Retail Stores
A lack of snow and frigid air across most of the country has left marketers in the lurch. Winter boots and snow shovels are languishing on store shelves while brisk business is being done in live plants and lightweight jackets.
Cabela's has announced plans to open its first Cabela's Outpost store, unveiling a new retail initiative that will introduce the unique Cabela's retail experience to consumers in underserved markets across the U.S. and Canada.
FAO Schwarz kicked off a year-long celebration this week for its 150th anniversary, unveiling new in-store features, commemorative products and a special 150th anniversary logo.
In conjunction with its 14th annual Mystery Shopping Study conducted in the fourth quarter of 2011, the e-tailing group has released its Customer Experience Index results. These accomplishments are substantiated by an average index score of 71.30 in 2011 vs. 68.71 percent in 2010. As the good get better and pull away from the pack, 11 merchants scored 80 or higher in this fifth year of indexing, a feat accomplished by just three in the last round.
During the past two years, Abercrombie & Fitch has shuttered 135 underperforming U.S. stores — 68 alone in the fourth quarter of 2011 — and the closings will continue for at least three more years. The teen apparel retailer announced that it will shutter an additional 180 domestic stores by 2015.
Nordstrom gave a profit forecast that missed Wall Street's expectations and said its gross profit margin would dip this year as it invests in beefing up its growing online business. Nordstrom, which now operates 117 department stores and 104 Rack outlets, plans to open another department store next month and a total of 15 new Racks this fiscal year, including 12 locations that it's identified.
Cabela’s reported a fourth-quarter net income of $69.8 million, compared with $66.3 million last year. The company also announced plans to open a smaller-sized format, called Cabela’s Outpost Store, designed for markets with less than 250,000 people.
GNC reported that net income for the fourth quarter rose to $37.7 million, compared with $18.8 million a year earlier. Revenue increased 17 percent to $509.6 million in the quarter; domestic same-store sales rose 12.1 percent. In 2012, GNC plans to open approximately 125 net new domestic retail locations, 15 net new domestic franchise locations, 150 net new international franchise locations and 50 net new GNC-Rite Aid store-within-a-store locations.
Madonna's daughter Lourdes and spokesmodel Kelly Osbourne have unveiled the making of Material Girl's new spring 2012 campaign in New York. Material Girl, available exclusively at Macy's and macys.com, features three "lucky stars" from the search for the next Material Girl.
Urban Outfitters is bringing its fledgling bridal concept to Chicago, putting its own luxury, hipster spin on shopping for wedding gowns and party dresses. The Philadelphia-based apparel retailer unveiled its showcase boutique, called BHLDN, yesterday.