Bigger isn’t always better. Since the turnaround from Retailpocalypse to Retail Renaissance, a number of retailers have been transitioning from big box stores in the suburbs to small-format shops in urban neighborhoods. Target and Ikea are leading the way.“The small format store is the best of Target, curated for neighborhoods” — Tim Eklund, VP of Small-Format [...]
In January 2005, a typical family made an unusual New Years resolution: a pledge to spend an entire calendar year without buying anything from China. The family successfully accomplished their goal, but the experience was powerful enough to compel public interest in both a book and documentary chronicling their incredibly challenging journey.Although this family spent [...]
The retail game is no longer just about the millennials. Now, it’s all about the HENRYs. HENRY stands for High Earners, Not Rich Yet and they’ve been dubbed as the “consumer of tomorrow”, though you’ll want to learn about them today. These baby boomers’ babies are earning a whopping $100-250k annually and are on track [...]
Physical retail is the next frontier for e-commerce.As ironic as it is, with recent years filled with media headlines like retail is dead, malls are rotting away, and the future of retail is online, many e-commerce darlings are expanding their online spaces to incorporate a physical element.The truth is that e-commerce paved the way not [...]
Moody’s Investor Services released some uplifting news for the retail community, namely that industry has turned a corner and growth predictions are on the upward trend. Retailers are finally starting to reap the benefits of investments aimed at cost efficiencies, enhancing their e-commerce capabilities and customers’ in-store experience. This, coupled with a strong economy, will [...]
From a historical perspective, the digital age is hitting its ‘adult years’ right about now. Many of us watched the birth of the internet, connecting to IP addresses from massive terminals. We experienced the adolescent years through email, with thanks to AOL for cementing the immortal you’ve got mail soundbite into our hearts. We’ve just [...]
It’s been over a year since Walmart purchased Bonobos and ModCloth. Initially, it was hailed as a bigger deal than Amazon buying Whole Foods, since it positioned Walmart as a real contender for the Amazon empire – finally. For months after the acquisition, the industry and general public at large debated whether these trendy boutiques [...]
I sat down to grill the notorious development expert and lead development writer for Charlotte Agenda, Jason Thomas. Jason has long been “obsessed with urban design and development.” He’s focused on future-proofing Charlotte, a city that he adores and has no plans to leave. You’ve probably seen his articles breaking stories (or deals) [...]
In an abandoned munitions depot in North End, Charlotte, I saw down with 5 incredible retailers at an RDI event, whom I likely wouldn’t have met with just 5 years ago. Kathleen Jordan has been a retail practice area leader for over 20 years, with a bustling Italian food business. Caleb Clark owns [...]
Tommy is a fast-talking New Yorker, and he knows his stuff. His dad was a NYC officer who, in an attempt to prepare for retirement, bought a restaurant called the Sugar Bowl, where Tommy worked during his summers. Tommy moved to Charlotte to attend college. He saw the opportunity and development happening in [...]
