News

Batteries Plus Bulbs powers omnichannel store connection
Hartland, Wis. – Batteries Plus Bulbs, a 650-store chain specializing in batteries, lightbulbs and personal electronics repair, has a fairly traditional offering of products and services. But that doesn’t stop the retailer from delivering a modern omnichannel customer experience.

“We’re a needs-based business,” said Jayson Serrault VP of omnichannel marketing and analytics, Batteries Plus Bulbs. “Customers come to us with a specific need that has some sense of urgency and immediacy.”
Report: Iconic supermarket chain may file Chapter 11
Montvale, N.J. – A supermarket chain that was founded two years before the Civil War began may be going the way of the Confederate flag.

According to the New York Post, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. (A&P) may file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as soon as this week.

Listen: The Changing Role of the Retail CMO

New York – Dan Berthiaume, senior editor of Chain Store Age, recently participated in a one-hour panel discussion, “Today’s Retail CMO – A New Outlook,” sponsored by SAP as part of its “Coffee Break with Game-Changers” Internet radio series. The discussion, broadcast live on the VoiceAmerica Internet media service, focused on how advances in cloud and digital technology are transforming the role of the chief marketing officer in retail.
Back-to-school at Macy's is all about boho

Macy’s is ready to help students put their best (fashion) foot forward this autumn with an omnichannel approach to back-to-school.
NRF: Back-to-school shoppers take studied approach

Washington, D.C. - Parents this year will be a little more cautious about their back-to-school spending.

According to NRF’s Back-to-School Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average family with children in grades K-12 plans to spend $630.36 on school needs.
Back-to-school shoppers plan to boost spending

There was good news for retailers in the International Council of Shopping Centers’ annual BTS (Back-to-School) Consumer Spending Survey.
Report: Walmart's Chinese e-commerce firm loses execs

Walmart's Asian business is regrouping after the founders of the retailer's e-commerce arm in China, Yihaodian, have left the company, according to Bloomberg.

The news service reported the company confirmed Wednesday that Yu Gang, Yihaodian’s chairman, and Liu Junling, the CEO, left to start a new venture.
Kid City stores become more convenient

Montreal – Mall-based discount children’s apparel retailer Youngland Kiddie Shops has implemented cloud-based retail technology solutions from Aptos Inc. (formerly Epicor Retail) to improve the customer experience.
Retail tech veteran joins omnichannel firm

A former chief information officer at Walmart is joining retail technology firm Newgistics.

The company has hired Gene Wojciechowski as its chief information officer (CIO). Wojciechowski brings nearly 30 years of experience leading IT organizations at companies including Walmart.com, UPS Freight Services and Staples to his new role, where he’ll be tasked with providing executive leadership and strategic direction for all of Newgistics’ core technology operations.
Mattress Firm gives customers credit

Houston – Mattress Firm Inc. is giving its customers credit.