NRF: Retailers’ Organizational Structures Vary

At REI, for example, store managers in multistore markets receive compensation for sales in the physical stores in their market as well as local online sales. “We just felt that from an inventory perspective, this approach makes sense," said Brown.

For Charming Shoppes (parent company of Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and Catherines) and Belk, however, this approach hasn't yet taken hold, even though it's a goal for both companies.