Starbucks has tapped Lucy Helm, an 18-year veteran with the company, for the role of chief partner officer. Helm had been serving in the role on an interim basis before the announcement. Starbucks refers to its employees as “partners,” and its partners haven't been happy with staffing at store…
With everyone glued to their phones these days, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that digital engagement is now a fundamental part of modern retail success. In fact, a 2015 study found that 90 percent of shoppers use their phones while shopping in stores. Engaging customers with digital apps is an increasingly common strategy for…
In the past, you and I would shop for our wardrobe at a local mall by visiting department stores such as Macy’s and other retailers like bebe, The Limited, Banana Republic and such. It’s safe to say that technology has changed all of that. However, this shouldn’t be news to anyone. It’s happened before. Let’s…
Total spending for K-12 and college is expected to reach $83.6 billion, up from last year’s $75.8 billion, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual back-to-school spending survey, conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics. Here’s how the spending breaks down: Families with children in elementary school through high school plan to spend an average of $687.72 each, for…
Amazon.com's recent Prime Day shopping event generated the “biggest day ever” in sales for the retailer. The online retailer reported that sales grew by more than 60 percent from the same 30-hour window in 2016. This isn’t surprising; it seems as if it's Amazon against the world as of late. To help retailers better compete with the industry…
Barnes & Noble Inc. announced this week that Carl Hauch has been named vice president of stores, effective immediately. In his new role, Hauch will be responsible for the entire retail store organization and profitable growth of the business, driving sales, training, developing talent and recruitment. “I'm excited about Carl’s addition to our management team,”…
Gymboree Corp. plans to close 350 stores as it restructures in bankruptcy, the company said earlier this week. Store closing sales are scheduled to begin on July 18, and most of the stores targeted for closure are Gymboree and Crazy 8 locations. The children’s apparel retailer will have more than 900 locations after the 350…
La-Z-Boy, the national furniture retailer, introduces a new fabric by issuing a challenge to customers in this direct mail package.
It’s no secret that the number of people choosing to do their shopping online continues to grow. Convenience and competitive pricing keeps consumers coming back for more, especially to Amazon.com. Over 40 percent of all online sales in 2016 were transacted through Amazon, and its dominance in e-commerce continues to grow. Still, the lion’s share…
