What stores are closing? 7 things that happened in retail last week

The retail industry continues to evolve in 2018 as stores try to innovate and compete with online shopping.

Retailers like Target and Walmart have announced store changes and strategies for the New Year, including opening more stores and adding new in-store technology. Other retailers like The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. saw decreases in holiday sales.

» MUST-READ RETAIL NEWS: Target will offer SAME-DAY delivery after acquiring Shipt Inc.

Here’s what happened last week in retail:

1. Target to open 30 stores, remodel 325 stores in 2018

Target will open approximately 30 “small-format” stores while remodeling more than 325 stores this year.

Target Corp. announced that its comparable sales in November and December grew 3.4 percent, compared with the expected range of 0 to 2 percent. Target now expects 2017 will be the fourth consecutive year in which its digital sales grow more than 25 percent. READ MORE

2. In another blow for Elder-Beerman, Bon-Ton posts holiday sales decline

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. announced that its comparable store sales for the nine-week holiday period ended Dec. 30 decreased 2.9 percent. Total sales for the holiday period were $720.8 million compared to sales of $752.1 million in the prior year period. READ MORE

3. Grand opening date set for At Home store in Beavercreek

At Home will open its Beavercreek location off of Indian Ripple Road later this month. A company spokeswoman told this news organization that the store will soft open on Jan. 31, and a grand opening celebration has been scheduled for Feb. 10. This will be At Home’s 150th store to open nationally.

4. Walmart to roll out ‘Scan & Go’ technology in another 100 stores

The retail giant announced its expanding a test of the popular Mobile Express Scan & Go app, which allows customers to scan and bag items, including produce, while they shop and pay directly with their phones. There's no waiting in line at the register. READ MORE

5. Sam’s Club locations reportedly closing without notice

Sam's Club store locations are reportedly closing across the nation, including some in Ohio. The Loveland store on Fields-Ertel Road and the Oakley store on Marburg Avenue both permanently closed Thursday, WCPO reported. No locations in the Dayton region have been impacted. Sam's Club has locations in Dayton, Beavercreek and Centerville. READ MORE

6. In uncertain industry, Kohl's posts 6 percent increase in holiday sales

The retail chain saw growth in "digital demand accelerated significant in the holiday period," while also experiencing positives sales and stronger foot traffic in stores. Based on stronger than expected holiday sales and expectations for fiscal January, the company now expects its fiscal 2017 diluted earnings per share to be $4.10 to $4.20 versus its previous guidance of $3.72 to $3.92. READ MORE

7. Target launching new women’s brand next month

Last year, Target announced plans to roll out more than 12 new, only-at-Target brands, which includes A New Day, Goodfellow & Co., Project 62 and Hearth & Hand with Magnolia. Next month, Target is introducing Universal Thread, a women's lifestyle brand that's grounded in denim and features tops, dresses, accessories and shoes. READ MORE

FIVE FAST BUSINESS READS

• In another blow for Elder-Beerman, Bon-Ton posts holiday sales decline

• Allegiant to add new flights at local airport

• German grocery chain Lidl halts plans to open local store

• At Home store to open in Dayton area this month

• Currency of the future? Some argue it's bitcoin

About the Author