All articles tagged with #brick and mortar
GameStop is set to close about 470 of its roughly 2,000 U.S. stores in January, leaving fewer than 2,000 locations as the company contends with a broad shift away from physical retail; closures will hit several states, highlighting a wider retail downturn that has seen thousands of store closures nationwide in recent years.
Bed Bath & Beyond is making a comeback with new physical stores under the name Bed Bath & Beyond Home, after closing all locations in 2023 due to bankruptcy. The first new store opened in Nashville, Tenn., with plans to convert about 75 Kirkland's stores into Bed Bath & Beyond Home locations by 2026. The brand is also reviving its iconic coupons as part of its nostalgic marketing strategy.
Retail industry executives predict that in five years, stores will become smaller, more experiential, and omni-channel, with a focus on personalized customer experiences and last-mile fulfillment. Technology such as AI and automation will play a significant role in transforming retail, enabling predictive analytics, conversational commerce, and personalized product recommendations. The majority of shopping is expected to occur in stores, with a blurring of digital and physical experiences, and inclusive sizing is predicted to become a standard. Executives also foresee a shift towards lifestyle brands and the importance of human connection in customer service.
Walmart plans to build or convert over 150 large-format stores in the U.S. over the next five years, signaling its commitment to brick-and-mortar locations despite online competition. The expansion includes new stores and conversions to Supercenters, reflecting the company's confidence in its physical retail presence. With over 4,600 stores already, Walmart aims to modernize its look, emphasize sustainability, and continue its growth in the retail market.
Sears, the once-prominent American retailer that faced bankruptcy and store closures, has quietly reopened two locations in Burbank, California, and Union Gap, Washington. The newly reopened Burbank store resembles a typical American department store, but foot traffic remains sparse. The future plans for Sears under its parent company, Transformco, are unclear, and some experts believe the relaunch is not a serious attempt at revival. However, loyal customers and employees express hope for the brand's revival and suggest that Sears should embrace innovation and consult with the younger generation to adapt to modern shopping preferences.
Troubled retailer Sears has quietly reopened two stores in Burbank, California, and Union Gap, Washington, after a 2018 bankruptcy and numerous store closures. The newly reopened stores resemble the traditional American department store, but foot traffic remains sparse. The future of Sears under its parent company, Transformco, remains uncertain, with some speculating that the brand's relaunch is not a serious attempt at revival. However, loyal employees and shoppers express hope for a successful comeback, while retail analysts suggest that a store with strong brand recognition like Sears could still make a comeback by embracing a more modern approach and catering to the preferences of younger generations.
Brands that once aimed to cut out physical stores in favor of e-commerce are now reconsidering as consumers continue to value the in-person shopping experience. The pandemic has accelerated the shift to online shopping, but many consumers still prefer to see and touch products before making a purchase. As a result, some brands are opening brick-and-mortar stores or partnering with existing retailers to offer a hybrid shopping experience.
Trill Burgers, the smash burger sensation created by Houston rap legend Bun B, has opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Montrose, Houston. The restaurant will serve its signature burgers, including the OG Burger and Vegan OG burger, along with new menu items. The 3,236-square-foot restaurant will offer dine-in and walk-up ordering to start, followed by drive-thru service and online or phone ordering. The location will serve as an "extended pop-up" for six months while Bun B and his team search for a permanent home in the area.
Canadian fashion brand Aritzia, founded in 1984, has become one of America's fastest-growing fashion brands, with over 115 boutiques across Canada and the US. Founder Brian Hill's obsession with every detail of the company, from store design to clothing lines, has helped create an "everyday luxury" brand. Despite the rise of e-commerce, Aritzia's brick-and-mortar stores account for 65% of its $1.6 billion in revenue, with sales jumping 53% overall in the fiscal year ending February 2023. Aritzia's success has been helped by social media, with its vegan leather Melina pants going viral on TikTok.
T-Mobile has closed its two-story flagship store in San Francisco's Union Square neighborhood, joining a growing list of companies that have moved out of the city's downtown area in recent months. The closure is part of the company's nationwide retail strategy to better serve customers through nearby Experience stores. The building, which was previously occupied by an Apple flagship location, now sits empty, joining other properties sitting vacant in the city. The closure marks the third storefront in a row in Union Square that sits unoccupied, with other stores downtown also announcing plans to close this year.
Christmas Tree Shops, owned by Handil Holdings, is reportedly planning to file for bankruptcy due to serious debt. The store has a loyal customer base who appreciate its reasonable prices and eclectic items. Many customers prefer the brick-and-mortar experience over online shopping. It is not yet clear what bankruptcy will mean for the future of Christmas Tree Shops.
Christmas Tree Shops, owned by Handil Holdings, is reportedly planning to file for bankruptcy due to serious debt. The store has a loyal customer base who appreciate its reasonable prices and eclectic items. Many customers prefer the brick-and-mortar experience over online shopping. It is not yet clear what bankruptcy will mean for the future of Christmas Tree Shops.
Jenny Craig, the iconic weight loss brand, is closing all of its centers in the US and Canada due to its inability to secure additional financing. Corporate and salaried field employees' last day is scheduled for Friday, while hourly center employees' last day was Tuesday. The company is transitioning from a brick-and-mortar retail business to a customer-friendly, e-commerce driven model. The exact number of employees impacted is unknown, but the company has suggested that employees begin to seek other employment.
Jenny Craig, the weight loss company, is closing all of its 500 locations and laying off about 1,000 employees as it transitions to an e-commerce-driven model. The company is also considering filing for bankruptcy. Hourly employees were told by email that their last day was Tuesday, while corporate and salaried employees’ last day is set for Friday. This is the latest major business closure to make headlines in recent weeks, following Bed Bath & Beyond and Tuesday Morning.
Jenny Craig is reportedly planning to shut down its brick-and-mortar weight-loss centers across the US and warned employees of sweeping layoffs. The company has been going through a sales process for the last couple of months and is transitioning to an e-commerce driven model. The exact number of employees impacted is unknown, but the company urged some workers to start looking for new jobs.