News

Birchbox, meet the new Sephora
Sephora is enhancing its omnichannel appeal by taking a page out of Birchbox’s playbook.
Multichannel Engagement: From Teens to Seniors and Everything in Between
From mobile tech-savvy teens to the octogenarian shopper, retailers are perhaps for the first time ever addressing the widest and most diverse customer set in history. With life expectancy in the United States at an all-time high, the economy in an upswing and more people connected than ever before through smart phones and smart jewelry, retailers are marketing to increasingly wider and diverging audiences.

Amazon to open first Chicago center

Seattle -- Amazon continues to expand its already formidable fulfillment center.

The online giant plans to open a nearly 500,000-sq.-ft. center in Joliet, Illinois. The site, which will create 1,000 full-time jobs when it opens, is the company’s first in the state.
What suppliers need to know about retailer bankruptcies

The rise of e-commerce has made life increasingly difficult for shopkeepers of every size and shape. The continuing shift to online shopping, and the failure of many retailers to adapt, has pushed many retail chains into bankruptcy. Radio Shack, Wet Seal and Deb Shops are just a few once-popular merchants that have declared Chapter 11 in recent years.
Alibaba in new omnichannel push with retail deal

New York -- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has entered into its biggest deal ever — and this one is in the brick-and-mortar arena.

The Internet giant has invested approximately $4.63 billion in Chinese consumer electronics retailer Suning, which operates more than 1,600 stores across 289 cities in China. The investment gives Alibaba a 19.9% stake, making it the second largest shareholder in the company.

In return, Suning will invest up to $2.28 billion to subscribe to new shares of Alibaba.
Lowe's revamps website for business customers

Lowe's is investing in helping its professional customers save time, money and run their businesses more efficiently.
Dollar General thinks beauty with new lineup

Dollar General is upping its commitment to beauty with an expanded lineup of products and an in-store beauty magazine.
Amazon aims for faster, better in Chicago

Amazon.com is planning to make its deliveries to Chicago area customers a lot faster and more efficient with the opening of a new distribution center.

The retailer plans to open a nearly 500,000-square-foot fulfillment center in Joliet, Ill. The site, which will create 1,000 full-time jobs when it opens, is the company’s first in the state.
Dollar General gets serious about beauty

Goodlettsville, Tenn. -- Dollar General is upping its commitment to beauty with an expanded lineup of products and an in-store beauty magazine.

The retailer presented its inaugural A Day of Beauty event at the Music City Center, Davidson Ballroom, in downtown Nashville, on Aug. 8.
Poll: New Yorkers want Walmart

New York -- Local politicians and local New Yorkers differ in their views on Walmart.

Fifty-five percent of New York City residents want elected officials to let Walmart open a store within the five boroughs, according to a poll by Quinnipiac University.

The results are similar to a poll conducted by the university four years ago, when the retailer made a failed push to open in Brooklyn.