Feds make forgivable PPP loans easier to navigate

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The federal government has introduced a simplified PPP loan application form in an effort to make the PPP loan process easier since the government announced…

Bed Bath & Beyond stores to have all locations open by July

June 23, 2020

Bed Bath & Beyond expects 95% of its retail storefronts to be opened by June 27 and the remaining few by July.

618 proves to be a winning date for Alibaba, JD.com

June 22, 2020

The annual online shopping event, 618, (so named for the June 18 date it occurs), drew billions in sales for Chinese e-commerce leaders JD.com and Alibaba.

Apple reopening NYC stores this week

June 18, 2020

Apple Inc. is re-opening its New York City stores this week but shoppers will need to make an appointment as walk-ins are not welcome.

Target makes starting wage $15 to support workers during pandemic

June 18, 2020

Target is boosting its starting wage to $15 a bit earlier than expected in a quest to help support employees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

NRF: Sales improvement is an encouraging sign

June 18, 2020

The bump in retail sales last month is "encouraging news," according to the National Retail Federation, and the focus now must be on keeping retail stores open…

Some shoppers excited to get back to shopping, some are nervous

June 17, 2020

Depending on the region, U.S. consumers are either most excited to get back into retail environments while others are admittedly nervous about the prospect.

Retail sales on very healthy rebound track

June 17, 2020

Federal figures regarding retail sales reveal consumers are busy, busy, busy shopping at this point in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Amazon launches an assistant to help with employee social distancing

June 17, 2020

Amazon, in a quest to keep employees healthy, is using a newly developed assistant technology to help workers adhere to social distancing rules.

Selling behind a mask: Connecting while social distancing

by Liz Cichowski — President, Learning Means Business, Inc.

Liz Cichowski, a senior instructional designer, retail industry expert, at Learning Means Business Inc., offers up tips for helping retail associates engage…

TRAX Analytics deploys smart airport restrooms at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

June 16, 2020

TRAX Analytics, an IT solutions provider for airports, has deployed its smart restroom solution throughout the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International…

Walmart goes self-checkout at Arkansas store

June 15, 2020

A Fayetteville, Arkansas Walmart store is deploying self-checkout counters to provide a quicker transaction experience as well as a safer one for consumers in…

DIY efforts, recreation activity driving auto product sales

June 15, 2020

Warm weather, stay-at-home mandates and social distancing is proving to be a win for those selling automotive products as consumers are busy with DIY projects…

Pivoting to meet immediate demands in the QSR, fast casual industry while planning for the future

Julie Hoffman, travel and hospitality head of industry for Adobe, shares valuable insight on how QSRs and fast casual brands can not only hurdle challenges in…

How data is powering a retail evolution during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

by John Kavulich — Vice President, IoT Solution Sales, Acuity Brands

John Kavulich, VP, IoT Solution Sales, Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. explains why the most successful retailers will be those with an actionable data strategy…

Retailers taking a pack-and-hold inventory strategy in wake of COVID-19

June 10, 2020

After months of being shuttered due to the coronavirus many retailers, including Gap, are taking a pack-and-hold merchandising approach rather than blow-out…

Fashion group reports big loss due to coronavirus pandemic

June 10, 2020

Inditex, the biggest fashion group in the world, is reporting a $465 million net loss for February through April and the COVID-19 pandemic is the big reason…

The 7 Rs of resiliency programs

by Doug Reifschneider — Vice President of Marketing, Pita Pit USA

Doug Reifschneider, a CMO with Chief Outsiders, shares a 7 Rs of Resiliency Programs, which is a checklist that can help frame and direct retailer efforts in…

E-commerce sales spiked big in May

June 8, 2020

May brought an 81% increase in retail e-commerce sales and several segments benefited from triple-digit year-on-year growth.

Mall operator suing retailers for late rent

June 8, 2020

Simon Property, the biggest mall operator in the U.S., is suing Old Navy, Banana Republic and The Gap for back rent and other charges related to store leases…