News

Nordstrom makes big e-commerce decision
Nordstrom Inc. has re-evaluated its near-term needs for e-commerce infrastructure. The luxury retailer has decided to postpone the planned opening of a West Coast fulfillment center dedicated to fulfilling digital orders until 2020 or later.
Grocery giant invests in exit signs that put high-tech spin on glow in the dark
The Kroger Co. is installing cutting-edge exit signs as part of a $4 billion store- investment program. The chain is deploying photoluminescent exit signs developed by Cincinnati start-up MN8 at all new and renovated stores nationwide. The LumAware signs differ from standard glow-in-the-dark products in that they also emanate light. The signs, which consumer no energy, eliminate the need for batteries, light bulbs, electricity or maintenance.

Walmart makes big move in China with stake in Internet giant

In a big step to grow its business in China, Walmart has entered into an agreement to acquire a 5% stake in JD.com, China’s second largest e-commerce company.
Amazon to open another bookstore

Amazon is expanding its fledgling bricks-and-mortar bookstore format. The Internet giant plans to open a third Amazon Books this fall, at Washington Square Mall, in Tigard, Oregon, just outside of Portland, The Oregonian reported.
Luxury department store looking for a buyer

Neiman Marcus is searching for a buyer or investor, the New York Post reported. Neiman Marcus CEO Katz recently visited China and while there met with potential buyers, including Anbang Insurance Group, which passed on an offer to buy the retailer, the report said.
Six retail-related companies where people want to work … according to LinkedIn

The first-ever LinkedIn “Top Attractors” list of the most desirable companies to work is out, and several firms engaged in retail were included.
Chick-fil-A and Zoe’s Kitchen to join Kroger at Springwoods Village

Regency Centers announced the signing of nine new tenants for The Market at Springwoods Village, a Kroger-anchored center slated to open in 2017 in the outer northern beltway of Houston. New neighbors of the 100,000 sq.-ft. Kroger Marketplace will be Chick-fil-A; Cold Stone Creamery; Lovett Dental; Nails of America; MOD Pizza; Supercuts; Tarka’s Indian Kitchen; Torchy’s Tacos; and Zoe’s Kitchen. Retail space in the first phase of The Market totals 170,000 sq. ft.
Starbucks takes a seat…inside Outlook

The idea of Starbucks serving as a “third place” outside of home and work has been reinforced with a new add-in to Microsoft Outlook.
Let the bidding begin

Two private equity firms have thrown their hats in the arena to buy Cabela’s. The firms, New York-based Apax Partners and San Francisco-based TPG Capital, are each meeting Cabela’s management as part of an auction for the 82-store chain, the New York Post reported. Bass Pro Shops is also interested in Cabela’s, and has partnered with Goldman Sachs Group’s private equity arm to make an offer for its rival, according to Reuters.
Home Depot files anti-trust suit against Visa, MasterCard

In a new federal lawsuit, The Home Depot Inc. is accusing Visa and MasterCard of not doing enough to ensure EMV-compliant, chip-based payment cards truly prevent fraud.