News

Tech Bytes: Three Ways to Keep Stores Relevant
By now, everyone has heard the adage “the store is the center of omnichannel” and seen the statistics showing that physical stores account for about 90% of retail sales. So clearly brick-and-mortar stores are as relevant as ever.

Well, yes and no. Brick-and-mortar stores can be relevant as ever, but only if they offer modern technological amenities expected by today’s customers. Here are three ways to make sure consumers see your stores as central to their omnichannel shopping activities.
Domino’s lets mobile customers hold the clicks
Domino’s Pizza has built a reputation for speedy delivery, and now the chain wants to be known for fast mobile ordering.

Bed Bath & Beyond rewards investors in new ways

Bed Bath & Beyond has entered a new phase in its growth trajectory, becoming more aggressive in returning cash to shareholders and initiating a quarterly dividend as opposed to fueling top-line growth with rapid store expansion.
Sears expands omnichannel service; hopes more people will seek out ‘expert’

Sears Holding Corp. is making a timely expansion to its seamless “Meet With An Expert” service as it looks to engage with shoppers this spring.

Sears has extended its “Meet With An Expert” service introduced last fall to its lawn and garden department. The free service allows online shoppers to schedule in-store appointments with experts in specific product areas.
Whole Foods Market reveals opening date, other details for new 365 store format

Whole Foods Market will take the wraps off its new value concept, 365 by Whole Foods Market, on May 25 in Silver Lake, California.

Two additional 365 locations will open in 2016 – in Bellevue, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Up to 10 stores are expected to open in 2017.
Report: Sam's Club's Jill Turner-Mitchael keynotes Northwest Arkansas Council’s Health Care Summit

Jill Turner-Mitchael, SVP overseeing health and wellness for Sam’s Club, was the keynote speaker at the Northwest Arkansas Council’s Health Care Summit in Rogers on Wednesday, April 6, Talk Business and Politics reported Thursday.
BigCommerce partners with e-retail leader

Retailers using the BigCommerce e-commerce platform will soon have access to a vastly expanded consumer base.

eBay and BigCommerce are launching a strategic relationship to enable BigCommerce merchants to seamlessly list their products and manage their inventory on the eBay marketplace. BigCommerce customers will have access and exposure to more than 162 million global active eBay buyers, who will be able to shop from an expanded product and seller assortment.
Survey: Retailers unprepared for coming labor storm

Half of retailers are unprepared for future labor challenges.

That’s according to a new survey of more than 250 U.S. store managers by JDA Software Group, which finds that a perfect “labor” storm is brewing for retailers — one fueled by ever-expanding customer needs, increasing complexity and new and shifting labor regulations.
Victoria’s Secret restructures, cuts 200 jobs

L Brands’ Victoria’s Secret division had a record year in 2015, which is why chairman and CEO Leslie Wexner believes now is the best time to narrow the brand’s focus and simplify the operating model to drive long-term growth.
Bluefly beautifies digital performance

Discount online apparel/accessories retailer Bluefly knows how important looking good is, but also knows there needs to be real quality beneath the shiny veneer.

To that end, Bluefly is partnering with solution providers including Mozu and DynamicAction to overhaul its e-commerce site and mobile app, from the user interface to the underlying architecture.