News

NO ASSEMBLY LINE
The 45-acre Assembly Row in Boston breaks almost all the rules for the traditional model for outlet centers. Just three miles from downtown Boston, Assembly Row is an urban-style mixed-use center with a wide range of outlet retail options alongside entertainment components like LEGOLAND Discovery Center, AMC Theatres and over a dozen restaurants from Legal Sea Foods to Vancouver, B.C.-based Earls Kitchen + Bar.
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Taking the reins of Toys “R” Us in July 2015, new CEO and chairman David Brandon recognized one of the biggest challenges he faced would be inspiring others to execute his vision of what the company could be. The retailer had gone through a decade of leadership changes, and Brandon was well aware that frequent executive changes, strategic shifts and cost-cutting can cause stress and a lack of trust.

Toys ‘R’ Us: New CEO, New Plans

For Toys “R” Us chairman and CEO David Brandon, it’s all about having a successful holiday in 2015 — a short-term goal that he believes will pave the way to leveraging longterm opportunities.
Retailer Sparks Controversy

There has been a bit of controversy lately regarding Urban Outfitters’ recent request that some of their salaried employees “volunteer” to fill normally hourly roles in fulfillment centers and retail outlets.
IT Outsourcing

The need for technology innovation in retail has never been greater, and the proper assets and expertise are not always available in-house.
Gordmans gains momentum ahead of holidays

Gordmans Stores ended its same-store sales dry spell and successfully launched an e-commerce site in the third quarter, leaving CEO Andy Hall upbeat about the company’s prospects.

Gordmans, operator of 102 off price department stores, said same-store sales increased 0.8% and total sales increased 4.9% to $153.9 million in the third quarter ended Oct. 31. The company also noted that gross margin improved 50 basis points to 44.4% due to reduced markdown activity.
Ace is still the place for hardware shoppers

Oak Brook, Illinois-based Ace Hardware Corporation reported third quarter 2015 revenues of $1.3 billion, an increase of $148.5 million or 13.2% from third quarter 2014. Net income was $54.2 million for third quarter 2015, an increase of $16.9 million or 45.3% from last year.

"We are delighted to announce the best third quarter sales and profit in Ace’s history," said John Venhuizen, President and CEO, Ace Hardware Corp. "The credit falls squarely on the shoulders of our world-class retailers, associates and corporate teammates.”
Google mobilizes shopping experience

Just in time for the holidays, Google is revamping its Google Shopping online marketplace to make it more mobile-friendly.

In a blog post, Google explains that mobile shopping-related searches now exceed desktop-based shopping-related searches, meaning online shopping has shifted from a “marathon” to “moments.” To help better capture mobile consumers at the moment they are looking to buy a product, Google is now displaying the most commonly searched categories in response to broad search terms.
Williams-Sonoma cooks up a profitable quarter

Williams-Sonoma says its customer-focused strategy and brand portfolio led to its earnings spike in the third quarter and will further position the company for growth into the holiday season.
Woman buys out entire toy store, donates it all to shelter kids

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