STORE SPACES

Shoplifting: How to prevent ‘blind spots’ in the store layout
Though many types of theft deterrent equipment exist, one of the most effective and affordable approaches is preventing retail shoplifting is by avoiding “blind spots” in the store layout. In this regard, one of the hardest places for supermarket or mass merchandise cashiers to control and easily view has been under the shopping basket, which is usually blocked by a basketful of other items above it. Failing to ring up items under the basket before customers leave the store can be extremely costly to retailers.
Toys ‘R’ Us testing AR to make stores digital playgrounds
Toys "R" Us is doubling down on its new brand positioning, “Today We Play.” The retailer announced it has begun testing an augmented reality app, called Play Chaser, in 23 stores nationwide, with a chainwide roll-out planned for Oct. 21. Developed in partnership with PlayFusion, the free app allows users to activate different AR mini games and play experiences on their smart device while in Toys "R" Us stores.

Canadian athletic wear retailer to make U.S. store debut

RYU Apparel is coming to the Big Apple. RYU (Respect Your Universe) announced plans to open a store in in the hip Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. The 2,800-sq.-ft. store, the brand's first in the U.S., will open in the first quarter of 2018.
Toys ‘R’ Us in ‘play’ mode

The nation's largest toy retailer wants everyone to take some time out to play. Toys "R" Us announced that, this fall, it is launching "play labs" at 42 stores where kids (and parents) can play with some of the season's hottest toys. The retailer said that adults can use the lab to test the items on kids' holiday lists to check for age appropriateness before they make a purchase.
Study: Even younger shoppers like stores

More than three-quarters of consumers are shopping at bricks-and-mortar stores just as much as or more than they did a year ago. That's according to Consumer View, a new quarterly report from the National Retail Federation. NRF is working with Toluna Analytics to produce the report, which is designed to gauge consumer behavior and shopping trends related to stores, online channels, customer loyalty, technology and other issues.
CVS Pharmacy in big Times Square debut

CVS Pharmacy has brought its new store format to the "crossroads of the world."
DSW going back to its roots for store of the future
Disney testing new store design as part of omnichannel update

Disney is looking to update its customer experience, offline and online, in what it said represents "the next generation of Disney retail." The company is testing a new store prototype in select locations, including Century City, Calif.; Northridge, Calif.; Miami, Fla. (opening Sept. 28); Nagoya, Japan; and Shanghai, China. The prototype is designed to bring the magic of Disney to retail through innovative technology, storytelling and cast member interaction, the company stated.
Williams Sonoma to open specialty concept in New York

Williams Sonoma is expanding its new dedicated home furnishings store format.
Discounter opens 'store of the future'

Big Lots has finally unwrapped its store of the future. Located in the company's hometown of Columbus, Ohio, the store has a less promotional, softer look. Gaudy, aggressive signs have been replaced with more traditional aisle markers and color coding have replaced the chain's signs that "shouted" at customers, Columbus Business First reported. Customers are greeted with a big "Hello" on a wall as they enter, with a "thank you" sign on the way out.