Latest news with #merchandising
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Messy Target aisle viral video leaves customers furious: 'no respect'
Plastic hangers littered the floor. Several overstuffed clothing racks barely contained their merchandise. Only a few shirts remained folded. That's what TikToker @theurbanpony09 found when she filmed her curse-word-laden visit to her local Target store. 'Why is it in such disarray?' she asked in the video, while looking for a wardrobe refresh in the women's section. 'Customers have no respect.' Target's clothing section has had a rough year, experts told 'I hate to pile on (pun intended), but Target's apparel merchandising and maintenance is an ongoing issue,' Carol Spieckerman, a retail consultant, said. 'When shoppers are shopping off the floor, it undermines Target's core brand promise of accessible style.' For years, the big-box retailer has attracted customers with colorful marketing, thoughtful in-store lighting design, and carefully curated exclusive clothing lines. Target has partnered with high-profile fashion brands, like glasses-providers Warby Parker, jean-maker Levi's, athleisure brand Champion, and accessory company Kate Spade. The collaborations gave shoppers the feel of constantly-revolving, high-end merchandise for big box prices. But according to Spieckerman, stores are short-staffed. Workers are often pulled to the front end to run registers, she said, leaving the clothing department understaffed — and the displays in disrepair. 'In some stores, Target's apparel sections create a jarring disconnect with the rest of the store's typically polished presentation,' she said. 'Target's apparel chaos stands in sharp contrast to the rest of the store's organization, highlighting just how fixable — and inexcusable — this problem really is.' Target did not respond to a request for comment. The TikToker also did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The retailer's apparel image has also taken a hit from political controversy, particularly when it comes to its annual Pride collection launch. The line drew conservative backlash in 2023 over the inclusion of swimsuits marketed to trans customers. LGBTQ shoppers expressed frustration this year when placeholder text appeared on dozens of products. The backlash — and a widespread boycott over the company scaling back its DEI efforts — has contributed to multiple quarters of declining sales and profits. Staffers have also been nervous about the company's declining sales and headline-attracting controversies. 'I want to be clear, we're not satisfied with these results, so we're moving with urgency to navigate through this period of volatility,' Target CEO Brian Cornell said during a May earnings call. Internally, some Target employees are worried about the company's future. Several have turned to social media to voice concerns about shrinking store hours, job security, and the company's direction. 'Underlying profit at Target is squeezed and that makes it more likely the company will be cautious in hiring and tight in the labor hours it allocates,' Neil Saunders, a retail expert at GlobalData, previously told 'That makes staff worry for their own jobs.' Still, the company may be turning a corner. Target's stock price dropped more than 24 percent in the first half of 2025. But shares have rebounded in recent weeks as the company tries to claw back its market dominance. The stock price is up over 3.6 percent in the past month.
Globe and Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Leslie's Announces Seasoned Retail Executive Amy College as Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer
PHOENIX, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leslie's, Inc. (NASDAQ: LESL), the largest and most trusted direct-to-customer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry serving residential customers and pool professionals nationwide, today announced appointment of Amy College as the company's new Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer effective July 20, 2025. In addition to merchandising, inventory, supply chain, logistics and manufacturing, Ms. College will be responsible for the company's digital marketplace business. In conjunction with Ms. College's appointment, Moyo LaBode, the company's outgoing Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer has left Leslie's, effective July 15, 2025. Ms. College has more than 25 years of retail operations leadership experience including merchandising, supply chain and store operations. Ms. College spent nearly five years at Petco (NASDAQ: WOOF) and most recently served as Chief Merchandising and Supply Chain Officer where she was responsible for category merchandising, enterprise demand planning, visual merchandising, owned brand product development and sourcing as well as distribution operations. Previously, Ms. College served as Senior Vice President, Operations, Strategy and Territory General Manager for Petco stores. Prior to joining Petco, Ms. College spent more than 20 years at Best Buy. During her tenure, Ms. College served in merchandising and category management leadership roles, including Chief Category Officer for the company's home theater, smart home, digital imaging and appliances. She holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. 'We are thrilled to welcome Amy to our leadership team at this pivotal time in Leslie's transformation,' said Jason McDonell, Leslie's chief executive officer. 'With significant retail, merchandising and general management experience, she brings a unique blend of strategic vision and operational expertise that I am confident will help guide us through this next chapter and deliver against our transformation initiatives. I am confident her values-driven leadership style and deep commitment to customer experience will be instrumental in accelerating our progress, strengthening cross-functional collaboration and delivering results that position us for long-term success.' About Leslie's Founded in 1963, Leslie's is the largest and most trusted direct-to-customer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry serving residential customers and pool professionals nationwide. The company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The company operates an integrated ecosystem of over 1,000 physical locations and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie's whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie's consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas. Contact Elisabeth Eisleben Senior Vice President, Investor & Public Relations Leslie's, Inc. investorrelations@ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations or financial condition, business strategy, value proposition, legal proceedings, competitive advantages, market size, growth opportunities, industry expectations, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'contemplate,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'target,' 'will,' or 'would,' or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Our actual results or outcomes could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We have based the forward-looking statements contained in this press release primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, and operating results. The outcome of the events described in these forward-looking statements is subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors described in Part I, Item 1A, 'Risk Factors' in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2024 and in our other filings with the SEC. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time-to-time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The results, events, and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur, and actual results or outcomes could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. In addition, statements that 'we believe' and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this press release, and while we believe that information provides a reasonable basis for these statements, that information may be limited or incomplete. Our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.
National Post
15-07-2025
- Business
- National Post
New Optimum Retailing research: 72% of Americans made unplanned purchases in-store in the past month, reflecting consumers' cautious optimism and the power of brick-and-mortar retail experiences
Article content Findings from new study highlight the nuanced dynamic at play among U.S. shoppers and how strategic in-store merchandising efforts can help retailers balance consumer pragmatism and indulgence Article content TORONTO — Although U.S. retailers are navigating a rise in cautious consumer behavior, Americans' discretionary spending habits (e.g., non-essential purchases) remain resilient. Nearly three-fourths of consumers (72%) have made an unplanned in-store discretionary purchase in the past month, even as 69% say they plan to decrease (34%) or maintain (35%) their discretionary spending over the next six months. Article content Article content That's according to U.S. Consumer Spending Habits: Insights for Retailers for 2026, a new report released today by Optimum Retailing, the in-store experience management platform. The report explores current habits and attitudes toward discretionary spending among U.S. consumers, shining light on the delicate balance retailers must strike between operational efficiency and customer experience. Article content 'This new data reinforces how critical it is for retailers to be prepared for shoppers with varied purchasing motivations,' said Sam Vise, CEO of Optimum Retailing. 'Consumers today are cautious, but not unengaged. What's changing is that shoppers are more intentional about when and why they make unplanned purchases; the moment and experience must both feel correct. It's up to retailers to meet shoppers where they are with the right mix of value and smarter merchandising strategies.' The data also underlines the importance of quality in-store retail experiences today. Only 5% of shoppers say in-store shopping doesn't feel worth it anymore, indicating a clear opportunity for retail leaders to drive sales and engagement. Article content 'Brick-and-mortar retail continues to play a vital role in consumer decision-making, especially when shoppers' budgets are tight,' Vise continued. 'However, shoppers finding value in-store isn't a given either. Our data underscores that U.S. consumers won't settle for less than clear store layouts, relevant products, and meaningful incentives — factors that can drive loyalty and spark unplanned purchases among shoppers.' Article content 1,000 U.S. consumers were polled in June 2025 on their current spending habits and attitudes toward discretionary spending. At the time of the survey, all respondents were 18 years or older and had made discretionary purchases in the past six months. Article content U.S. shoppers are split between saving and spending Article content Consumer sentiment is divided moving into the second half of 2025, with certain product categories under greater scrutiny: Article content Divergent spending outlooks: While 34% of respondents expect to reduce their discretionary spending over the next six months, nearly the same share (30%) anticipate increasing it — highlighting a cautiously optimistic U.S. consumer base. Budget-conscious behaviors: Shoppers are working to stay on budget. Nearly half (46%) say they do a good job of sticking to their discretionary budget, while 25% admit it's 'hit or miss.' Key cutback categories: Dining out/takeout (48%), clothing/accessories (44%), and electronics/gadgets (37%) are the top three product categories where consumers plan to trim unplanned purchases. Article content Strategic merchandising strategies counteract stressful in-store shopping experiences Article content Specific aspects of the in-store shopping experience can encourage discretionary purchases or deter them, underscoring the need for technologies that tailor in-store experiences by category and location to meet the needs of today's diverse customer base: Article content Optimizing product placement, signage, and in-store promotions in real time isn't optional; it's a business imperative. Optimum Retailing's AI-powered platform enables retailers to strategically plan and execute merchandising with store-specific precision — aligning inventory, displays, and promotions with local demand and shopper behavior to ensure every store delivers an experience that feels relevant and is consistently easy to execute. By turning complex data into actionable insights and direction for stores, Optimum Retailing helps retailers deliver tailored experiences that anticipate customer needs, drive discretionary spending, and reinforce the essential role of brick-and-mortar retail. Article content Read more about the findings from U.S. Consumer Spending Habits: Insights for Retailers for 2026 here and visit Optimum Retailing's website to learn more about its technology. Article content About Optimum Retailing Article content Optimum Retailing is the trusted partner for forward-thinking retailers, combining the art of visual merchandising with the science to turn strategy into profitability. Our AI-powered platform unifies HQ and store teams across the merchandising lifecycle – from precise allocation planning and dynamic floor plan layouts, to store-specific planograms that adapt to real-time inventory and automated execution verification – closing the gap between corporate strategy and in-store reality. Leading brands like Verizon, Sephora, and Lindt rely on OR to boost efficiency and performance with less effort, achieving results like an 80% increase in compliance, a 15-25% reduction in overstock, and a 20-30% decrease in non-selling hours. OR's ground-breaking solution simplifies complexity with clarity and precision, empowering retailers to elevate their stores through smarter retail execution. Article content Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rack Room Shoes Elevates Brian Burnett, Molly Hartney
Rack Room Shoes is elevating two key executives as the retailer realigns its merchandising and digital strategies. Brian Burnett has been promoted to senior vice president, chief merchandise officer. He was senior vice president, general merchandise officer. In his expanded role, Burnett will lead the shoe retailer's product and merchandising strategies, while driving innovation and ensuring alignment across vendor relations, inventory management and product sourcing. A nine-year veteran, Burnett introduced exclusive brand partnerships and played a pivotal role in expanding core product categories to meet evolving customer demand, the company said. More from WWD The Body Shop Names Mike Jatania Chief Executive Officer Steve Madden's Chief Merchant Karla Frieders Resigns Galeries Lafayette Names Arthur Lemoine Chief Executive Officer Molly Hartney was promoted to chief digital officer, a newly created role. She joined the company in 2021 as chief marketing officer, and drove a 40 percent increase in customer retention under her leadership as well as a 36 percent improvement in company productivity. Harney will strengthen Rack Room's digital presence and optimize its digital sales portfolio to integrate the company's marketing functions with its digital sales and omnichannel strategies. The company will not be hiring a new chief marketing officer. A spokeswoman for the company said Hartney will retain her marketing responsibilities and integrate those functions with the digital sales and omnichannel strategies. 'These strategic leadership changes and organizational realignments are pivotal in our ongoing efforts to streamline operations and enhance alignment,' said Mark Lardie, Rack Room's president and CEO. 'Brian, with his deep understanding of consumer trends and merchandising excellence, and Molly, a creative marketing and digital innovator, are uniquely positioned to propel Rack Room Shoes forward. By optimizing our merchandising and digital strategies under their exceptional leadership, we are ensuring sustained success in a dynamic market.' The Charlotte, N.C.-based retailer is over 100 years old and operates over 520 locations nationwide under the banners Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse. Best of WWD All the Retailers That Nike Left and Then Went Back Mikey Madison's Elegant Red Carpet Shoe Style [PHOTOS] Julia Fox's Sleekest and Boldest Shoe Looks Over the Years [Photos]
Bloomberg
08-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Fanatics Expands Merchandise Deal With Premier League's Chelsea
Fanatics Inc. has extended and expanded its merchandising deal with Premier League's Chelsea FC as the company looks to entrench itself in European football. As part of the new long-term arrangement set to be announced on Tuesday, Fanatics is obtaining design and manufacturing rights to develop new fan gear for Chelsea. The new deal gives the sports merchandiser a lasting foothold in the world's most-watched domestic soccer league.
