Retailers Are Increasing Store Security Amid Civil Unrest
June 3, 2020 at 6:56 pm

U.S. retailers are increasing armed security guard patrols and transferring merchandise to more secure locations, The Los Angeles Times reported. Over the past week, shopping districts in cities all over the country have been targeted by groups of looters during protests against the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, while in police custody.…

What Non-Essential Retailers Need to Know as States Reopen
June 3, 2020 at 4:42 pm

As states begin to roll out plans to reopen non-essential businesses, many retailers that have been closed for weeks are wondering what this new reality will look like. According to Shopkick’s latest survey, consumers want to hit the stores, but their expectations for retailers are much different. The survey of more than 10,000 consumers uncovered…

Retailers Become Major Player in Tech-Based, Team-Oriented Approach to 'Whole Health'
June 2, 2020 at 3:16 pm

There’s a major shift happening in the healthcare industry to make itself more a part of consumers’ everyday environment, and it’s happening outside of the doctor’s office. Retailers are pushing to use technology to hype up the health management experience and bring consumers into stores for services that typically take place at a medical office.…

Target Closes 175 Stores Nationwide in Wake of George Floyd Protests, Looting
May 31, 2020 at 6:51 pm

Target said late Saturday night that it would temporarily close 175 of its locations across the U.S. after video of its Minneapolis store getting looted went viral amid the fifth night of protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, which saw protesters around the country destroying stores and setting fire to police vehicles.  “We…

Indiesigns Helps Businesses Re-Open Safely With Custom Signage
May 31, 2020 at 9:58 am

In episode 249 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Ari Grazi, co-founder and president of Indiewalls, a full-service art consultancy connecting designers, brands, and consumers to a global community of independent artists. Listen in as Grazi discusses his professional background, why he founded Indiewalls, and the company's new Indiesigns extension, which sells decals and signs that…

How to Create a Positive Employee Experience Through COVID-19
May 29, 2020 at 2:04 pm

We’re living in an unprecedented time — and it’s drastically affecting retail employees. After all, none of us expected to live through a global pandemic that would uproot economies around the world. Retail employees are working harder than ever, and many must also deal with reduced hours, layoffs, or furloughs. That makes it all the…

Tuesday Morning Files for Bankruptcy, to Close 230 Stores
May 27, 2020 at 6:55 pm

Discount retailer Tuesday Morning filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week and plans to shutter 230 of its stores due to the coronavirus pandemic, CNBC reported. Tuesday Morning said it plans to permanently close a third of its nearly 700 stores and exit Chapter 11 in the early fall with about 450 locations. During the…

Pier 1 Imports Plans to Shut Down Permanently After Not Finding a Buyer
May 20, 2020 at 7:05 pm

Pier 1 Imports announced this week that it's seeking bankruptcy court approval to shut down its business permanently after it wasn't able to find a buyer, CNBC reported. The home goods retailer said in a press release that it has been trying to find a buyer for months which would continue operating the business, but…

Amazon to Convert More Whole Foods Locations Into 'Dark Stores'
May 19, 2020 at 9:50 am

Amazon.com is converting more of its Whole Foods locations into "dark stores," which are dedicated solely to fulfilling online orders. The move is part of an effort by Amazon to keep up with increased demand for groceries during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a FOX Business report. “With stay-at-home orders in place, customers have generated unprecedented demand for grocery delivery,"…

J.C. Penney Files for Bankruptcy Protection
May 17, 2020 at 4:48 pm

J.C. Penney filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday with plans to permanently close some stores and also explore a possible sale. The department store chain, known for selling family apparel, cosmetics and jewelry at 850 locations, said it reached an agreement with existing lenders for $900 million of debtor-in-possession financing to aid operations while it navigates…