Joan Verdon MCT / Miami Herald – The experts who keep track of store openings and closings have been forecasting for more than a decade that the day was coming when American retailers would have to pay for building way too many stores. That day of reckoning, some say, has arrived, with one retail watcher […]
Best Buy
Windows© of Opportunity
Best Buy and Microsoft recently announced an agreement to open Windows “stores” in 600 Best Buy locations across the country. Initially, this seems like a good strategy—Microsoft gets their products in front of more consumers while Best Buy becomes more experiential and better utilizes its large store footprints. In my mind, there are some clear […]
Boxing Out
I’ve talked a lot about the downsizing trend over the past several months, but lately I’ve begun to wonder at what point we stop looking at this as a trend and begin looking at it as a fundamental shift in the big box and power center dynamic. In my latest Retail Rap column, I examine […]
It’s official: Nordstrom Rack to open near planned mall
It’s official: Nordstrom Rack to open near planned mall Justine Griffin/Sarasota Herald-Tribune Seattle-based Nordstrom Inc. confirmed plans Thursday that were previously reported by the Herald-Tribune to open a Nordstrom Rack at the Shoppes at University Center. The 35,000-square-foot store is scheduled to debut in fall 2013 in the property owned by Benderson Development Co. “We’re […]
Retail Rap: 2013 Outlook
Any discussion about what’s on tap for 2013 has to start with the economy and consumer spending. Even though there are signs of recovery, including recent successes by the Dow and an improving housing market, consumers still appear to be nervous to open their wallets. In the latest edition of my Retail Rap column with […]
On the edge: An updated look at J.C. Penney and Best Buy
With sales plummeting nearly $1 billion dollars, I don’t think the new J.C. Penny price structure is having the positive impact that the company initially expected. Best Buy’s stagnant approach isn’t working for them, either. In this week’s Retail Rap, I look at both approaches and offer my opinion on what each company can do […]