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Apparel retailer Talbots recently converted from a retail method of accounting to the cost method of accounting, part of an overall migration to an omnichannel, strategic planning methodology. Working with Columbus Consulting, the retailer pulled off a 15-month, eight-pronged project on time and on budget — all the while rewarding employees with “ninja points” for skill and knowledge mastery.

The digital edition of STORES includes must-read pieces, including the articles featured here. Read the current issue and browse the archives for issues you may have missed.

New app connects in-store associates with online shoppers

How does one follow a foray into mobile commerce? Adam Levene turned his focus to physical stores. After helping retailers figure out their mobile strategy, Levene and his business partner, Alistair Crane, decided another facet of retail needed their attention. “We built all these mobile commerce things, but retailers still had all these physical stores,” says Levene, co-founder of the online chat app Hero. “Their associates were disconnected from the growth of digital communications.”

NRF is proud to provide our members with the online Retail Buying Guide to search for trusted vendors, products and services in the retail industry. Our guide is a user-friendly forum designed to bring suppliers and purchasers together. You can search by keyword, location, company name or category. Available whenever you need it, the Retail Buying Guide makes it easy to locate products and professional services geared to the retail industry. Click here to visit the online Retail Buying Guide! To advertise, please contact Sarah Allen for more information.

When others manage, Loomis solves

Introducing Titan R by Loomis. Part of our industry-leading SafePoint ecosystem, these cash recyclers combine the latest cash-handling technology and streamline cash management for cash intensive businesses in one end-to-end solution, all backed by our best-in-class customer support.

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Trends

Form-fitted takes on a whole new meaning

For anyone who has ever wondered if fit models with the same measurements as clothing exist, a creative — and potentially addictive — solution is on its way. Direct-to-consumer company Ministry of Supply now has the capability to adjust clothing on the spot to fit better, using only heat.

Neutrogena gets close-up and personal

January’s Consumer Electronics Show featured any number of fascinating inventions. One takes the concept of individualization far beyond skin-deep. Neutrogena is on the verge of introducing 3D-printed, customized face masks, incorporating the use of the TrueDepth camera on the latest iPhones.

NRF News

How small businesses make a big impact on communities

Starting a small business means more than selling a product or service — it also means becoming part of a community. On this episode of NRF’s Retail Gets Real podcast, Rachael Gruntmeir, owner of the Black Scintilla boutique in Oklahoma City, discusses how she builds a sense of belonging in her customers, fosters strategic partnerships within her community and influences both local and national policy.

NRF PROTECT 2019 savings deadline is Friday

NRF PROTECT 2019 will be held June 11-13 in Anaheim, Calif., featuring educational programing for loss prevention experts, an EXPO hall and a Fusion Center with law enforcement representatives. Friday is the last day for retailers to save up to $300 on a full conference pass.

3 ways Mother’s Day gift shopping has evolved

Mother’s Day is almost here, and 84 percent of consumers are already planning gift purchases for their moms. But those purchases look a lot different than they did 10 years ago. NRF took a closer look at Mother’s Day consumer spending data and identified three trends motivating shoppers.

Cut TCO by 15% on barcode devices

Retailers have relied on rugged handheld devices for over 30 years to boost efficiency and productivity. All along, devices have suffered from failures due to charging contacts that get dirty, corrode, or break. Wireless charging prevents device failure, drastically reducing TCO. An enterprise can easily reduce TCO by 15% or more deploying wireless charging devices.

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Retail Deals

Family Express, a chain of convenience stores and fueling centers, has gone live with a custom loyalty app with the help of Paytronix Systems Inc., resulting in a highly personalized experience for Family Express customers.

As part of a multi-phase effort to reduce the company's energy footprint, Ashley Furniture has selected 10 of its largest U.S. facilities to receive solar installations this year.

Mercato, an online ordering and delivery platform for independently owned grocery stores, recently moved its headquarters from New York City to San Diego as an ongoing strategy to expand in markets from coast to coast.

Vocera Communications Inc., a recognized leader in communication and workflow solutions, is partnering with Nordstrom by outfitting its employees with wearable Vocera Badges which allow salespeople to be hands-free and connect easily with colleagues and customers who are onsite or on the phone.

Lace & Liberty, the online, direct-to-consumer wedding dress brand, is making luxury customization more accessible by expanding its bricks-and-mortar presence with a new showroom located in Los Angeles.

Amazon has expanded grocery delivery from Whole Foods Market to 13 metro areas, allowing more Amazon Prime members the option of delivery in as little as an hour.