For more than 30 years, Chicago-based Paper Source has cultivated a personalized in-store experience for customers, resulting in steady sales increases. The company’s legacy systems weren’t keeping up with growth, however, so CEO Winnie Park worked with retail strategy firm Sophelle to find the right technology source.

Nearly 20 percent of Ahold USA’s transactions involve cash, and the resources necessary to process that cash are substantial. A platform from Balance Innovations integrates retail systems and devices to give corporate offices a real-time view of stores with features including check conversion and cash reconciliation.

Amazon has begun selling intimate apparel in Europe under the label Iris & Lilly; items are priced lower than brands like Calvin Klein and Victoria’s Secret, though the market is notoriously challenging: Bra fit is difficult for most women to gauge.

McDonald’s most famous sandwich was created by a Pennsylvania franchisee; now a San Francisco franchisee is carrying on the tradition. Its creation, a snow crab sandwich, is currently being served in four Bay Area McDonald’s and could expand to more than 250 restaurants in the area later this year.

The digital edition of STORES’ April 2017 issue is now available! The magazine is packed with must-read pieces including the articles featured here.

NRF has launched the latest television ads in its campaign against the misguided “border adjustment” tax proposed by House Republicans. The new spots show the impact the initiative would have on small business retailers who have spent their lives contributing to communities and creating jobs.

Registration is now open for Shop.org, the annual event that brings together e-commerce’s brightest thinkers and doers. The event, to be held in Los Angeles, September 25-27, will focus on insights into the future of digital retail and how to apply them today. Register early and save $300.

With innovative shopping experiences requiring a closer relationship with consumers, lack of trust is one of the biggest hurdles for e-commerce growth and conversion. NRF looks at the subtle  — and not-so-subtle  —  things retailers can do to make shoppers feel more confident about buying online.

J.McLaughlin, the classic American clothing and accessories brand for women and men, has selected the Aptos Singular Commerce platform in the cloud. J.McLaughlin will leverage Aptos’ fully integrated end-to-end suite of solutions to support critical operations across every area of its retail enterprise.

Market Track LLC, a leader in advertising, e-commerce, brand protection and promotional intelligence solutions, has acquired 360pi Corporation, a leading provider of online product and pricing intelligence. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

PetSmart Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire online pet retailer Chewy Inc. The acquisition accelerates the execution of PetSmart’s strategy and is a milestone in its journey to be the most convenient, best-in-class pet retailer. The combination of PetSmart and Chewy will enhance both companies’ capabilities and reach, offering the widest selection of pet products and services available both in-store and online in North America.

Delta Galil Industries Ltd., a global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label apparel products for men, women and children, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Delta Galil USA Inc., has signed a long-term licensing agreement with Calvin Klein Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PVH Corp., to develop, produce and distribute boys’ and girls’ underwear, sleepwear and socks for the brand.

Maritz Motivation Solutions, a provider of loyalty programs to major companies and brands, announced a partnership with TPG Rewards Inc., a receipt capture provider in the consumer promotional rewards and technology space. This alliance adds another dimension to Maritz’s customer loyalty solution by allowing marketers to easily engage and build loyalty with customers at the point of sale through customers’ mobile devices.