The Friday Report: January 24th, 2020

Is Alcohol the New Secret Weapon to Higher Retail Sales?

High end retailers have introduced a new experiential feature in select store locations and have hopes that it will boost retail spending.  What is this magic elixir you ask?  Alcohol.  The new 320,000 square foot Nordstrom flagship store now has a liquor license.  Not only can shoppers drink in the five restaurants and two full service bars, but also in other areas of the store.

 In addition, shoppers can have drinks and snacks delivered to them as they shop.  Sales team members can be requested to place drink orders via a screen.  Alcohol can be served on five of the seven levels, enhancing the fun of the shopping experience.

Is it enough to make shoppers spend more money?  Hmm…only time will tell.

Transportation Carrier Launches TSA-Cleared Air Freight Service

Developed to move international air freight directly from the point of origin to the export location to save time, the new Transportation Security Administration-compliant export service introduced by A. Duie Pyle is anticipated to help with next-day transit needs.

Currently A. Duie Pyle features a dense network of next day service centers staffed by TSA-compliant freight handlers and drivers.  By pumping up the volume on its integrated logistics service options, A. Duie Pyle will be better positioned to eliminate obstacles to next day transit, streamlining the shipping and logistics process.

Bed Bath and Beyond Moves to Close 40 Stores

With the recent holiday season now a memory, big box giant Bed Bath and Beyond is moving ahead with its plan to close 40 store locations nationwide in 2020. Bed Bath and Beyond also operates buybuy Baby, Harmon Face Values and World Market.  Closing some locations is anticipated to help increase the profitability of the remaining portfolio of stores.  In addition, it is expected that the move will enable the company to better focus on operational efficiency and traffic generation to existing retail locations.