News

By Sean Jackson, [email protected]

In recent weeks, there have been some well-publicised examples of retail giants whose financial performance has been severely impacted by breakdowns in the supply chain. As salt in the wound to these behemoths of retail, there are just as many examples of organizations that have exceeded market expectations due to an ability to behave nimbly and respond quickly to changes in consumer demand.

Kohl’s Department Stores opened 12 new stores nationwide in September, all featuring the chain’s updated store design. Eleven of the stores are smaller format locations, with some 64,000 sq. ft. or less of retail space.

The stores are designed to offer customers a comfortable and inviting shopping environment, with Wi-Fi throughout, updated checkouts and upgraded fitting rooms. Other features include innovative fixtures in cosmetics, expanded, upfront customer service area, in-store Kohl’s Kiosks and electronic signs in all departments.

Redwood Shores, Calif. -- The Bentley Group, a Canadian retailer offering luggage, handbags and accessories, has selected Oracle Retail solutions to optimize operations and establish an integrated, scalable platform to help drive growth.

New York -- Total holiday sales are expected to climb to between $920 and $925 billion, representing a modest 3.5% to 4% increase in November through January holiday sales (excluding motor vehicles and gasoline) over last season, according to Deloitte’s holiday forecast. The forecast is below last year's 5.9% gain.

Each year, since the “big recession,” retailers have been putting out their holiday decorations and starting their promotional sales as early as mid-October. It used to be that Black Friday was the kick-off that got everyone out to the stores in search of that must-have discounted gift for their loved ones. This year, however, the calendar barely hit September and I saw Christmas trees on display at my local Costco and retailers announcing their layaway program incentives.

WASHINGTON — The air is getting colder and retailers are already gearing up for the Christmas season, but before they do that, they will have to get through Halloween.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples plans to improve customer experience, accelerate growth and deliver value to shareholders through a new strategic plan. Under the plan, Staples will integrate its retail and online offering, increase investment in its online businesses, reorganize its operations, implement leadership changes, initiate a multi-year cost savings plan, and restructure its international operations.

OMAHA, Neb. — ConAgra Foods is expanding its facility in Russellville, Ark. to make Bertolli brand and P.F. Chang’s brand frozen meals. The expansion, anticipated to be a $100 million investment, is expected to create more than 80 jobs.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us is getting ready for the increased demand this holiday season by hiring 45,000 seasonal employees to staff its stores and distribution centers across the country this holiday season.

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market has received a 2012 Green Power Leadership Award for sustained excellence from the Environmental Protection Agency for its renewable energy purchase of 800 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) last year.

In addition to its renewable energy purchases, Whole Foods Market is generating nearly 258,000 kWh annually with the use of on-site solar arrays. Whole Foods Market adds this most recent award to its three previous Green Power Partner of the Year and two Green Power Purchasing awards from the EPA.