News

Report: EU shoppers demand better online fulfillment
European online shoppers continue to be intolerant of poor service. As a result, retailers need to step up their game regarding shipping and fulfillment if they want to keep shoppers happy, according to the “JDA/Centiro Customer Pulse Report Europe 2016.” The study surveyed 8,190 adults online across the U.K., Germany, France and Sweden to learn their online shopping requirements.
Putting employees first
The key to success is customer satisfaction. By arming itself with a fleet of “great personnel,” The Container Store is always ready to deliver top-notch store-level service. This message was delivered during “Doing Well by Doing Good — How to Build Trust and Win the Modern Customer,” a topic discussed yesterday at “Retail’s Digital Summit 2016.” The event, sponsored by Shop.org, a division of the National Retail Federation, was held in Dallas.

Washington, D.C.-area mall to get mixed-use makeover

Forest City Realty Trust has announced the completion of an agreement with Arlington County, Virginia, to transform Ballston Common Mall in a mixed-use project to be renamed Ballston Quarter. The public-private partnership will open up the existing enclosed mall, create a public plaza in the space, and add a 406-residence residential tower adjacent to the retail center. The plan also calls for infrastructure improvements including a renovated pedestrian bridge and new landscaping
Walmart ups the e-commerce ante

Walmart’s next e-commerce power-play is reportedly in the works. In its latest move to compete against its online nemesis amazon.com, Walmart is reportedly ready to invest up to $1 billion in Flipkart, according to an article in Quartz.
Cartier, Hermes to open at Stanford Shopping Center

Simon Properties has announced the impending arrivals of Cartier and Hermes at its Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, California. This marks Hermes’ first new U.S. store in five years, according to Simon. The 6,000-sq.-ft. Hermes shop, which will reside near Neiman Marcus in the center of the newly updated center, is scheduled to open in late 2017 or early 2018. Its focus will be on men's, women's, home, and equestrian collections.
Aldi’s green DC translates into ‘gold’

Aldi’s sustainability efforts are gaining recognition. The grocer’s sustainable distribution center and regional headquarters in Moreno Valley, Calif., have earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Working alongside Graycor Construction Company, Aldi improved the design and materials used in the development of both buildings.
NRF Study: Facebook leads digital marketing spend

Interactive media continues to shake up retailers’ digital marketing strategies.
Forever Flawless opens flagship at World Trade Center

Forever Flawless, a global skin care company that puts diamond dust in its creams, has opened a flagship store at Westfield World Trade Center in New York. The company, which claims to bring celebrity skin care methods to consumers, sells Black Diamond Age Defying Series, Pink Diamond Collagen treatments, and 24 Karat Gold therapy. Forever Flawless fields stores in Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Miami, London, and Syndey, among other locales.
Understanding and Controlling Energy Costs in Retail
Bon-Ton boosts holiday team

The Bon-Ton Stores is getting its holiday team in place. The department store chain is eyeing 13,000 new associates to service customers across all store locations during the busy holiday season. Another 500 associates will fill positions across all of Bon-Ton Stores’ distribution centers and its e-commerce fulfillment center.