News

Chip and PIN gains influential supporter
The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association are aligned with the nation’s top law enforcement agency in an effort to ensure consumers have access to the most secure payment methods.

The FBI has released an official advisory warning consumers that EMV-compliant cards are still vulnerable to fraud and PIN authentication is the best means to prevent personal data theft. According to the FBI. EMV cards can still be counterfeited with stolen card data obtained on the black market.
Madura, New York City
French home décor and lifestyle retailer Madura expands its global presence with a flagship in New York City’s Flatiron neighborhood.

The three-story, 3,000-sq.-ft. store features two 20-ft. walls that display the company’s signature decorative pillows, which come in a host of colors, designs and fabrications. Shoppers can browse through available pillow covers at an interactive station, the “pillow bar,” on the first floor.

Aeropostale finds new way to make money

Aeropostale believes its brand is strong enough that shoppers at other retail outlets will want to buy licensed products bearing its name.

The teen specialty retailer and operator of roughly 800 stores signed a domestic licensing agreement for home textiles with Himatsingka America. Terms of the deal call for Himatsingka to design, manufacture and distribute bedding and bath linens using the Aeropostale label for department stores, big-box retailers and wholesale channels across North America.
Biggs named Walmart CFO

After more than two decades in top finance roles at Walmart, Charles Holley, 59, is stepping down as CFO at the world’s largest retailer.

Succeeding Holley will be Brett Biggs, a well-rounded finance executive who joined Walmart in 2000 and has held key roles in each of the retailer’s divisions.
Report: ModCloth ditches 'plus size' designation

Online fashion retailer ModCloth removed the “plus size” section from its site, opting to mix the items in with its regularly-sized items for a more “inclusive” shopping experience, Today.com reported. Company co-founder Susan Gregg Koger said, “as we think about a potentially permanent shop, we know we're not going to have a separate plus-size section.”
J.C. Penney CEO Ellison makes $1 billion promise

J.C. Penney CEO Marvin Ellison contends the retailer’s turnaround plan is working and by executing three key strategies it will achieve a financial milestone that was unthinkable a few years ago.
Twitter amplifies ad offering

Placing ads in tweets just got easier and more precise for retailers.
Taubman Center named Best Retail Development

Sarasota, Fla. -- Taubman Centers celebrates two milestones for The Mall at University Town Center in Sarasota, Florida.

Oct. 16 marks the one year anniversary for the property and it has recently been named “Best Retail Development, Florida” by the International Property Awards and on.
Raiders tackle retail communications networking

The Oakland Raiders professional football team needs to communicate more than plays and formations.

The Raiders operate 12 Raider Image retail stores throughout California, an online store and a corresponding fulfillment center. Effective voice and data communications are critical for streamlined coordination and ideal performance in these locations.
10 trends to drive the holiday shopping season

For the 2015 holiday shopping season, the dollar figure forecast on consumer spend is less relevant for retailers, according to PwC's 2015 Holiday Outlook. Rather, a deeper understanding of the complex retail landscape and the focus on building long-term shopper relationships is how retailers will define success this year.

PwC outlines 10 big trends that are expected to drive the 2015 holiday shopping season: