Although the convenience industry has experienced an accelerated phase of consolidation globally, many U.S. retailers have been immune to that trend. Thanks to a reliance on historically high fuel margins, these retailers have been able to survive on the status quo. However, when fuel margins contract — and they inevitably will — those retailers will…
Talent acquisition and retention are a top challenge for organizations across many industries, but retailers in particular are struggling to fill their talent pipelines with young professionals that have the strategic and tactical expertise they need to evolve and differentiate their brands. For example, retailers are increasingly seeking young and diverse talent to support their…
Vuori has gone outside its own ranks to fill four C-suite positions, including the activewear brand’s first-ever Chief Information Officer, Chief People Officer and General Counsel & Corporate Secretary. The retailer also has named a new COO. Bryan Muehlberger, previously CIO of The Beachbody Company and Red Bull, will oversee all digital and information technology…
Road Runner Sports is enhancing its in-store experience and streamlining sales associates’ duties with digital signage introduced in partnership with Creative Realities. Members of Road Runner’s VIP loyalty program can get a personalized in-store experience using the displays, including a welcome video and a digital queue tracker that lets them continue shopping while they wait…
Walmart has advanced its commitment to a zero-emissions transportation fleet with the debut of a 15-liter compressed natural gas engine that will be incorporated into Walmart’s vehicles. The X15N engine, supplied by Cummins and fueled by Chevron, uses compressed natural gas (CNG) linked to renewable natural gas. The first truck will make an inaugural trip…
Timed to coincide with Earth Day, Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) is once again participating in the Smartwool Second Cut project. During the month of April, EMS will accept shoppers’ used, clean socks (of all brands) that will then be recycled into new products via a partnership with Material Return. All 20 EMS stores, located in…
Petco has launched an in-store recycling pilot in approximately 40 stores that will collect plastic waste from customers as well as its own operations. Shoppers will be able to recycle non-curbside plastic waste, such as used plastic shopping bags and other plastic film, and the retailer will recycle shrink wrap from pallets, can cases and…
Men’s Wearhouse is enhancing its digital experience with the launch of Wedding Wingman, a digital tool designed to assist grooms and groomsmen in selecting the perfect look for the wedding day by providing inspiration and guidance for selecting wedding attire. Wedding Wingman begins by asking a few simple questions about the wedding, then provides the…
Nordstrom has named Jason Morris as its new Chief Technology and Information Officer, effective May 1. Morris will bring more than 25 years of tech experience, most recently as SVP of Enterprise Business Services at Walmart. At Nordstrom, Morris will oversee technology functions including engineering, data science and analytics. Prior to his current role at…
David’s Bridal has laid off approximately 9,000 workers and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it evaluates its strategic alternatives, including a potential sale. The retailer’s stores will remain open and its ecommerce operations, including the Pearl by David’s platform and vendor marketplace, will continue operating during the proceedings. The wedding retailer also expects…
