STORE SPACES

Revitalizing the In-Store Experience
This special report explores some of the tactics that retailers can use to revitalize in-store experiences with a goal of increasing foot traffic and encouraging repeat visits — with a critical component being how physical retailers blend the perks of digital commerce with their physical store environments to provide the most seamless experience possible.
First Look: Adidas Originals goes big in Chicago
Adidas has opened its largest Adidas Originals location to date, a 4,966-sq.-ft. flagship in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago. The new outpost, which sits under a section of Chicago's elevated train system, is designed to reflect its surrounding. It is full of connections to the local creative community, including an original sculpture at the front of the store by Chicago artist POSE, and custom murals created by Tubsz, a South Side native that specializes in calligraffiti (a combination of calligraphy and graffiti.)

Go Green, Not Red, this Holiday Season

The holiday shopping season is upon us. For retailers, these last three months of the year signify a marathon of competitive sales strategies to increase foot traffic and maximize profits. According to the National Retail Federation, the holiday season can represent as much as 30% of annual sales. To adapt to shifting consumer trends and meet peak season demands, stores plan to increase both hours of operation and staff onsite.
Moody's: No letup in sight to off-price growth

Off-price retailers will remain among the top performers in the U.S. retail industry during the next 12 to 18 months. That's according to a new report from Moody's Investors Service. The outlook is not as positive for department stores, which will continue to struggle as they seek to level the playing field with both off-price and online vendors.
What Retailers Need to Know About Their Energy Bill — and How to Lower it

Energy is the fourth largest in-store operating cost for retailers, with the average 50,000-sq.-ft. retail building spending around $90,000 each year on energy costs. Retail building managers are constantly trying to better regulate their buildings’ energy costs, so understanding where those charges come from can be extremely beneficial.
Fast-growing Dutch retailer to bring womenswear store concept to U.S.

Suistudio specializes in suits — but it's not dressing men. Based in the Netherlands, the online women's apparel retailer is set to open its first U.S. store at the end of October, in New York City. The merchandise mix will emphasize no-fuss silhouettes that promise an "impeccable" fit and put a modern twist on the notion of power suiting — with in-store, while-you-wait tailoring available. In addition to suits, the mix includes shirts, dresses, and evening wear.
Fast-growing organic grocer sets 2018 store openings

Sprouts Farmers Market is in expansion mode. Sprouts Farmers Market announced it will open nine new locations in the first quarter of 2018. In total, the natural and organics grocer will open approximately 30 new stores across the country in 2018.
The Profit's Marcus Lemonis launches new retail concept

A new women's apparel store has made its debut in Chicago. Marcus Lemonis Fashion Group, which is owned by Marcus Lemonis, star of CNBC hit reality series “The Profit,” CEO of Camping World and all-around retail entrepreneur, has opened Marcus, on Chicago's Gold Coast. Additional locations are expected to open within the next six months in Aspen, Col.; Hinsdale, Ill., and New York City.
Home furnishings giant makes it 45

Ikea is entering new territory. The retailer will open a store on Oct. 11, in Fishers, Indiana. It will be Swedish company’s first location in Indiana, 45th in the United States, and 408th worldwide. The 289,000-sq.-ft. Ikea includes one of Indiana’s largest solar rooftops, as well as three electric vehicle charging stations. Ninety percent of Ikea U.S. stores have a solar presence.
First Look: Nordstrom Local, West Hollywood, Calif.

Nordstrom has unveiled its new retail concept, Nordstrom Local. Located in West Hollywood, Calif., the 3,000-sq.-ft. store offers all sorts of services, including on-site tailoring, personal stylists, buy-online-pickup-in-store, manicures — but has no dedicated inventory. Eight fitting rooms (associates can transfer requested merchandise from Nordstrom stores or its website to Nordstrom Local for try on) surround a central meeting space.