Ascena Retail Group, parent company of Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant, and Catherines women’s apparel brands, filed bankruptcy yesterday. It said that it would close at least 877 (or nearly a third) of its 2,800 stores. This follows years of declining sales and increasing debt. Dressbarn was founded...
It is essential to help retail employees develop digital and communication skills
Retail workers were essential for the economy and society in 2020. It’s not always clear if they are essential for employers’ future business plans. Retailers must invest in their staff if they want to be competitive in an industry that is moving more towards digital — whether...
NRF: 2020 Holiday Retail Sales Grew 8.3%
Holiday retail sales rose a stronger-than-expected 8.3 percent from 2019, or $789.4 billion, according to data released by the National Retail Federation on Friday. The pandemic was a time when consumers turned to gift-giving as a way of cheering themselves up. These numbers include non-store sales and online sales...
Kohl’s and Sephora Announce a Long-Term Partnership
This week, Sephora and Kohl’s announced a long-term strategic alliance. This partnership is intended to bring a new era in elevated Beauty at Kohl’s. It will link Kohl’s vast customer reach and omnichannel convenience to Sephora’s exceptional quality service, product selection, and extraordinary beauty experience. A...
Pet Valu to Wind Down U.S. Operations and Close Stores
Pet Valu, a specialty retailer of pet food, announced Wednesday that it would close its Pennsylvania headquarters and all 358 stores and warehouses throughout the U.S. The company stated that closing sales will start in the coming days. Jamie Gould was recently appointed Pet Valu’s chief restructuring officer. She...
There is no retention without reward: It’s time to revolutionize how retail workers are compensated
COVID-19 caused a shakeup in the U.S. retail industry, with brick-and mortar operations experiencing some of the most significant operational changes ever. The changes have been particularly hard on sales associates, who have had to take risks and continue their careers while we have all enjoyed...
Get Ready for the Holiday Shopping Season
Retail revenue generation is a key component of the holiday season. National Retail Federation, found that Americans spend almost $1,000 each on holiday products — from decorations and gifts to traditional food. In-store operations have been restored and 2021 holiday shopping looks more familiar to shoppers. After a...
Three Ways to Master in-Store CX Among COVID-19
Customers were always at the mercy and control of the retailers when it came to how they would transact business. COVID-19 has changed this. Customers now have control over how products are moved from one store to the next. This is an example of how retailers...
August Retail Sales Increase, Signifying Retail Resilience Going into Q4
The National Retail Federation (NRF), Thursday said that retail sales rose in August because consumer demand outweighed supply chain disruptions, pandemics, and other factors affecting spending. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, August retail sales were up by 0.7 percent seasonally from July and 15.1 percent year over...
Data from Back-to-School Foot traffic indicate a dull holiday season. It’s not so simple
Source: https://www.mytotalretail.com/article/back-to-school-foot-traffic-data-indicate-a-dull-holiday-season-but-its-not-so-simple/ Although there were hopes that the back-to-school season would be a rebound from the year marred by COVID-19’s effects, data from the nation’s largest retailers shows that foot traffic has not been as positive. The foot traffic between July 5 and Aug. 31...