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List of 250+ Retail Companies With Links to Their Career Sites

By
Retail Insider
-

Here is a list of 250+ retail companies in the Canada and the United States, with links to their career pages. The list was compiled by Michael Howard of www.retailresumes.ca.

According to Mr. Howard, the purpose of this list is twofold: 

(a) to make it easy for job seekers to find the career pages for retailers they already know they’d like to work for, and, probably more importantly, 

(b) to help job-seekers expand their list of retailers they’d like to target. 

Retailers, feel free to email Mr. Howard a link to your career page if you’d like to be included on this list.

If you find any broken links, please email Michael Howard.

Michael Howard is a professional resume writer working exclusively with store managers, district managers, regional managers, and other retail leaders from across North America. Visit retailresumes.ca for details or follow him on Twitter.

Nordstrom to Fiercely Compete for Ottawa’s Limited Luxury Consumers

By
Craig Patterson
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Ottawa’s new Nordstrom store will compete fiercely for the city’s limited luxury spenders. Scheduled to open in March of 2015, the 157,000 square foot Rideau Centre location will include some of Nordstrom’s priciest departments. Nordstrom will compete with Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen as a result, as it will with La Maison Simons when it opens in the same mall in 2016. Ottawa is affluent, but its shoppers are conservative. There will be fallout as a result, as each retailer competes in a market not accustomed to buying luxury items. 

Sources tell us that Nordstrom’s Ottawa store will feature its top-priced womenswear, footwear, accessories and menswear departments. Its womenswear department, Collectors, features designer closing priced into the thousands by designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Versace, Lanvin, Armani Collezioni, and others. Its top-priced women’s footwear department, Salon Shoes, features designers such as Prada, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Miu Miu, Valentino and Gucci. Designer handbags include the likes of Valentino and Versace, some costing in excess of $2,000 each. Nordstrom’s designer men’s departments showcase designers such as Canali, Moncler, Armani Collezioni, and others. As a result, Nordstrom will bring a heightened luxury experience to the Ottawa market, especially with regards to womenswear, footwear and accessories. 

To some, demographics would indicate that Nordstrom, Holt Renfrew and even Saks Fifth Avenue could co-exist in in the Ottawa market. In 2011, Ottawa had the highest median total family income of any Canadian census population area, at $93,440 annually. With a metro population exceeding 1.2 million, Ottawa might appear to be a prime target for retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue as well as for a flagship location of Holt Renfrew. Although numbers point to Ottawa’s affluence, its local luxury market lags compared to other Canadian cities. 

Ottawa’s Holt Renfrew, for example, measures only 36,000 square feet on two floors. It lacks the Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton concessions found in Holt Renfrew’s Calgary store. Calgary is comparable in size and affluence to Ottawa, and yet the Alberta city boasts a well-stocked, productive Holt Renfrew flagship of 147,000 square feet. 

Nordstrom will compete with Holt Renfrew for Ottawa’s shopping dollars, and Nordstrom has a distinct advantage. Located in the popular Rideau Centre, Nordstrom will benefit from considerable foot traffic and synergies from the adjacent mall as well as anchors Hudson’s Bay, Harry Rosen and, in 2016, La Maison Simons. Holt Renfrew is rather isolated, located about a kilometre east of Rideau Centre. 

Nordstrom will also compete with menswear retailer Harry Rosen, located in the same mall. Harry Rosen carries a wide variety of product and designers, which will further grow with the opening of its 18,000 square foot flagship replacement store, scheduled to open in November. Harry Rosen spends more on staff training than any retailer in the country, and its exceptional customer service and product selection could actually see it outshine Nordstrom’s limited menswear offerings. CEO, Larry Rosen, believes that his store will continue to thrive in the face of increased competition.

Finally, Nordstrom will also compete with a 105,000 square foot La Maison Simons, scheduled to open in August of 2016. Besides carrying its trendy, affordable private-label fashions, Simons’ Ottawa store will also carry a selection of luxury brands. Some of Simons’ designer collections can range into the thousands, by designers including Balmain, Jil Sander, Chloé, Missoni and others. 

It will be interesting to watch how Ottawa shoppers will react to this substantial amount of new luxury retail within the next two years. On one hand, some affluent Ottawa residents may become more inclined increase their spending, in light of the increased availability of luxury items. On the other hand, there could be fallout in a market that has warranted only a small Holt Renfrew store. We’ll be watching Canada’s capital city closely to see how this plays out. 

World’s 2nd Largest Victoria’s Secret Flagship to Replace Montreal Chapters Bookstore

By
Craig Patterson
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Chapter's Bookstore at 1171 Saint Catherine Street W in Montreal where Victoria's Secret will replace
Chapter's Bookstore in 2014 (1171 Sainte-Catherine St. W.) in Montreal. Photo: Quillandquire (flickriver.com)

The world’s second largest Victoria’s Secret location will replace Montreal’s Chapters bookstore on busy Saint Catherine Street West. The 35,000+ square foot flagship will be located directly across the street from La Senza, owned by Victoria Secret’s parent company. Chapters’ Montreal location is the latest to shutter for the retailer, following the recent closure of three prominent Toronto stores. 

According to Chapters/Indigo Vice President Janet Eger, Chapters will close October 4th. 

The new Victoria’s Secret location is exceptional, being two blocks west of popular La Maison Simons, and two blocks east of department store Ogilvy, set to expand and merge with the city’s Holt Renfrew store in 2017. Victoria’s Secret’s lease deal was coordinated by Montreal-based Aurora Realty Consultants, which represents some of the world’s top retailers in their search for Canadian retail space. 

The new Victoria’s Secret is located directly across from lingerie retailer La Senza. Founded in Montreal, La Senza is now owned by Victoria’s Secret’s parent company, Limited Brands.  

The world’s second-largest Victoria’s Secret store opened last August in Downtown Vancouver. The 34,814 square foot store replaced a flagship HMV music store. Word has it that Montreal’s Victoria’s Secret will technically surpass Vancouver’s in terms of size, though both will be similarly massive. The world’s largest Victoria’s Secret store is on New York City’s Herald Square, measuring about 60,000 square feet.

VANCOUVER’S VICTORIA’S SECRET FLAGSHIP, CURRENTLY THE WORLD’S SECOND-LARGEST, WILL BE SIMILAR IN SIZE TO THE NEW MONTREAL STORE. PHOTO: FEINKNOPF.PHOTOSHELTER.COM

The closure of Montreal’s Chapters is the latest in a trend for the chain. Chapters/Indigo books has recently closed a number of prominent store locations. Most recently, the company closed two Downtown Toronto stores, including a Chapters at John and Richmond Streets, and World’s Biggest Bookstore on Edward Street. A Chapters store housed in a former theatre in West Toronto also recently closed, to be replaced with a Shoppers Drug Mart. No word yet if more Chapters/Indigo stores will be closing. 

Lolë to Erode Lululemon Market Share with Canadian Store Expansion

By
Craig Patterson
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Photo: LolëPhoto: Lolë

Photo: Lolë

Lululemon will face increased competition, as Montreal-based Lolë plans to open as many as nine new Canadian stores by the end of next year. This women’s activewear brand already has 14 Canadian locations, and it seeks to significantly expand both by opening new stores, as well as grow its wholesale distribution network.


Photo: montrealshoppingtours.comPhoto: montrealshoppingtours.com

Photo: montrealshoppingtours.com

Lolë has retained Montreal-based brokerage Think Retail to locate space for new Canadian stores. The brand has already announced plans to open another three locations this year, including at the Toronto Premium Outlets, Mississauga’s Square One, and in Whistler, BC. Furthermore, Lolë plans to open as many as six more Canadian locations in 2015, focusing on Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. It recently opened its 14th Canadian store in Banff, Alberta. 



Lolë seeks retail space in the 1,250 to 1,600 square foot range. It is considering openings in super-regional malls, high streets, outlet centres, and tourist destinations. 


Lolë White Yoga Tour, Toronto. Photo: http://1loveto.comLolë White Yoga Tour, Toronto. Photo: http://1loveto.com

Lolë White Yoga Tour, Toronto. Photo: http://1loveto.com

Founded in 2002 in Longueuil, Quebec, Lolë, or Live Out Loud Every Day, caters to the active urban woman. It specializes in apparel for yoga, running, swimming and other activities, as well as casual fashion apparel. All locations offer free exercise meet-ups twice weekly at a local park, as well as lectures given by yoga/pilates specialists, and nutrition experts. Tea and fruit are served daily at each store location.

Lolë is expanding internationally under new ownership, both with new stores as well as extensive wholesale distribution. According to the Globe & Mail, the company’s revenues are expected to surpass $105 million this year. Remarkably, its CEO hopes to achieve sales in excess of $1 billion within several years. Lolë expects to increase sales by opening new stores, as well as expanding its wholesale business, which represents currently 80% of the company’s sales. The company hopes to reduce that to 55% as it opens new stores. 

For reference, Lululemon achieves sales of about $1.6 billion annually. 

Besides its new Canadian locations, Lolë plans to open about 50 international locations over the next five years. 

Today’s retail news from around the web: July 29, 2014

Holt Renfrew Segregates its Menswear Business

By
Craig Patterson
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Holt Renfrew‘s first free-standing menswear store opens this fall in the heart of Toronto’s ‘Mink Mile’. Measuring 14,000 square feet, the 100 Bloor Street West location will feature distinctive branding, as well as luxury amenities. Holt Renfrew is upping its game to compete with neighbouring Harry Rosen, as well as new-to-market entrants Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, both opening in Toronto in 2016. 

From what we can see from the new store’s hoarding, Holt Renfrew’s ‘HR’ logo is contained within a square. This is different from the traditional logo, which comprises of a circle surrounding the HR logo. Holt Renfrew representatives won’t reveal if the company’s signature colour, magenta, will be incorporated in any way in the new men’s store branding. A Twitter account for the new store has been created, currently with 83 followers. 

Holt Renfrew’s new men’s store will utilize some of the innovations introduced in the new men’s department at Holt Renfrew’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre location, including a men’s lounge. Appropriately called ‘The Lounge’, the space features a black BMW motorcycle and foosball table. Free services are provided, including straight-razor shaves on vintage barbershop chairs, and shoe shines. 

Interestingly, menswear will continue to be carried at Holt Renfrew’s flagship, a block east at 50 Bloor Street West. The 180,000 square foot store will be expanded and renovated over the next two years, with construction beginning this fall. 

Holt Renfrew president, Mark Derbyshire, recently told Women’s Wear Daily: “The stand-alone men’s shop will be a classic sartorial store and supports our growth plans to further enhance our luxury men’s wear and Holt Renfrew’s presence on Bloor Street — the destination for luxury.”

The two-level, 14,000 square foot store replaces Roots Canada which, until recently, occupied the prominent corner location. We’re told that Holt Renfrew signed a long-term lease for the space, paying a premium for what is arguably ground zero for Canadian luxury retailing. 

Competitor Harry Rosen is located directly across the street from Holt’s new men’s store. Being substantially larger, Harry Rosen occupies a multi-level, 55,000 square foot space. CEO Larry Rosen says he isn’t concerned about his new neighbour, as Harry Rosen’s exceptional product and customer service keeps his customers loyal.

Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, both opening at the Toronto Eaton Centre in 2016, will provide competition to Holt Renfrew men’s store. Both are geographically removed from Holt’s, however, being about two kilometres south. As competition increases for Canadian luxury shopping dollars, it will be interesting to see if Toronto’s affluent will venture out to Saks and Nordstrom, being physically removed from the city’s premier luxury shopping strip.

Nordstrom Hiring 400 Staff, Including 30 Managers, for 2nd Canadian Store

By
Craig Patterson
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Photo: NordstromPhoto: Nordstrom

Photo: Nordstrom

Nordstrom is hiring management and staff for its new Ottawa store, the second to open in Canada. In total, about 30 managers and over 350 additional staff will be hired for the Rideau Centre location, scheduled to open March 6th, 2015. Management jobs were posted on Nordstrom’s website yesterday, and hiring will begin in late August. Hiring for associates will follow thereafter. 



Management positions are available in a variety of store departments, including womenswear, menswear, footwear, children’s wear, accessories/jewelry and cosmetics. Support positions are also available in alterations, housekeeping and shipping/logistics as well as positions in the store’s new restaurant and coffee bar (called eBar).

A variety of departments will be present in Ottawa’s Nordstrom, from the affordable to the luxurious. For example, the Ottawa store will hoast the company’s priciest womenswear department, called Collectors, featuring the world’s top designers and prices into the thousands. Three footwear departments will carry shoes from the modestly priced to the extravagant, and a variety of pricepoints will also be found in its menswear, jewelry and women’s handbags departments. 


Nordstrom's 157,000 sq ft Ridea Centre store will occupy levels 2 and 3 of the mall's former Sears store. Image adapted from Nordstrom rendering. Nordstrom's 157,000 sq ft Ridea Centre store will occupy levels 2 and 3 of the mall's former Sears store. Image adapted from Nordstrom rendering. 

Nordstrom’s 157,000 sq ft Ridea Centre store will occupy levels 2 and 3 of the mall’s former Sears store. Image adapted from Nordstrom rendering. 

As an extra perk, Nordstrom managers will receive a 33% discount on merchandise, on top of their usual salary and benefits. Nordstrom’s supplemental benefits package includes vision, dental and medical options, as well as an RRSP matching program. 

“We’re looking to hire service-oriented Ottawans who love fashion and working with customers, and have leadership and or management experience,” said Nordstrom’s new Ottawa store manager, John Banks. “Nordstrom is a great place to build a career in retail. Canada is a new frontier for us and there will be opportunities to grow with the company as we expand and open stores across Canada.”

In the United States, Nordstrom usually picks ‘proven leaders’ from its stores to become department managers. For its Ottawa store, however, Nordstrom has taken a slightly different approach. Instead of promoting existing staff, Nordstrom is seeking out Canadian talent. For about three months, between October and December, new hires will be temporarily moved to Seattle to be immersed in Nordstrom’s corporate culture. Housing, food and transportation will be provided by Nordstrom. Once trained at the Seattle flagship, department managers may begin recruiting staff for their Ottawa store location.


Rendering of Rideau Centre's Nordstrom. Photo: Rideau CentreRendering of Rideau Centre's Nordstrom. Photo: Rideau Centre

Rendering of Rideau Centre’s Nordstrom. Photo: Rideau Centre

Rideau Centre’s 157,000 square foot Nordstrom store is currently under construction. Occupying the second and third levels of a former 240,000 square foot Sears store, Ottawa’s Nordstrom will anchor the increasingly upscale Rideau Centre. The mall’s second anchor will be La Maison Simons, which will occupy 105,000 square feet in a northeastern mall expansion. Simons is set to open in August of 2016.

Department managers will begin hiring store staff for Ottawa’s Nordstrom in December of this year. Applicants can create an online profile at: www.careers.nordstrom.com.

 

Today’s retail news from around the web: July 25, 2014

A 5-step Guide to Targeted Job Searching in Retail

By
Retail Insider
-

By Michael Howard

Replying to job ads is the age-old method of job searching. The problem with this approach is that you’re competing directly against everyone else who is responding to the same posting. Rather than getting the jump on your competitors, you’ve simply thrown your hat in the ring.

I’m not suggesting you stop doing that. However, if your job search isn’t going well I recommend you go beyond that approach and target employers you’d like to work for. Here is a 5-step guide to targeted job searching in the retail industry:

Step 1 – Identify retailers you’d like to work for

Make a list of all the retail companies in your area that you’d like to work for – companies that you’ve read about and admire, or companies with product categories that you have experience with. Regardless, don’t worry about whether they have any positions open at this point – you’re just figuring out what YOU want.

Step 2 – Research those companies through their websites and social media

Learn as much as you can about each potential company before you approach them – by doing so you will come across as much more confident, professional, organized, and competent. Read their entire website and learn about their history, mission, and philosophy. Find out how many stores they have and where. Check out their LinkedIn company page and get a sense of how active they are on that network. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook as well. 

Step 3 – Determine where you would fit in the company

Realistically assess what position you’d be qualified for with each company, and that may be different for each one. For example, say you are a district manager with Old Navy, you oversee 9 stores and a combined $85M in sales, and you’d like to work for H&M or Target. It’s possible that you could step right into a DM position with H&M if the sales volumes were similar, but it’s unlikely that you would be considered for a district leadership position with Target, since the volumes are much higher. In that case, you may want to pursue a store leader position. 

Besides sales volume, merchandise category experience is important to recruiters as well. A store manager with Safeway might not be qualified for a store manager position with Best Buy if that person doesn’t have other product experience that is more closely related. (Please note, these are simply examples; I am not speaking on behalf of any of these companies.)

Step 4 – Identify contacts within the company

LinkedIn is a great tool for this. When you click on a company’s page, you will see a section called “How You’re Connected” at the top right. This will show you any first-degree or second-degree connections you already have in that company. Look over the list and try to find someone who would be at the level above the position you’re seeking. For example, if you want a store manager position, try to find the district manager in your area. 

If that person is a first-degree connection, you can send them an email. If they are a second-degree connection, you can send them a connection request if you like but I suggest asking for an introduction first. If you hover over the arrow to the right of the “Connect” button, you will see an option for “Get Introduced” – this allows you to ask a mutual first-degree connection to introduce you.

When you ask for an introduction, tell your first-degree connection why you would like to be introduced. For example:

Dear Kim, 

I am requesting an introduction to a first-degree connection of yours, Stacy Horton with ABC Company. I have admired this company for some time and I am confident my 3 years’ experience as a store manager for DEF Company would make me a strong candidate for future management opportunities with ABC. If you would consider forwarding this introduction, I would be most grateful. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Michael Howard

It’s important to note that what you write to your first-degree connection may be forwarded to the second-degree connection, so don’t include anything that you wouldn’t want that person to see.

Step 5 – Initiate contact with the new connection and develop a relationship

One key to networking is to recognize that a new relationship may not bear fruit right away, but it’s still worthwhile. Don’t approach the person with the standard “Do you have any store manager openings?” because you may be disappointed with the answer, you won’t impress them, and in all likelihood the relationship won’t grow from there.

What you want to do is get them interested in you. If they have a position available right now, great. If not, you have a better chance of being considered when the time comes. Here’s an example:

Dear Stacy,

Thanks for connecting with me. 

I have been with DEF Company as a store manager for the last 3 years, and in that time I have led my store from $2.5M to $4.5M in sales. I have been very successful in this location, ranking 1st in my district (12 stores) and top 3 in my region (68 stores) in sales volume and key performance metrics for the last 18 months. I now feel that I have accomplished all I can with DEF and am open to other opportunities in retail management.

I am a great admirer of ABC Company and have watched their rapid growth throughout the country in the last few years. I am confident the skills and experience I gained at DEF would make me a top candidate for future store manager vacancies with your company.

Do you have time for a quick phone conversation? I can call you at your convenience, or I can be reached anytime at 555-555-5555. In the meantime, feel free to review my LinkedIn profile for more information.

Thanks again for joining my network Stacy. I look forward to discussing this further with you.

Sincerely,

Michael Howard
Email Address

Recruiters appreciate candidates who know exactly what they want and go after it. Targeting specific companies you’d like to work for will portray you as much more confident, assertive, and professional than the “I’ll take anything – what do you have available?” approach that most job-seekers use. 

Michael Howard is a professional resume writer working exclusively with store managers, district managers, regional managers, and other retail leaders from across North America. Visit retailresumes.ca for details or follow him on Twitter.

World’s largest fashion retailer to further expand Zara and Massimo Dutti in Canada

By
Craig Patterson
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Zara
Zara (PHOTO: GOOGLE)

Spanish-based Inditex plans to further expand in Canada, intending to open new Zara and Massimo Dutti stores. It’s a bold move for the company, which barely advertises and currently experiences mediocre sales for its Massimo Dutti brand. Zara does gangbusters sales in Canada, however, warranting further expansion that will see new and expanded stores, as well as new Zara Home locations. 

Zara currently operates 26 Canadian stores, as well as two Zara Home locations. Zara intends to substantially expand its Canadian operations, according to sources, including its Zara Home concept. Zara Home’s first Canadian store opened in August of 2013 at Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre, with a second location opening shortly thereafter at Montreal’s Carrefour Laval. An Ottawa Zara Home location is confirmed for 2016, within a new two-level Zara flagship at Rideau Centre. We’re awaiting further details of Zara’s Canadian store expansion, and we’ll update this article when we learn more. 

Interestingly, Inditex plans to open more Massimo Dutti stores across Canada, despite mediocre sales in its first three locations. Dutti’s first Canadian store opened in August of 2012, measuring 4,800 square feet at the Toronto Eaton Centre. It subsequently opened two more Toronto stores: last August at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, and earlier this year at First Canadian Place. The company is now targeting Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, and possibly other Canadian cities for new stores, according to a source familiar with the brand. Its first Montreal location just opened at Centre Rockland, and a Carrefour Laval store will follow next week. Its first Ottawa location is already confirmed, being a 5,000 square feet, scheduled to open in August of 2016 at Rideau Centre.

Inditex’s brands will soon face increased competition in Canada, as Japanese fast-fashion brand Uniqlo intends to expand, and de-throne Inditex as the world’s largest fashion retailer. Uniqlo is currently working with a broker to secure Canadian space, and a source informs us that Uniqlo management was in Vancouver last week for a number of meetings. Uniqlo intends to open multiple stores in cities across Canada, and the company’s CEO thinks that sales could surpass those of Zara. Last year, Inditex did sales of 16.7 billion Euros. 

Canadian retailers could be hurt the most by these international expansions, as we discussed in an interview with CBC yesterday. Local retailers, traditionally complacent and lacking competition, will need to innovate if they hope to survive the increasingly global nature of Canadian retailing. 

 

Canadian Retail Sales Up, But Weak Spots Abound: StatsCan

By
Craig Patterson
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By Ed Strapagiel

Ed Strapagiel is a consultant specializing in applied marketing, business development and strategic planning. [Ed Strapagiel’s Website]



Statistics Canada’s latest numbers show a 4.6% increase in total retail sales in May of 2014, over the same month a year ago, on a not seasonally adjusted basis. This is the highest such monthly gain so far this year. 

The 3 month year-over-year growth trend (orange line in the chart above) has now risen slightly above the 12 month trend (green line). This implies a fairly steady pace going forward, perhaps with a little upside. 

On the other hand, these results are not evenly spread. Overall, the Automotive & Related sector is most responsible for pushing up the total retail gain. In May 2014 on a year-over-year basis, Automotive & Related retail sales increased 6.9%, over double that for Food & Drug with a 3.2% increase, or Store Merchandise with a 3.4% increase. 


Food & Drug Stores

Food & Drug stores’ sales gained 3.2% for the 3 months ending May 2014. While not sizzling, this 3 month trend is at the highest levels since 2011 and is tracking above the 12 month trend currently at 2.1%. But there are significant disparities among the store types in this sector. 

Sales at supermarkets & other grocery stores were up just 0.7% for the 3 months ending May. This is less than inflation in the food business. 

In contrast, specialty food stores and health & personal stores are enjoying high sales growth rates, in the 8% to 9% range, and well above the overall retail average. 


Store Merchandise

Retail sales were up 3.4% in May for Store Merchandise, the best single month gain in 2014 so far. After steadily softening since August of last year, the 3 month trend appears to be modestly recovering (orange line in the above chart), although it is still behind the other major retail sectors. 

The other general merchandise stores group (mostly large combo retailers) continues to outpace all other merchants in this sector. Year-over-year sales were up 7.1% for the 3 months ending May, and up 8.0% for 2014 year-to date. 

Fortunes vary for other store types, mostly unfavourably:
– Clothing stores gained 4.0% in 2013 but are up only 1.5% year-to-date in 2014;
– Shoe stores gained 6.2% in May alone but are still up only 1.2% year-to-date;
– Furniture stores gained 4.4% in May but are still down 0.8% year-to-date;
– Electronics and appliance stores lost more ground in May and are down 0.9% year-to-date;
– Building material and garden equipment/supplies retailers gained a little in May but are down 0.4% year-to-date. 


Automotive & Related

Sales gains in the Automotive & Related sector continue to be well above the overall Canadian retail average. Year-to-date sales were up 7.4% in May, and the trend lines indicate this high level of performance should remain steady going forward. 

The only weak spot in this sector is the small other motor vehicle dealers group (e.g., motorcycles and recreational vehicles). Sales were down 6.3% in May and are off 2.6% year-to-date. 

Gasoline station retail sales continue to climb and were up 10.6% in May versus a year ago, the single highest increase of any store type in the month. For the 12 months ending May, sales were a record $64 billion, which is over double that of clothing and clothing accessories stores. 

The Numbers, below: 




Today’s retail news from around the web: July 24, 2014

Home Outfitters to Become Part of Hudson’s Bay’s Home Division, to Close Mississauga and Abbotsford, BC Stores

By
Craig Patterson
-


Photo: WikipediaPhoto: Wikipedia

Photo: Wikipedia

Home Outfitters, Canada’s largest kitchen, bed and bath superstore, will be merged into Hudson’s Bay Company‘s (HBC) Department Store Group. Several Home Outfitters locations may close as a result, while others could be extensively renovated. Hudson’s Bay confirms that two Home Outfitters locations will close, as the company increasingly concentrates on its e-commerce operations. 


First page of the memo from HBC's Office of the Chairman.First page of the memo from HBC's Office of the Chairman.

First page of the memo from HBC’s Office of the Chairman.

Founded by HBC in 1999, Home Outfitters currently has 69 Canadian store locations, selling housewares, small appliances, bath accessories, bedding, furniture and home decor. Stores average about 34,000 square feet each and are mostly located in suburban centres. 

Company spokesperson Tiffany Bourré confirms that Home Outfitters at Mississauga’s Square One will close in January of 2015, as well a store at 1425 Sumas way in Abbotsford, BC. “We have committed to rationalizing our real estate portfolio and creating a strong, streamlined store base, along with an expanded digital offering.  As a result, we will be closing two Home Outfitters locations in January 2015” said HBC spokesperson Tiffany Bourré. “We are committed to open communication with our Associates through the transition and to treating each individual with respect. Store Associates will be offered transfer opportunities where possible. All Home Outfitters stores will continue to focus on serving our customers,” she said. 

Regarding HBC’s merging Home Outfitters with Hudson’s Bay’s Department Store Group: “Joining our Home businesses allows us to strengthen our position in the market and create a truly amazing home destination, both in our Home Outfitters and Hudson’s Bay stores, as well as online,” said Ms. Bourré. 

Interestingly, a source informs us that HBC is looking for space to open a Home Outfitters store in Downtown Toronto, despite there already being two large Hudson’s Bay stores within the city’s core. 



According to the memo from the Office of the Chairman, Home Outfitters’ current gift registry will also be merged with that of Hudson’s Bay’s, creating “one powerful, integrated registry”. Hudson’s Bay is already home to Canada’s largest gift registry, which will become even bigger as a result of the merger. 

HBC believes this change will create efficiencies, especially as the company prepares to move most department store merchandise online. The memo reads: “Joining our two Home businesses allows us to create a truly amazing Home destination, both in our Home Outfitters and Hudson’s Bay stores, as well as online. Further, by combining our marketing and merchandising efforts and organizations, we will drive efficiency and collaboration.”

Today’s retail news from around the web: July 23, 2014

 

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