News

STORE BARRICADES WITH CURB AND BRAND APPEAL
High-quality, graphically interesting store barricades can turn an unsightly construction or remodeling site into a brand-enhancing billboard for a retailer. Chain Store Age spoke with Bob Putnam, the president and founder of Boston Barricade Company, about the evolving nature of retail construction barricades.

How have retail construction barricades changed over the years?

Thirty years ago, 98% of all retail barricades were constructed using metal framing and drywall. But today, that number is down to 35%.
Kohl’s bets big on beauty
Beauty and skin-care figure prominently in Kohl’s multi-year turnaround plan. The retailer recently finished adding beauty departments to all its stores, the Dallas Morning News reported, and even managed to do it couple years ahead of schedule.

Project Profiles

Los Gatos Village Square

Location: 15466 Los Gatos Boulevard, between California Highways 85 and 17 in Los Gatos, California

Size: 46,235 sq. ft.

Developer: Donahue Schriber Realty Group

Grocery anchor: Trader Joe’s

Key tenants: Pet Food Express, See’s Candies, The UPS Store, AAA Automobile Club, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
What’s happening in Vegas is staying downtown

Detroit is not the only town that spent the past few decades building outward before looking inward. In June, the Las Vegas City Council approved a master plan for its Downtown district, focusing on both historic attractions and new development to drive more traffic there.

To make it happen, it hired RTKL, an architecture and urban design firm whose completed projects include Mirdif City Centre in Dubai and L.A. Live. Its plan calls for the establishment of a tech business center, expansion of its health care services and at least 5,000 new residents.
CommerceHub adds integration with Walmart Marketplace

CommerceHub, a distributed commerce network for retailers and brands, is expanding its existing partnership with Walmart, integrating directly with Walmart’s online third-party marketplace. Under the new agreement, CommerceHub’s network of approximately 9,500 customers, including many of the largest retailers, marketplaces and brands in North America, will be able to team up with Walmart.com.
Sears’ losses mount in Q2; accepts loan from Eddie Lampert

Sears Holdings Corp. swung to a loss amid declining sales in the second quarter, and chairman and CEO Eddie Lampert stepped in with more financing for his embattled company. Sears said it had accepted a $300 million debt-financing offer from Lampert’s hedge fund, ESL Investments Inc. The loan is secured by a junior lien against Sears's inventory, receivables and other working capital.
2016 Holiday Preview

Update on retail’s most important time of the year

It’s no secret that online shopping and changing consumer preferences continue to impact physical retail traffic. Despite the shifting landscape, retail sales remain largely intact and, more importantly, are expected to increase year-over-year this holiday season.

November and December are prime time for physical retailers.
New finance chief for Michaels

The Michaels Companies, named Denise Paulonis as executive VP – CFO, effective Aug. 29. The appointment is part of the retailer’s previously announced CFO succession plan. Paulonis, currently senior VP – finance, succeeds Chuck Sonsteby, vice chairman and CFO. He will continue to serve as vice chairman and will retain executive responsibility for the growth and integration of Lamrite West and the management of Aaron Brothers stores.
FULFILLING THE PROMISE OF OMNICHANNEL COMMERCE

Chain Store Age recently sat down with Stefan Weitz, chief product and strategy officer of omnichannel commerce and service provider Radial (formerly eBay Enterprise), to discuss how retailers can offer a seamless experience and have a successful holiday.

What is the biggest challenge retailers face when trying to enable omnichannel?

In many cases, it’s thinking they can do omnichannel by themselves.
Neiman Marcus debuts high-tech mirror for trying on sunglasses

Neiman Marcus is making it easier for customers to select their sunglasses. The luxury department store retailer is launching a new technology, called the Sunglass Memory Mirror, in partnership with MemoMi and Luxottica Wholesale NA. The mirror, which is really a digital screen, allows sunglass shoppers to better engage with the product and create shareable shopping experiences.