McMillanDoolitle is based in Chicago – which is also home to a wide and inspiring breadth of retail companies and stores. Our team visits stores frequently and leads immersive study tours showcasing new, innovative, and best in class retailers as part of our strategic innovation…
Bloomingdale’s debuted its second small-format concept, Bloomie’s, in early November at the Westfield Old Orchard shopping center in Chicagoland (the first location opened in Virginia in 2021). Bloomie’s experience-driven format departs from the traditional department store model by challenging the idea that bigger is better….
The surge in online shopping that took place during the pandemic has fueled pent-up demand for convenient and experiential in-store shopping as the pandemic wanes. While the industry expected ecommerce’s share of total U.S. retail sales to continue to rise post-pandemic, it has stagnated in…
Throughout uncertain times in 2022, the beauty industry has demonstrated resilience, and beauty retailers and mass players alike have taken note. The continued strength of the beauty category can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including the return to physical offices and in-person events…
HassleLess Mattress’s experimental retail stores remove the salesperson to drive down costs, allowing the customer to browse comfortably, and eliminating the notoriously high-pressure sales environment of a typical mattress store. The Wisconsin-based retailer is just beginning its regional expansion, with new locations popping up across…
Ailing US department stores are increasingly pressured to spin off their Ecommerce operations. We share our thoughts on whether these moves make for a clever strategy or merely offer a last resort. The retail world has been abuzz with Ecommerce spin-offs, beginning with Saks Fifth…
Trend Spotlight from RI 2022: Foxtrot’s Modern Stores Redefine Convenience Retailing This week we are highlighting an elevated convenience concept from our recently published Retail Innovations 2022 report under the Efficiency-out-of-store theme. This section includes companies that offer innovative and convenient solutions that save people…
Amazon announced that it is closing 68 retail stores, which are comprised of Amazon Books, Amazon 4 Star and Amazon pop-up stores. This announcement has taken the retail world by surprise, particularly as the company recently had plans for further expansion of these concepts. The…
Sandwiched between Marshalls and TJ Maxx in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, the two-story, 92,000 square foot Bed Bath & Beyond flagship location opened its doors to New Yorkers on July 22nd. Bed Bath & Beyond’s newest flagship offers new branded experiences, digitally-enabled engagement methods and the…
On Tuesday, Kohl’s announced a partnership with Facebook to use the social media giant’s consumer information to select a merchandising assortment. The assortment – featuring new or unknown brands – is entitled “Curated by Kohl’s,” and is part of CEO Michelle Gass’s efforts to enhance…
