News

Tyco minds the store with latest acquisition
Security technology specialist Tyco International plc is continuing to expand its focus on providing store analytics to retailers.

Tyco has reached a definitive agreement to acquire ShopperTrak, a global provider of retail consumer behavioral data and location-based analytics, for approximately $175 million in cash.

Based in Chicago, ShopperTrak provides customer traffic and related intelligence to more than 1,200 retailers in 97 countries.
Kroger unveiling new concept in Seattle
A new retail brand called Main & Vine is entering Kroger’s extensive store portfolio soon and it could spell more trouble for Whole Foods and other competitors.

A Web site for the new concept is filled with beautiful photos of fresh products and bills the store as a place, “where eating is healthy, affordable and fun!” The site does not offer an indication of when the store will open other than soon.

Modell’s Sporting Goods continues to expand Northeast footprint

Three City Sports stores are being given a new lease on life.

Modell’s Sporting Goods has acquired three prime Northeast locations from City Sports, which filed for bankruptcy protection in October 2015 and subsequently announced plans to close all its stores. Beginning in early 2016, the stores, which range from 7,500 sq. ft. - 9,000 sq. ft. and are located in Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C., will start to transition to the Modell’s format.
PetSmart creates new omnichannel holiday

National Fetch It Day is the name PetSmart has given an online promotion with an across the board discount to incentivizes shoppers to pick up their order in store.
Chef Nobu to open flagship at 60-acre coastal development in the heart of Honolulu

Photo: Chef Nobu Matsuhisa
Harry & David tastes benefit of social marketing

Specialty gift retailer Harry & David is taking a visual and social approach to a holiday promotion.

Harry & David is hosting an interactive social media campaign called #TastetheHolidays through Dec. 31. Consumers who sign up for the campaign online and follow Harry & David on Instagram and/or Twitter can win a variety of prizes that include gift cards and baskets.
Interior design firm enters retail with analytical help

Alice Lane Home, a Salt Lake City-based interior design firm which is opening brick-and-mortar showrooms, is ensuring stores meet customer needs.

Alice Lane Home opened its first store in Farmington, Utah, in 2008 and a flagship location in Salt Lake City in 2014. The retailer is now deploying the RetailNext store analytics platform at stores in Salt Lake City and Orem, Utah, with an eye toward future brick-and-mortar growth.
Abercrombie & Fitch names new exec to top job

Abercrombie & Fitch elevated the head of its Hollister brand to the newly created role of president and chief merchandising officer after announcing the departure of another top executive.
Sephora rejuvenates forecasting and replenishment

Specialty beauty retailer Sephora is getting a better look at the merchandise its stores will need.
Walmart gives $1.4 billion to charity in 2015

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation is out with its annual Giving Report, which puts a monetary value on all the ways the retailer and its charitable arm sought to make a difference during the 2015 fiscal year.

From a big picture standpoint, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated more than $1.4 billion in cash and in kind donations, primarily food, and Walmart’s 2.2 million employees also contributed more than 1.5 million hours of their time outside of work to volunteer causes.