News

Ricola to offer new product with energy boost
Ricola, a manufacturer of herb drops, on Wednesday announced the introduction of Revitalizing Herb Drops, which work to restore energy. The drops contain a powder-filled center with B-vitamins to help give consumers a natural boost when they have a cough or cold, the company said.
Is the Future for Stores Getting Smaller?
By Jeff Weidauer, Vestcom International There’s been a lot of discussion in recent months about store sizes, in particular the fact that stores are getting smaller, primarily because of the impact of e-commerce. For example, Walmart and Target are both committed to offering smaller format stores.

Aeropostale launches collection with social media stars

Aeropostale has jumped on the social media band-wagon big time this fall. The company has partnered with popular Vine stars Nash Grier, Hayes Grier, Cameron Dallas and Carter Reynolds for a launch of the UNITED XXVI Collection.

The first-ever UNITED XXVI Collection launched October 25th, exclusively in Aeropostale stores nationwide and on Aeropostale.com. The collection was designed to appeal to “edgy and contemporary” customer and to illustrate the most important "Fashion Now" statements of each of the young men's lifestyles.
Shop.org: Retailers set earlier holiday shipping deadlines

Washington, D.C. –- Nearly eight in 10 (79%) retailers surveyed will set their standard shipping deadlines for guaranteed Christmas delivery to expire at least a week before the holiday, compared to 74% who said in the 2013 holiday season. In addition, according to Shop.org’s EHoliday survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, approximately one in five (21%) will set those deadlines to expire Dec. 19 or later, compared to more than one-quarter who said so last year (25%).
Fresh fashion talent in Amazon Fashion competition

Amazon Fashion celebrated the next generation of gifted fashion designers and industry creatives in its Studio Sessions Competition in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The event brought together students from five participated schools – Fashion Institute of Technology, LIM College, Parsons School for the New Design, Pratt Institute and the School of Visual Arts.
DHGate.com partners with SquareTrade for electronics protection plan

San Francisco -- DHgate, an e-commerce marketplace focused on cross-border trade of Chinese goods, will provide its U.S. buyers with a consumer-rated protection plan and repair service through SquareTrade. The partnership makes SquareTrade protection plans immediately available for cell phones, tablets, computers, MP3/4 players, home audio/video and other consumer electronics products.
Shakira to collaborate with Fisher-Price

Fisher-Price, Inc., has partnered with a global pop star mom and a philanthropist Shakira and the Barefoot Foundation to create a web series for moms and co-develop a new line of Babygear and toys.
RetailROI launches #RetailFightsEbola relief campaign

Nashville -- Responding to the Ebola virus that has ravaged West Africa, the Retail Orphan Initiative (RetailROI) is launching a major campaign to help fight Ebola in Liberia. Working with its partner charities operating in Liberia, the #RetailFightsEbola campaign is rallying retailers, manufacturers and individuals to provide much-needed medical and hygienic supplies to Liberia.
Lowe’s takes on Big Apple with small formats

Home improvement in New York is in for a new look in 2015 when Lowe’s opens two tiny stores in Manhattan.

Lowe's is coming to Manhattan to bring homeowners, renters and professional customers the products and services they need to maintain and improve their homes and businesses, the company said. Its two stores are slated to open in the second half of 2015 at 2008 Broadway at West 68th Street and 635 6th Avenue at West 19th Street.
Deeper Dive: Starbucks’ new mobile ordering service

In announcing its new mobile ordering service, Starbucks referenced a "seismic shift in consumer behavior in which many traditional brick-and-mortar retailers experienced a decline in foot traffic compared with significant growth in online shopping" during the 2013 holiday season. Indeed, consumers are increasingly comfortable with bypassing physical stores and purchasing goods online, especially when facing the prospect of holiday crowds and traffic.