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News Headline: JCPenney Sales for 2012 Down 25.2% for Comparable Stores and $985 Million Loss for the Year
Walking into the newly renovated Victorville, California JCPenney store was literally a jaw-dropping moment. Totally gone is yesterday’s JCPenney. In its place is an astonishingly contemporary store that looks fabulous. The build-out is terrific, simple, and white. Lighting is “right-on.” Displays look great and merchandise presentation is definitely shopper friendly. Departments are well signed and…
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The UK is the Canary in the Coal Mine for Cross-channel Retail Effects
London in January is not really at its best from a tourist’s point of view. Since ICSC chose to have its Global Research Conference there this January, it gave us an opportunity to see this amazing city from a different point of view. We were also able to see the impact of the internet that…
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Too Much Control… Is Bad for Business Health!
I know, I know—someone got hurt. And a kid got a stomach ache. But why can’t a bit of common sense come into play? Just look at this fabulous street market in Cape Town’s central walking street. Venders brighten up an otherwise pretty dull situation with their amazing craft stalls. And the slow-cooked fast food…
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Simple is Better Messaging
Often the simple, straightforward way is the best. Looking at the Woolworth’s Department store in Cape Town, South Africa (2012 International Responsible Retailer of the Year) demonstrates this communications principle. We’ve all seen fancy or complicated packaging. And the ingredients information on jars and boxes requires a magnifying glass for reading ease. Too often, one…
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There is no place like New York at Christmas!
Barneys had show-stopper windows and an in-store promotion called “Electric Holiday,” which featured Disney characters. The Disney windows featured NYC media, movie, and fashion personalities. Tie-in a 9th floor cafe. Shopping bags and balloons. Small theatre. Electric holiday products. Rockefeller Center. Rockin’ Salvation Army collectors in front of Saks. Awesome Bulgari. Bergdorf’s windows are stunning!