We are pleased to announce that STORES Magazine will have a new online home. While we put the final touches on the website, please enjoy this selection of stories from our archives and visit the digital edition of the February/March issue, available now.

Given the unique business model — part gallery and part retail store, with the point of view of a magazine that completely changes every six to eight weeks — Rachel Shechtman took a big risk opening her New York City concept store STORY. Read about the shop’s early days and what makes STORY so captivating to consumers.

With an impeccable eye for interesting products, an inclination to take risks and a willingness to engage in groundbreaking methods that defy retail norms, STORY CEO and founder Rachel Shechtman is an ideal ambassador to industry hopefuls. STORES spoke with the retail entrepreneur about her advice for young people looking to step into careers in the industry.

Mark Parker’s career began in 1979 with a job designing sneakers at Nike when it was still a little-known company. Today, much has changed at Nike and for Parker: He’s still sketching sneakers, but has added a few more responsibilities as chairman, president and CEO.

Inspired by Build-A-Bear’s business model, Lana Hopkins created Mon Purse to tap into shoppers’ increased desire for individualization. Through physically based rendering technology — often used in gaming — customers can design a handbag and customize its appearance, and see immediately how it will look. The brand, which has grown 8,000 percent since launching in 2014, is on track to hit $20 million this year.

If you think the ultimate betrayal is finding out that your significant other watched an episode of “House of Cards” without you, Series Commitment Rings from ice cream brand Cornetto might be just what you need. (July 2016)

Would you like that Slurpee to go? Last summer 7-Eleven and Flirtey teamed up to make the first fully autonomous drone delivery to a customer’s residence. The delivery was intended to advance drone deliveries and further refine Flirtey’s delivery technology and packaging. (September 2016)

Nike rewarded nostalgic movie fans and shoe lovers alike last fall, creating 89 pairs of self-lacing sneakers just like Marty McFly’s infamous pair in 1989’s “Back to the Future 2.” Fans donated $10 per entry to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research for a chance to win the sneakers, raising $6.75 million in the process. (December 2016)

With Congress in position to take up legislation that could repeal debit card swipe fee reforms, banks and the card industry have been busy spreading claims that retailers have failed to share the savings with consumers. But a simple look at the numbers shows that those claims are simply not true — consumers have saved more than $30 billion over the past five years.

With over 35 years of experience, Neiman Marcus Group President and CEO Karen Katz was elected as the new chair of the NRF Foundation’s Board of Directors in January. NRF spoke to Katz about her own career story, her new role as chair and her advice for those looking to find success in retail.

The Podcast Studio at Retail’s BIG Show hosted seven shows that recorded 36 episodes. From technology and innovation to economic and consumer trends, industry experts interviewed entrepreneurs and executives about the hot topics currently affecting the state of retail.

This year, podcasts will be a bigger part of Shop.org — the annual e-commerce conference delivering insights into the future of digital retail — and NRF wants to know about the shows you already enjoy. Share your favorite podcasts covering any topic, from technology and culture to retail and entrepreneurship: Take the one-question survey.

SpartanNash, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based wholesaler and retailer, will unveil a new e-commerce service that will allow customers to order products online and pick them up in store. SpartanNash is working with Unata, which provides end-to-end e-commerce, digital marketing and related solutions for grocers.

WHSmith Travel has selected RELEX Solutions to improve demand forecasting and replenishment of products in the retailer’s more than 750 travel stores throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, Middle East, Australia and Asia.

Ecrebo, a leading point-of-sale marketing specialist, has announced that PANDORA UK, one of the world’s largest jewelry brands, has selected Ecrebo to deliver digital receipts across its 220 stores. The move to digital receipts gives the retailer greater visibility of customers’ in-store purchases and allows PANDORA UK to connect online and in-store customers, creating a single customer view. 

Omaha-based Gordmans, a 100-year-old retailer of apparel and home fashions, has entered into a three-year contract for Revionics Markdown Optimization Suite to drive enhanced margins, remain competitive in a fast-changing retail landscape and ensure adherence with disciplined business processes.

Checkpoint Systems, a leading global supplier of electronic article surveillance and RFID solutions for the retail industry, announced its partnership in implementing EAS pedestals and deactivation systems at approximately 2,800 Dollar General retail locations.