News

Nominations open for most influential women in retail tech
Who are the leading women working in retail technology? Chain Store Age is accepting nominations for its annual feature recognizing female executives who are helping to transform the retail industry through technology. The “Top 10 Women in Tech” will celebrate the achievements of female executives from all areas of retail technology. The winners will be profiled in a special section of the January 2017 issue of Chain Store Age, as well as in an online report on chainstoreage.com.
Twin Cities mall slated for $76 million makeover
One of Minnesota’s highest-volume malls is about to get a $76 million renovation that will give it new retail space and sight lines and – more rare these days – a new department store tenant. Rosedale Center, a 1.14-million-sq.-ft. property situated between the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, will soon break ground for a two-level Von Maur store and parking deck with 1,100 spaces, according to owner JLL. Macy’s and J.C. Penney already do business there.

Toys ‘R’ Us sells FAO Schwarz

Expect more FAO Schwarz-branded toys, in-store “experiences” and even possible freestanding stores in the very near future. In an unexpected announcement, ThreeSixty Group said it has acquired FAO Schwarz from Toys “R” Us. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Toys “R” Us purchased FAO Schwarz in 2009.
Walmart opens website to OS community

WalmartLabs’ newest project is giving comrades and competitors alike, a peek into its open-source software. The retail behemoth has migrated its online platform to a React-based application platform over the last year, one that was built in-house by WalmartLabs. Now Walmart’s innovation division is open-sourcing this platform, reported TechCrunch.
Study: Consumers frustrated by chip-card progress

Consumers’ lack of enthusiasm around the value of chip card usage could impact the upcoming holiday season. This month marks the year anniversary of the introduction of mandated Europay, MasterCard, Visa (EMV) chip card payments at retail stores across the United States. However, high levels of consumer frustration and confusion remain widespread, according to new research published by Cayan, a payment technology provider.
Moody’s: Food offerings giving Walmart edge over Target

Wal-Mart Stores and Target Corp. stand at very different junctures, according to new report from Moody's Investors Service. Walmart is starting to reap more discernible rewards as it adapts more quickly to a rapidly-changing consumer landscape -- and with fewer missteps -- than Target has managed, according to the report, "Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Target Corporation: Walmart Is Gaining Momentum, While Target Is Still Clawing Back Lost Ground."
Outdoor retailer makes strategic credit card agreement

Bass Pro Shops is entering into a 10-year agreement with Capital One, a move that will make the card provider the exclusive issuing partner of co-branded credit cards to Cabela's customers.
Eddie Lampert: Kmart is not closing

Don’t believe the rumors. Kmart is not going out of business. That’s according to Eddie Lampert, the beleaguered CEO of Kmart parent company Sears Holdings Corp.
How to Attract More In-Store Sales

Online shopping is great. It saves time, provides tons of options in one place, and the customer doesn’t have to navigate swarms of people to checkout. Younger generations value this, and are moving the majority of their shopping online. But that doesn’t mean retailers can’t pull customers back to their brick-and-mortar stores. Here are four recommendations to entice customers back into your stores: 1. Attentive Customer Service
Bass Pro Shops to acquire rival in $5.5 billion deal

Bass Pro Shops has agreed to acquire Cabela’s in a deal that will allow the privately held Bass Pro to nearly double its store count. Bass Pro plans to purchase Cabela’s for about $65.50 a share in cash, which represents a 19% premium over Friday’s closing price. The agreement will create an outdoor retail powerhouse that specializes in fishing, hunting and boating merchandise. Both companies are known for their elaborate, wilderness-themed store interiors.