Retail Stores

J. Crew Swings to Loss in Q1
June 10, 2011

J. Crew reported a $29.9 million loss in its fiscal first quarter, compared to a profit of $44.7 million in the year-ago period. The apparel retailer said the loss was due to markdowns to clear out excess inventory and charges related to being acquired. J. Crew went private in March in a $3 billion deal with two private equity firms.

Wal-Mart Expanding Test Of In-Store Wireless Shops
June 10, 2011

Wal-Mart is planning to expand its test of in-store mobile specialty shops to a total of 350 supercenters this year. The in-house pilot was launched in 200 stores last fall and will be extended to an additional 150 locations this year.

Podcast: Macy's, J.C. Penney and Best Buy Case Studies From the Retail Marketing Virtual Conference & Expo
June 8, 2011

Listen in as Bernie Brennan, co-author of 
“Branded! How Retailers Engage Consumers With Social Media and Mobility," (with Lori Schafer) discusses how leading retailers Macy's, J.C. Penney and Best Buy are meeting the needs of their customers — and generating revenue — by communicating with them via the web, social media and smartphones. This podcast…

Golf Retailers Gearing Up for Busiest Holiday of the Year — Father's Day
June 8, 2011

For most retailers the December holidays are the busiest time of the year. For golf equipment retailers, the weeks leading up to Father's Day is when cash registers ring the most. In fact, Golfsmith traditionally experiences the same high sales volumes in June that mainstream retailers experience during the year-end sales rush. For Golfsmith, it is Christmas time in June.

Magical World of Disney Comes to Canada
June 8, 2011

Disney Store added magic to Canada last month by opening two innovative shopping experiences in Mississauga, Ontario and Burnaby, British Columbia. The Canadian locations feature interactive areas incorporating state-of-the-art technology.

TOMS Shoes Expands Into Eyewear for Charity
June 8, 2011

TOMS Shoes announced a new product category — sunglasses. But the glasses won't be distributed in the same way that TOMS distributes its footwear. Instead, the company will work with the Seva Foundation on sight restoration initiatives in Nepal, Tibet and Cambodia.

Old Navy Gets a Makeover
June 7, 2011

No more fiberboard. No more steel shelves or warehouse design. The Old Navy chain of budget-yet-spunky clothing stores is abandoning its old surplus feel and going with a new look.

 

Bluefly Apologizes for Ripping Off Warby Parker's Product Image
June 6, 2011

In addition to co-opting Warby Parker's business idea, Bluefly's just-launched e-commerce site Eyefly also stole Warby Parker's product shots. It seemed pretty outrageous — not just the big company ripping of the little guy, but to add insult to injury, Bluefly was doing something mean to a do-good organization (for every pair of glasses they sell, Warby Parker donates one pair of glasses to someone in need).

Wal-Mart to Test Small Store Format
June 6, 2011

Wal-Mart said it would introduce a small-store format, called Wal-Mart Express, aimed at rural and urban areas without nearby grocery stores. The first prototype store, set to open this week, stands 15 feet to 20 feet tall and has 45 parking places — a big change from the typical Wal-Mart superstore with high ceilings and vast parking spots.