News

Commentary: Everything Must Go
The term “post-department store era” was once considered so controversial that many in the retail world avoided using it, fearing backlash from powerful industry giants like Macy’s and Sears. Some saw the very idea of department store obsolescence as pure folly while others saw it only as a vague possibility too far in the future to consider.
Signet Jewelers fires back on ‘diamond swapping’ controversy
Signet Jewelers Ltd., whose store banners include Kay Jewelers and Zales, issued a strong rebuttal against charges that its stores swapped customers’ gems for lesser-quality stones while they were in for service. The controversy started with an article by BuzzFeed about a Maryland woman who said her engagement ring — purchased at a Kay Jewelers store — had its diamond swapped out for a lower-quality manmade stone while in for service. The story quickly went viral on social media.

Walmart taking on Amazon with same-day delivery pilot

Walmart is teaming up with a few third-party partners — including two names very familiar to consumers — to take on its biggest rival in the competitive in the area of online delivery.
Wal-Mart looks to future at annual meeting

The CEO of Wal-Mart Stores called on associates to reimage the chain’s future at the company’s 46th annual shareholders meeting. “We have the opportunity to reimagine retail again,” said president and CEO Doug McMillon.
Home furnishings retailer entering new state

West Elm will open its first Idaho store, in downtown Boise, on Thursday, June 9.

The 14,158-sq.-ft. -store incorporated wooden “Tater Blocks” salvaged from the renovation of Simplot’s Caldwell-based potato storage facility into the store’s custom interior design. The blocks, once used as industrial flooring for potato storage facilities, have been repurposed to create a unique art installation at the new store.
Tech Bytes: Why Aren't Customers Buying Social Buy Buttons?

Consumers love to shop and love using social media, but somehow the two passions are not connecting.

Twitter, which has been piloting an embedded buy button in tweets since September 2014, is abandoning the effort. Recent studies from Forrester and GlobalWebIndex indicate generally low consumer usage rates for social buy buttons, which are also offered by platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram.
Fan Base: Retailers create higher level of engagement with in-store activity hubs

Image credit: Ted Eytan, CC by 2.0 While many retailers are focused on making stores a destination to experience, some aim for an even higher level of customer engagement by casting themselves in the role of community center. Others have even become a global destination for enthusiasts. These retailers understand that one way to energize a fervent fan base is to offer a singular fan base. Here are a few examples:
Rochester mall to make historic change

The Marketplace Mall located in the Henrietta area of Rochester, New York, will convert to an outlet center. The mall will undergo capital improvements, remerchandising of the retail mix, and will be rebranded as Marketplace Outlets. This is a first-of-its-kind full conversion of an enclosed regional mall to an outlet center.
Why Aren't Customers Buying Social Buy Buttons?

Consumers love to shop and love using social media, but somehow the two passions are not connecting.

Twitter, which has been piloting an embedded buy button in tweets since September 2014, is abandoning the effort. Recent studies from Forrester and GlobalWebIndex indicate generally low consumer usage rates for social buy buttons, which are also offered by platforms such as Pinterest and Instagram.
Inside look at Walmart’s store of the future

Watch out Target — Walmart is also looking to reinvent its store experience.

Walmart is testing an array of new initiatives, from sleeker fixtures and signs to a cool BBQ eatery to a giant kiosk for online order pick-up — at a new store in Arkansas, according to TheStreet.