry

The retail industry saw an increase of 10,000 jobs in September over August, according to the National Retail Federation. The gains came as the Labor Department announced that the U.S. economy overall gained 156,000 jobs.