Government Shutdown Could Have Residual Effects on Retail Throughout 2019
February 19, 2019 at 7:48 pm

Following a successful holiday season in 2018, the retail industry was immediately shaken by the longest-lasting government shutdown in U.S. history. Initially, some thought the impact would only affect the first financial quarter, however, as the shutdown lingered, the impact could be felt through the rest of 2019. The federal government shutdown cost the economy…

4 Consumer Experience Investments Retailers Need to Prioritize in 2019
February 15, 2019 at 10:05 am

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for retailers, when amidst all the festivities and cheer, consumers are spending big. In 2018, the National Retail Federation forecast consumers would spend an average of $1,007 on decorations, candy, gifts, and more. However, the end of the year is also a critical time for retailers because…

Will the Rebirth of the Toys"R"Us Brand Affect Toy Retail?
February 14, 2019 at 5:37 pm

In this episode of Retail Right Now, Joe Keenan analyzes the quasi rebirth of iconic retailer Toys"R"Us under new parent company, Tru Kids Inc. What impact does this have on other toy retailers, as well as other companies that invested more heavily in the product category after the fall of Toys”R”Us, such as Target, Walmart, and…

Barneys New York to Launch Cannabis Store in California
February 13, 2019 at 2:29 pm

Barneys New York is launching a cannabis shop in California called The High End, reports Forbes. The "cannabis lifestyle" store will open in March inside an existing Barneys Beverly Hills location. More cannabis stores are expected to appear in Barneys locations across California. The Beverly Hills store will feature an exclusive partnership with luxury cannabis…

Lush Cosmetics Reduces Costs, Improves Service With Store Communication Platform
February 13, 2019 at 12:03 pm

In an effort to better connect its remote brick-and-mortar employees with company headquarters, beauty retailer Lush Cosmetics recently introduced a communication and workflow platform for its store associates and managers. The app-based platform is used as a vehicle for daily communications between the company's executives and its front-line staff in its stores. Lush uses the…

Payless Prepares for Bankruptcy Filing, Store Closures
February 12, 2019 at 2:53 pm

Payless Inc. is preparing for its second trip to bankruptcy court with a plan that could drastically shrink the size of the discount shoe chain, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The retailer is seeking a loan to get through bankruptcy proceedings and discussing plans to shutter a significant portion, and potentially all, of…

Toys”R”Us is Now Tru Kids Inc.
February 11, 2019 at 2:14 pm

Toys”R”Us  has officially emerged as Tru Kids Inc., a  new company, with new leadership and a new vision, according to a press release published today. Effective Jan. 20, Tru Kids Inc. doing business as Tru Kids Brands, became the parent company of Toys”R”Us, Babies”R”Us, Geoffrey and more than 20 consumer toy and baby brands. Tru Kids is…