News

State of the Industry Report from WD Partners and Top 100 Retailers list
This special report by WD Partners examines one of the most crucial questions confronting the retail industry: the role of the physical store in a digital age. It provides a call to action for a new retail experience, and offers insights and guidance on how retailers can position themselves for success in this new age.

Click here to download the report.
Teen retailer’s profit plunges in Q2
Lynnwood, Wash. -- It was tough going for Zumiez Inc. in the second quarter as its profit fell 57% amid increased promotional activity.

The skate and surf apparel retailer reported net income of $3.2 million in the quarter, compared to net income of $7.5 million in the year-ago period. The results included include costs of approximately $0.4 million, for charges associated with the acquisition of Blue Tomato.

Total net sales for the quarter increased 1.8% to $179.8 million, from $176.7 million a year ago.

These grocery shoppers actually want to pay more

Whole Foods Market is encountering a peculiar wave of opposition as it looks to expand growth opportunities in a new target market in California.

A petition is circulating in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles area to get Whole Foods Market's planned "365" value format converted into a traditional Whole Foods Market store.
Century 21 making a lasting impression on New York

Shoppers who love a good deal on designer duds have a new reason to shop Century 21 in New York City.

The retailer has partnered once again with famous street artist Mr. Brainwash on a second mural honoring the city and the attacks of Sept. 11. His second interpretation of the events that changed the city and the nation forever are located on a 65-square-foot by 225-square-foot wall of the storefront on Church Street, depicting painted images of iconic NYC sights and sceneries.
NRF: Retail imports on the rise

Washington, D.C. – Retail imports appear to be climbing as the holidays approach.
Amazon Prime Day sets new precedent for back-to-school

The introduction of Amazon Prime Day on July 15 created a new mid-summer e-commerce event that had a profound impact on back-to-school shopping.
Whole Foods and Instacart move a whole lotta groceries

Austin, Texas – Whole Foods Market and Instacart have officially been partnering for online grocery deliveries for one year, and have moved an impressive amount of merchandise in that time.
Sam's Club lobs another salvo at Costco

In the latest move in its battle against Costco, Sam's Club is going to start accepting the very form of payment that Costco rebuffed earlier this year.
New honor for Container Store’s Kip Tindell

Dallas -- Kip Tindell, co-founder, chairman and CEO of The Container Store, has joined a global list of who’s who in retailing.

Tindell was inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame during a closing day ceremony at the World Retail Congress in Rome, Italy. Now in its ninth year, the World Retail Hall of Fame has honored founders of some of the retail world’s most iconic brands.
Merchandising miss hits Christopher & Banks in Q2

Minneapolis – A “merchandising misstep” took its toll on Christopher & Banks in its second quarter as sales decreased more than expected.

The company posted a net loss of $710,000 in the quarter, compared to earnings of $3.36 million in the year-ago period.