Here are the latest stories to emerge as retailers and brands deal with the impact that the global spread of the coronavirus has had on their businesses and the communities in which they operate. Total Retail Report's daily update offers retail executives the chance to stay-up-to-date on all that's happening within the retail industry. Walmart…
Melissa Campanelli
Retailers are most likely currently spending on technology that helps them track inventory and fulfill orders across multiple channels, especially as consumers engage with brands across a variety of touchpoints, and often in a single purchase journey. This was a key finding from Total Retail’s 2020 Retail Technology Report, which was produced in conjunction with Orckestra…
Total Retail is continuing its daily coverage of how retailers and brands are responding to the COVID-19 crisis and the impact it is having on their businesses. Here's the latest: Retailers are continuing to lay off and furlough workers due to the coronavirus uncertainty. Macy's announced this morning that the majority of employees for the Macy’s,…
Total Retail is continuing its daily coverage of how retailers and brands are responding to the coronavirus global pandemic. As retailers try to figure out how to navigate these uncertain times, it's helpful to look at the ways others in our community are responding. Below are examples of retailers giving back during this time, as…
Many retailers are closing their doors or reducing their open hours across the U.S. in an effort to blunt the spread of the coronavirus. While the closures may help stop the spread of the virus, they will also hamper the already-stressed retail industry. Here's a list of major retailers that are closing stores (more are…
Amazon.com confirmed today that it's launching a new business line selling the technology behind its cashier-less convenience stores to other retailers. In addition, Amazon told Reuters it has signed “several” deals with customers it would not name. The technology, which Amazon calls Just Walk Out, enables shoppers to enter a store, grab merchandise, and go. Here's how it works: In…
Hudson’s Bay Co. (HBC) said last week that it won shareholders’ approval to become a private company owned by the group of continuing shareholders led by HBC Governor and Executive Chairman Richard Baker. Other shareholders will get CA$11 ($8.23) per share in cash in the deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including court approval.…
Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC), sister brand of Total Retail, is proud to present its 10th annual list of the top women executives in the retail industry. Like the prior nine years, the 2020 Top Women in Retail list features a who’s who in the industry. Honorees, some of whom were nominated via a…
Walmart announced today that it's rolling out a new service called Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) that offers selected marketplace sellers access to its supply chain capabilities, including storing, picking, packing and shipping items, as well as the handling of returns and customer service. The retail giant said in a statement emailed to Total Retail that WFS…
Francesca's Holdings Corp. last week announced the appointment of Andrew Clarke as president, chief executive officer and member of the board, effective March 9. Clarke replaces Michael Prendergast, who has served as interim CEO for the past year. Clarke, who was most recently president of Ascena Retail apparel brand Loft, has 25 years of retail experience, much of it in…
Consumers are still using email to receive communications from retailers; in fact, they prefer that communication challenge. And the good news is that those emails still spur engagement among shoppers of all ages. With that in mind, we decided to feature email marketing tips in our 50 Best Retail Tips of 2019 report, which is a…
Beauty products subscription service Birchbox plans to lay off 25 percent of its workforce to reduce costs. At least 44 employees will be affected in New York, out of a total workforce of 94, according to a notice filed with the state labor department. As part of the costs reduction plan, Birchbox also plans to move some…
Forever 21 has reached an $81 million deal to sell its retail business to a consortium made up of mall operators Simon Property Group and Brookfield Properties, and brand management firm Authentic Brands Group. In a bankruptcy court filing, the mall-based retailer said it's seeking approval to name the three as the lead "stalking-horse bidders" in an…
Walmart is testing out a higher minimum starting wage for certain jobs at about 500 of its stores as part of a broader overhaul of roles and responsibilities across its U.S. workforce. According to Bloomberg, Walmart is raising starting minimum hourly wages to $12 from $11. Under the retailer’s new operating model, dubbed “Great Workplace,” some…
Tailored Brands said last week that it would sell its Joseph Abboud trademarks to WHP for $115 million, but will retain exclusive rights to sell and rent Joseph Abboud-branded apparel and related merchandise in the U.S. and Canada. Tailored Brands, an omnichannel specialty retailer of menswear also owns the Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Moores Clothing…
