News

RadioShack is far from dead
RadioShack plans to enhance its in-store experience and deliver an exciting new product mix now that it has $75 million in new funding.

General Wireless Operations Inc., doing business as RadioShack, has completed new financing consisting of a $50 million asset-based lending credit facility led by RBC Capital Markets and a $25 million first-in last-out term loan led by Great American Capital Partners.
American Apparel CEO Talks Turnaround with CSA
New York -- Let’s be clear about one thing: Paula Schneider is not changing the DNA of American Apparel. The apparel industry veteran, who took the reins of the troubled retail company in January 2015, is quite proud of the brand’s progressive spirit.

“We are a very inclusive brand,” Schneider told Chain Store Age. “One that gives everyone the opportunity to express themselves. You can see it in our clothes and in the causes we support.”

Active engagement is key on path to purchase

New research from global marketer Epsilon sheds fresh insight on how to influence shoppers on an increasingly convoluted path to purchase.

The firm surveyed 2,800 consumers for its “The Digital Shopping Tool Impact Study 2015” which examined how people are shopping, what’s guiding their purchasing decisions and what tools they are using before, during and after purchase. The research revealed a noticeable shift towards mobile and social digital tools that is changing the very nature of the shopping process.
Acquisition creates discount giant

Chesapeake, Va. -- It’s a done deal.

Dollar Tree announced Monday that it has completed its $8.5 billion acquisition of Family Dollar Stores.

Gary Philbin, 58, formerly president and COO of Dollar Tree, has been named to the same position at Family Dollar, effective immediately. In his new role, Philbin will continue to report to Bob Sasser, CEO of Dollar Tree.
Walmart launches click and collect in Canada

Walmart has experimented with grocery delivery and store pick up in the U.S. for several years and now it is testing the waters in Canada.

Walmart chose Ottawa, a medium-sized city an hour west of Montreal in the French-speaking province of Quebec, as the first market in Canada to receive the Online Grocery Pickup service. Eleven stores in the city are part of the program. Six locations are scheduled to go live on July 7 with another five stores due to come online July 21. Walmart operates 395 stores throughout Canada.
Lowe’s promotes treasurer

Mooresville, N.C. – Lowe's Companies Inc. has promoted Tiffany L. Mason to senior VP of corporate finance and treasurer. Mason will continue to report to CFO Robert F. Hull Jr.

In her expanded role, Mason is taking on responsibility for financial planning and analysis, while she retains responsibility for the investor relations and treasury functions. Mason has nearly 20 years of experience in accounting and corporate finance across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, banking and retail.
Beyond the buzz, personalization offer retailers real potential

An expanded relationship between IBM and Adobe promises to give retail marketers new dynamic personalization powers to increase sales.

Adobe announced an integration with IBM WebSphere Commerce that the companies believe give marketers the ability to create and deliver powerful experiences across all digital channels.
Sears hits its big with REIT offering

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Sears Holding Corp. has met financial expectations for its new real estate investment trust (REIT) called Seritage Growth Properties. A 53.3 million-share Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) subscription rights offering for Seritage that closed on July 2 was oversubscribed and generated about $1.6 billion, meeting expectations for gross proceeds of $1.57 billion.
Summer camp redefined at Books-A-Million

Books-A-Million is re-defining the meaning of summer camp and fun for kids this summer with a new character-based series of store events.

Summer Fun Camps at Books-A-Million will take place from 2-4 pm each Saturday in July, and feature activities based around popular characters like the Minions, Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. The camps will take place at all Books-A-Million locations.
QVC names Abercrombie exec as finance VP

West Chester, Pa. – QVC has appointed Sanjay Singh as senior VP to lead its newly formed business planning & analysis (BP&A) group. Singh will be responsible for developing financial insights and driving integrated global business and financial planning across markets and functions.