Retail Stores

CX Metrics for Shop Closing Decisions — Choosing the Winners and Losers
October 23, 2017 at 3:38 pm

There’s currently a sea change happening in retail. Toys“R”Us recently announced bankruptcy, and as part of its restructuring plan, the retailer will be closing stores after the 2017 holiday season. J.C. Penney closed 138 stores, with most closing at the end of July and a few remaining open until the end of September 2017. Macy’s…

Is Shelf Space Still Relevant?
October 23, 2017 at 1:57 pm

Getting your product on the top shelf isn’t as important any more when the shelves themselves are smart and know what you want the moment you walk in. Gaining product presence in retail is a difficult enough challenge, and once manufacturers have gained those retail distribution outlets, they still need to jockey for position on…

Hudson's Bay CEO Gerald Storch Leaving the Company
October 23, 2017 at 10:54 am

Gerald Storch, CEO of Hudson’s Bay Co. (HBC), is stepping down from his role, HBC announced after the close of stock markets on Friday. Storch will depart effective Nov. 1, and return to his firm,  Storch Advisors, HBC said in a press release. It didn't give further details on…

The Point of Sale is Evolving and Retailers Need to Keep Up
October 23, 2017 at 9:17 am

It’s no secret that to stay in business, retailers need to continuously evolve to meet the changing demands of shoppers in an increasingly digital world. Millennials, in particular, are avid users of touchscreens and the use of interactive touch solutions comes naturally to them. As a result, retailers are installing different forms of technology at…

Target Expands Plans for Remodels, Restock; Opens New Stores
October 20, 2017 at 12:40 pm

Target Corp. said this week that it would remodel more than 1,000 stores by the end of 2020, as well as expand its Target Restock program and open new stores. As for the remodels, Target said it will combine “the best of our digital and technology upgrades, elevated merchandise presentations and fulfillment services to make…

Tommy Bahama's CEO Talks Experiential Retail
October 18, 2017 at 1:24 pm

Tommy Bahama is winning over today’s distracted consumers by focusing on unique, unconventional retail experiences for them, according to Doug Wood, CEO of the Seattle-based manufacturer and retailer of casual men's and women's sportswear and activewear, who spoke at the 2017 SAP Retail Executive Forum in New York City yesterday. Case in point: Wood discussed…

The Benefits of Retail Digital Signage
October 17, 2017 at 10:45 am

Eight out of 10 consumers have entered a store because of a digital sign catching their eye. With impressive engagement statistics like this, there's no denying that digital signage is the future of retail marketing. Yet, most retailers don’t know exactly how digital signage can benefit their store locations. To begin, retailers should consider the…

How Kate Spade Uses Content to Clearly Communicate its Brand Message
October 17, 2017 at 10:31 am

When it comes to communicating Kate Spade's brand's voice, content is king. This was a key takeaway during a presentation by Mary Renner Beech, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Kate Spade & Company, at Luxury Interactive in New York City yesterday. "Clarity of brand voice still wins; we believe this very strongly at…

The Empire is Striking Back
October 16, 2017 at 3:49 pm

I wrote an article last month for our Total Retail Report e-newsletter that quickly went viral within the retail community. The article received thousands of views on social media and became the most-opened article at NAPCO Media, Total Retail’s parent company, on the day it was published. Since the article generated so much interest,  I…

Retail Sales in September Increase Most in 2-Plus Years
October 13, 2017 at 9:40 am

U.S. retail sales recorded their biggest increase in two-and-a-half years in September likely as reconstruction and clean-up efforts in areas devastated by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma boosted demand for building materials and motor vehicles. The Commerce Department said on Friday retail sales jumped 1.6 percent last month, also buoyed by a surge in receipts at services…