News

Forget ‘Art or Science.’ Workforce Management is About Profit
While consultants have argued for decades that workforce management (WFM) is a mixture of art and science, it is neither. It comes down to profit and applying practical – not over-engineered – workforce management practices that enable higher performing retail operations.
Under Armour to open big flagship in iconic building on Fifth Avenue
Under Armour on Tuesday reported a drop in profit for the second quarter, related to the closing of The Sports Authority. The athletic wear brand also revealed plans to plant its banner on prime real estate in Manhattan.

Retailers amping up store experience with bars, restaurants

More and more retailers are looking to make their stores more than just destinations to shop. In a trend that is gaining increased momentum, retailers across the board are adding bars and eateries to their stores, USA Today reported.
Beauty retailer takes cue from dating app

Sephora continues to innovate to drive mobile growth. The retailer announced it is deploying two new interactive tools as part of a campaign to relaunch its private-label brand, Sephora Collection.
Amazon set to test drone deliveries — but not in the United States

The world’s biggest online retailer took a big step to move drone deliveries forward. Amazon has entered into a partnership with the British government that will allow the retailer to test and develop new drone delivery systems.
PetSmart moves to improve shopping experience across all channels

The largest specialty pet supplies retailer in North America is launching a digital initiative to become more customer-focused — and data-driven. PetSmart has selected Cognizant’s customer data foundation initiative to utilize master and analytics-driven demographic, behavioral, interactional and transactional data to create custom profiles of pets and "pet parents" who visit PetSmart at its stores, online and through its mobile app.
Five U.S. retailers expand their global efforts with Pitney Bowes

Five specialty retailers are deploying a cross-border shipping solution to make it easier for international customers to buy from their sites. The retailers — Evolue, Kathy Kuo Home, The Land of Nod, The New York Times Store and Soludos — are expanding their online reach through the Pitney Bowes Borderfree solution. The technology and cross-border shipping services enable global shoppers to simply and conveniently buy items online in over 70 currencies from more than 220 countries and territories.
Unable to find a buyer, entertainment retailer to close all stores

Hastings Entertainment is going out of business.
Unusual online player seeks to crack dollar store segment

Online retailer Hollar is looking to take sales away from a segment that, to date, has proved relatively immune to digital growth: dollar stores.
Done deal for merger of two supermarket giants

The Federal Trade Commission has given its blessing to a deal that creates the fourth largest supermarket company in the United States. Delhaize Group, owner of Food Lion, and Royal Ahold NV, owner of Stop & Shop, on Sunday completed their $29 billion merger after they received regulatory clearance by the Federal Trade Commission.