Toys R Us plans 2 stores with a focus on fun | Chico's names permanent CEO, head of fashion brands | Dressbarn moves ahead with plans to shutter all stores
Toys R Us will return to retail with a store each in Paramus, N.J., and Houston this holiday season, both of which will focus on experiences with play areas and room for birthday parties and other events. The retailer's new owners aim to grow to 10 brick-and-mortar locations by the end of next year.
Stop overpaying for address autocomplete Retailers like Michaels and DICK'S Sporting Goods are switching to Radar for address autocomplete and address validation, saving up to 90%. Radar's address autocomplete APIs are part of Radar Maps Platform, the cost-effective, all-in-one alternative to Google Maps and Mapbox.
Women's fashion retailer Chico's FAS has named interim CEO Bonnie Brooks to the post permanently, and former Macy's executive Molly Langenstein has been hired to head the company's apparel brands, including White House Black Market. The changes come as Chico's contends with a series of takeover bids by Sycamore Partners.
Dressbarn has identified 53 stores that will close by the end of next month, as part of the retailer's plan to shutter all of its roughly 650 locations this year, parent Ascena Retail Group said. The retailer has hired Gordon Brothers Retail Partners to help with closures, and it will pursue a buyer for Dressbarn's intellectual property.
India's Reliance Brands has deals to launch Tiffany & Co. and Tory Burch stores in a new Mumbai mall slated to open next year, sources said. Reliance operates 661 India stores for 40 international brands.
DSW has been improving the shopping experience to fend off competition from direct-to-consumer brands, with in-store nail salons, shoe repair services and other features designed to drive more repeat visits. The moves seem to be working -- sales rose 3% in the first quarter, and profits were up 6%.
Albertsons began testing a delivery subscription service in March across several of its markets. About 12 stores now offer the service, and the company plans to bring it to more locations after positive results in both Phoenix and Southern California.
Kroger's 84.51 personalized marketing subsidiary has introduced a paid analytics solution for brands. The platform, called Stratum, is designed to accelerate brand positioning both in-store and online.
While Need Supply and Totokaelo have merged, the two streetwear fashion brands have distinct points of view and brand visions. That's according to Fanny Damiette, vice president of brand and marketing for the new company, now called NSTO. Going forward, marketing efforts will focus on outlook rather than demographics, a shift Damiette believes applies to other retailers as well. Read more from NRF's STORES magazine.
Like many organizations, e-commerce website Etsy is concerned about the company's impact on the environment. Since most items ship directly from sellers to buyers, it is nearly impossible for the retailer to reduce its carbon footprint. Instead, it has launched other initiatives, including a carbon offset program that supports a wind farm and solar developments in India and tree conservation in Minnesota. Read more from NRF's STORES magazine.
Vintage Capital Management has officially bid to buy Red Robin Gourmet Burgers for $40 per share, regulatory filings show. Red Robin said it will consider the proposal from the private-equity firm, which already owns an 11.6% stake in the company.