News

Target looks to disrupt food category
Target Corp.’s partnership with MIT Media Lab and global design firm IDEO is bearing fruit — literally.

In January, Target announced the launch of the Food + Future coLab, a multi-year collaboration with MIT and IDEO to explore the future of food. Although it’s only been a couple of months, Target is already testing two ideas from the coli.
Survey: Retail CFOs upping investment in store remodeling/redesign
Retail CFOs are bullish on online sales growth, but they are focusing fewer dollars on building out their online presence in 2016 as they look instead to enhance the in-store experience in response to omnichannel expectations.

Mattress Firm names company veteran CEO

The integration of a major acquisition and the accelerated closure of non-performing stores top the list of priorities awaiting Ken Murphy as he assumes leadership of the nation’s largest bedding retailer.
Kroger names executives for Roundy's, Mariano's divisions

The Kroger Co. has named new leaders for its Roundy's and Mariano's grocery chains.

The company announced that Michael Marx, currently vice president of people operations for Kroger, has been promoted to serve as president of Roundy's Supermarkets, Wisconsin, effective April 1. The company also announced the promotion of Don Rosanova, currently executive VP of operations for Roundy's, to be president of Mariano's, effective immediately. Both leaders will report to Roundy's CEO, Bob Mariano.
Target tests recipe for food growth

Target Corp.’s partnership with MIT Media Lab and global design firm IDEO is bearing fruit — literally.
Urban Outfitters goes geek to stay cool

Urban Outfitters Inc. offers what can appear to be a random and eclectic variety of products on its shelves, but careful planning goes into the specialty chain’s store assortment.
Hot Canadian brand signs lease for first U.S. store

A popular goose has found a nest in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood.

Canada Goose, best known for its signature goose-down jacket with Arctic Circle logo and fur-trimmed hood, has signed a lease for an approximate 4,400-sq.-ft. store on Wooster Street, The Real Deal reported. The asking rent for the space, according to the Real Deal, was $550 a foot.
Pop-Up originator names new CEO

Hickory Farms is looking for new ways to grow following the operator of the company acquisition last fall by a private equity firm and the recent appointment of a CEO who spent time at RedBox and Crate & Barrel.
Analysis: Tween and teen retailers remain financially vulnerable

Apparel chains focused on tweens and teens are increasingly at risk of filing for bankruptcy protection.

At least that’s the view of Michael McGrail, COO of Tiger Capital Group and a veteran retail liquidation and asset appraisal executive.
Don’t call the cable guy, call Amazon

Amazon.com is expanding its product range yet again. This time, the e-commerce giant is entering the world of cable TV. According to TechCrunch, Amazon is launching a section of its site called “Amazon Cable Store.” Currently, Amazon Cable Store is only reselling Comcast Internet and TV services. Amazon is also offering dedicated customer service to Comcast customers who purchase services through the Cable Store.