Kaufman's Commentary
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Executive Leaves at Starbucks
Chairman Howard Schultz re-takes ceo role, replacing Jim Donald
1-08-08
So McDonald's says it will begin selling cappuccinos and lattes and Starbucks shakes up its top management team. (McDonald's will reportedly even add a "barista" position in its restaurants.)
No, I know there were many other market forces that have made Starbucks consider the path it's on. Too much growth. Too high-priced in an uncertain consumer economy. And some peculiar management decisions, such as focusing on packaged, take-home coffee. ("Without the aroma, we've lost much of our merchandising strength," Schultz was reported to have said.) Read more...
—Steve Kaufman, VM+SD Editor
What do you think?
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Retail Spotlight
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Shoe In
Converse upgrades its new Canadian showroom and office
When Converse's Canadian headquarters relocated from an industrial park to a more centralized site near Montreal's international airport, the move provided the opportunity to create a corporate office and showroom environment that reflected the dual philosophy of the brand as an American icon as well as a provider of performance products. See for yourself if the results are a slam-dunk.
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Join the Discussion
Every week, we'll pose a thought-provoking question related to working in the retail and design fields. This week's question
This month Illinois became the 22nd state to curb smoking in bars, restaurants and sports stadiums. Whereas smokers used to gather about the bar or in smoking sections, now they're huddling around front doors and on patios to take a drag.
As more states move to adopt similar bans, how will this change affect the way restaurants design their spaces?
Join the discussion
Weekly News Recap
SPECIALTY APPAREL
President Elected at J. Jill
Paula Bennett's duties will include store visual and design
No More Talbots Kids' and Men's
Retailer to focus on traditional womenswear business
demo is Done
Pacific Sunwear to eliminate 154-store urban apparel division
Banana Appeal
Banana Republic names new creative director
Staying on the Pony
At 68, Ralph Lauren says he's still expanding his business
ELECTRONICS
New Day, New City
Circuit City is testing new store concept, called The City, that it feels will be the future of retailing
Running RadioShack Store Operations
Bryan Bevin, new executive vp, will also sit on retailer's select chairman's committee
FOOD
Executive Leaves at Starbucks
Chairman Howard Schultz re-takes ceo role, replacing Jim Donald
Executive Leaves at Krispy Kreme
Turnaround expert Daryl Brewster resigns as ceo, replaced by board chairman
Mr. Lucky
Bob Spengler, who resurrected the Lucky grocery store name in California, will retire from Save Mart Supermarkets
My Goodness!
7-Eleven's Kwik-E-Mart marketing campaign voted one of the year's best
HOME GOODS
Executive Leaves at Kirkland's
Ex-president Catherine David will not be replaced; ceo assumes her responsibilities
SALES REPORTS
Good News
Urban Outfitters reports strong holiday sales
God Bless Us, Everyone
British retailers report modest but better-than-expected holiday season
DEVELOPMENT/CONSTRUCTION
Mall Operator in Debt
Australia's Centro Properties Group seeking a buyer
Read more news recaps.
Industry News
For the Week of January 7th
Lectra Appoints Hotsumi Baba to Managing Director; Ettore Sottsass Dies in Milan; Dodge-Regupol Changes Name
Noteworthy New Products
"Circulinity Component Rubber Tile Design System"
Johnsonite
"Luster Series"
Hakatai Enterprises Inc.
Job of the Week
VM+SD’s free job board features regular updates on industry jobs and freelance openings. Here’s the latest posting:
Visual Manager
Competitions
Call for Entries: VM+SD Retail Renovation Competition
Deadline is March 26, 2008
Looking for the Best Visual
Enter VM+SD's 15th annual International Visual Competition
Coming Up in VM+SD Magazine
February:
- Top of the List: Check out winners of the 37 th annual ISP/VM+SD International Store Design Competition, including this year's Store of the Year.
- Inspiring Windows: VM+SD's annual holiday window review takes you around the world to see what themes and holiday treats delighted shoppers this past holiday season. Don't miss Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Walt Disney World, Harrods, Holt Renfrew and more.
- What's Hot in Europe?: John Ryan, VM+SD's European editor, reports on what retailers are making a splash across Europe, including Desigual and Fortnum & Mason in London; BHV in Paris; and Interspar's hypermarket in Austria.
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