News Archive

Expert: Pru Microsoft won’t core Apple
Microsoft is looking to take a bite out of Apple with the opening of a store at the Shops at Prudential Center, but one retail expert said its new Hub location would in no way disrupt the iPhone maker’s success. » Read Article
Boston Herald May 4, 2012
Tenants lined up for old Borders site
Fast food that’s good for you, athletic gear, and cheap-chic fashion will take the place of shelves of books in the former Borders space on Boylston Street. » Read Article
The Boston Globe April 10, 2012
What Happened To The Atrium Mall?
When the Atrium Mall opened in 1989, a valet parked your car, a doorman greeted customers and a complimentary personal shopper made suggestions on what to buy at the swanky, 66-store shopping center. » Read Article
Boston Business Journal March 26, 2012
Second-hand specialist plans expansion in Mass.
A national company that specializes in stores selling used goods is planning a major expansion in Massachusetts, saying the state’s high number of families with young children and large student population make it a prime market for second-hand merchandise. » Read Article
The Boston Globe March 24, 2012
The winter that wasn’t
It’s official.After weeks of growing evidence — of leaves sprouting in January, of pathetic and muddy ski trails, of washed-out backyard hockey rinks — the last few days have left us with little doubt. This will go down as The Year We Had No Winter. » Read Article
The Boston Globe March 23, 2012
Retail Concepts and Eavesdropping With Experts Interview
Listen to Mike talk about building a great retail concept and how to succeed in your business. » Read Article
Eavesdropping With Experts March 12, 2012
Bay State robot developers to test shopping assistant
By next holiday shopping season you may be getting help at your favorite store from an automated assistant, if brainiacs at the Bedford-based iRobot get their way. » Read Article
Boston Herald March 1, 2012
Mall puts empty store on ice
Filling Borders’ vacant space with skaters » Read Article
Boston Herald February 28, 2012
Bostonians dream big about a reborn Downtown Crossing
The hole in Boston’s Downtown Crossing will finally be filled. For real this time, they say. Now that developer Millennium Partners has committed to a $500 million mixed-use project at the former Filene’s site, residents, businesses, and city officials are eagerly anticipating what will heal the massive scar in the heart of what was once the city’s prime shopping district. » Read Article
The Boston Globe February 19, 2012
Mom: Urban Outfitters should keep sex books from kids
A Dedham mother’s attempt to get sexually explicit books at Legacy Place’s Urban Outfitters moved to an “adults only” section has won allies among town officials and child advocates. » Read Article
Boston Herald February 9, 2012
Treats are in store at big chains
Target’s mascot, Bullseye the dog, is about to get a lot happier. » Read Article
The Boston Globe January 28, 2012
An i-opening quarter: Apple’s sales blow away competition
Apple’s eye-popping $13.1 billion profit last quarter looks sustainable, according to experts, and it shows the company’s strength competing not only against computer and smartphone makers, but also with gadget retailers such as Best Buy. » Read Article
Boston Herald January 26, 2012
Simon says sell the mall
Newton’s luxury Atrium faces exodus of shops » Read Article
Boston Herald January 13, 2012
Sears’ new retail czar joins an ailing icon
Brookstone Inc. chief executive a product innovator » Read Article
The Boston Globe January 4, 2012
Basement bows out as other retailers surge
 The retail industry rose above expectations this year in one of the mostly highly competitive environments in recent memory that saw the loss of the Filene’s Basement chain and the success of Dunkin’ Donuts hitting the stock market.  » Read Article
Boston Herald December 27, 2011
Talbots rejects takeover offer, but sale still possible
Talbots Inc.’s board of directors isn’t willing to sell the Hingham-based retailer at what it considers to be a bargain-basement price, but it’s also preparing to sell if the right price comes along. » Read Article
The Patriot Ledger December 21, 2011
Yoga shop preps Newbury St. pose
Lululemon Athletica is anything but sour on Boston. » Read Article
Boston Herald December 20, 2011
Kraft’s retail plaza would reap benefit
If you want to know why Robert Kraft would welcome a casino complex in Foxborough, take a look at his shopping plaza, Patriot Place. » Read Article
The Boston Globe December 3, 2011
Branding Is Not A 4-Letter Word
As a retailer, do you shudder when you hear the word branding? Does it bring to mind big budgets and ad agencies? How can you think about branding for your store? It is so much more than just advertising, and involves every aspect of your business and store. » Read Article
American Express Open Forum November 14, 2011
buybuy Baby opens first Mass. Store
New York-based superstore buybuy Baby opened its first Massachusetts location last week. » Read Article
The Boston Globe November 7, 2011
Stumbling Block
Struggling stretch of Boylston awaits needed transformation » Read Article
The Boston Globe November 5, 2011
Filene's Announces It’s Closing Shop For Good
Its been a tough few weeks for good old New England institutions. Necco Wafers sales are in the tank after an ill-fated experiment with natural flavoring. » Read Article
WGBH Radio November 3, 2011
Did Startup Sites Help Push Syms And Filene's Basement Into Bankruptcy?
Discount department store Syms and its subsidiary Filene's Basement have filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection, according to petitions filed in Delaware yesterday. » Read Article
The Huffington Post November 3, 2011
Bailout unlikely for leaky Basement
The Filene’s Basement name will likely go the way of Tweeter, Bradlees, Ames and other defunct New England retailers — into oblivion — while other assets are liquidated in the dying chain’s bankruptcy proceedings. » Read Article
Boston Herald November 3, 2011
Bringing back Filene’s Basement in Downtown Crossing isn’t easy, but it can be done
The block where the flagship Filene’s Basement store should be is one giant construction site – without any evidence of actual construction. And the chain is about to be completely liquidated as its parent company Syms Corp. closes up shop completely. » Read Article
The Patriot Ledger November 3, 2011
Filene’s, Syms File for Bankruptcy, Plan to Close
Syms Corp. and its affiliate, Filene’s Basement, filed for bankruptcy protection today and announced plans to liquidate, citing increased competition in the off-price retail industry. » Read Article
ABC News November 2, 2011
Black Friday 2011: Filene's Basement Files Bankruptcy, Stores to Close After Holidays
Filene’s Basement, the famed discount store, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and will close in January 2012 after the holiday season. » Read Article
The Christian Post November 2, 2011
Filene's Basement to close Braintree and three other stores in Massachusetts
Struggling discounter Filene’s Basement is closing four Massachusetts stores - about 15 percent of the chain’s locations - by the end of the year. » Read Article
The Boston Globe October 18, 2011
The Future of Drugstores
Operators broaden offerings to capture marketshare. » Read Article
Retail Traffic October 18, 2011
First to shop
Wegmans opens store in Northboro » Read Article
Worcester Telegram & Gazette October 16, 2011
Some Friendly advice
Friendly Ice Cream Corp. last week became the latest in a string of classic American restaurant chains to file for bankruptcy protection. The Wilbraham company, founded in 1935 , abruptly closed more than 60 locations and now hopes to reinvent itself as a leaner, more viable business by early December. » Read Article
The Boston Globe October 12, 2011
Netflix pushes reject button on DVD, Net split-up
After proposing a change that was as unpopular with customers as New Coke, Netflix has reversed its recent decision to split its mail-order DVD and Internet-streaming services. » Read Article
Boston Herald October 11, 2011
BJ’s won’t join ‘go West’ club
CEO says newly private co. to focus on core » Read Article
Boston Herald October 9, 2011
Un-Friendly shakeup
Bankruptcy closes 30 Mass. Shops » Read Article
Boston Herald October 6, 2011
Big Y to end self-checkout for customers
There was a long line at the checkout counter the day a Holden Big Y employee approached Valerie Fleming of Jefferson and asked if she’d like to try using the self-checkout.  » Read Article
Worcester Telegram & Gazette September 28, 2011
Market Woes Affecting School Shopping
Parents will have some tough choices to make as their kids head back to school in a few weeks. » Read Article
WCVB-TV 5 August 9, 2011
Borders Group admits defeat; more than 10,000 to lose jobs
It looks like Chapter 11 will be the last chapter for Borders Group after all. » Read Article
Patriot Ledger July 18, 2011
For bookseller, it could be the end
A looming liquidation of retail chain Borders Group Inc. could shut down its 15 remaining stores in Massachusetts and leave only one chain bookstore in Boston: the Barnes & Noble in the Prudential Center. » Read Article
The Boston Globe July 16, 2011
$2.8 billion takeover for BJ's Wholesale
While shoppers streamed in and out of 46 New England BJ's Wholesale Club stores Wednesday stocking up on Independence Day weekend goods, a pair of private equity firms were stocking up on BJ's itself -- a $2.8 billion deal to take the company private. » Read Article
NECN June 29, 2011
$140M sale of lease yields fresh start for Faneuil Hall Marketplace
City, tenants may win with $140M sale of Marketplace’s lease » Read Article
Boston Herald May 10, 2011
Link to eBay may give big boost to Boston’s Rue La La
EBay’s minority stake in Rue La La could help give the Boston flash-sale site access to millions of potential new customers and turn the start-up into a profitable business. » Read Article
The Boston Globe March 30, 2011
L.A. buyout firm takes stock of BJ’s
Weighs bid for wholesale clubs » Read Article
Boston Herald March 23, 2011
Timberland steps back into the city
More than a dozen years after closing its Boston store, Timberland is back in business on Newbury Street as of today, with a plan to operate differently the second time around. » Read Article
The Boston Globe March 17, 2011
Rugged Bear Not Rugged Enough in Tough Times
Company Files For Bankruptcy » Read Article
WCVB-TV 5 February 14, 2011
MASS. MARKET: Rugged Bear preps for liquidation sales at its stores
As other retailers retrenched, Rugged Bear seemed ready to break from the pack a year ago. » Read Article
The Patriot Ledger February 12, 2011
Canada’s Golf Town picks Mass. for 1st US stores
Golf Town Inc., a Canadian big-box retailer based in Markham, Ontario, will establish a group of golf superstores in Massachusetts this year as it expands into the United States for the first time. » Read Article
The Boston Globe February 12, 2011
100 Sears, Kmart sites to be closed
Following poor holiday sales, Sears Holdings Corp. yesterday announced that it plans to close at least 100 of its Sears and Kmart stores, although the company did not disclose whether any of those targeted are in Massachusetts. » Read Article
The Boston Globe January 28, 2011
Rugged Bear trapped in Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The Rugged Bear Co.’s hardy name apparently doesn’t reflect its balance sheet. » Read Article
Boston Herald January 26, 2011
Boost sales (and awareness) with the latest technology
There are many long-standing debates out there (you’ve probably even been part of one yourself) over whether technology is more of a blessing or a curse. Sure, there seems to be a special program or app or gizmo to accomplish anything you need, but with all that’s on the market today, how are you possibly supposed to keep up? And what happens if you don’t? » Read Article
Dallas Market Center January 11, 2011
Downtown Borders may write last chapter
Troubled retailer Borders Group could close the book on its Downtown Crossing store sooner rather than later, adding another black eye to Boston’s struggling retail district. » Read Article
Boston Herald January 8, 2011
It's Cyber Monday, Do You Know Where Deals Are?
Retailers Expect Deals To Last Several Days » Read Article
WVCB TV 5 November 29, 2010
Shoppers make Black Friday bright
Despite economy, holiday deals pack stores » Read Article
Lowell Sun November 27, 2010
More than ever, do-it-yourself home projects are female driven
MaryAnn McClintic is proud of her craftsmanship. » Read Article
Patriot Ledger November 23, 2010
Loehmann's Files for Bankruptcy Protection
Spirits must be a bit "lo" at Loehmann's. » Read Article
Style List November 16, 2010
Converse steps up its game with retail store
A new concept for Newbury St. » Read Article
The Boston Globe October 28, 2010
Small holiday perk
Customers are cautious, retailers wary but sales forecast is up. » Read Article
The Boston Globe October 16, 2010
Target opens store at South Shore Plaza in Braintree
The first shoe dropped in the spring when luxury retailer Nordstrom arrived at South Shore Plaza’s new wing. » Read Article
The Patriot Ledger October 11, 2010
Talbots will close stores as it continues refitting
Analysts say the Hingham-based retailer must continue to fine-tune its merchandise » Read Article
The Boston Globe October 6, 2010
With pop-ups, retailers gear up for holidays
More temporary stores — and jobs — on horizon. » Read Article
The Boston Globe October 1, 2010
Online Worldwide Competition And The Rise Of Exclusivity
Michael Tesler, Founder and Partner at Retail Concepts joins us to discuss the rise of exclusivity and why it is not just for luxury brands anymore. » Read Article
Trend POV September 10, 2010
Chain finds a way to fulfill the fickle
Five Below grows by pitching trendy $1 to $5 items to teens. » Read Article
The Boston Globe September 9, 2010
Point of Sale Software Experts Ready to Help You Succeed
"You Can Compete," a seminar for retailers, is sponsored by J.D. Associates, a retail point of sale software vendor. » Read Article
The Boston Globe September 8, 2010
Staples, BJ’s temper optimism as malaise lingers
If Staples and BJ’s Wholesale Club are any indication, the economic recovery is slowing as businesses and consumers continue to spend cautiously. » Read Article
The Boston Globe August 20, 2010
Retail Start-Ups Start Here
Featuring Treat Cupcake Bar. » Read Article
Retail Source August 18, 2010
Stores hope tax holiday will provide needed boost
With levy suspended, a big rush is expected over the weekend » Read Article
The Boston Globe August 13, 2010
Retailers hope that tax holiday can provide them with more business
Retailers saw a very dull week so far but they expect the market will be better on the coming Saturday and Sunday as six decimal two five percent of sales tax levied by the state will be suspended from most of the items. » Read Article
Top News Singapore August 13, 2010
A hot tip: Buy low, sell sugar high
Former financial wiz now trades in a new commodity: cupcakes. » Read Article
The Boston Globe August 1, 2010
Second Hand Gold
Down economy, rising interest in recycling mean big business for expanding resale stores. » Read Article
The Boston Globe July 28, 2010
Get Smart: Gather Competitive Intelligence
To follow up on Mr. Capman’s excellent article last month, Get Fresh Ideas From Your Competition, I would like to expand upon the subject of competitive shopping. » Read Article
Retail Source June 16, 2010
Simon, investors put Atrium Mall up for sale
The Atrium Mall in Chestnut Hill is up for sale. » Read Article
Boston Herald June 16, 2010
Drugstores expanding food staples
CVS is latest to cater to convenience buyer. » Read Article
The Columbus Dispatch June 11, 2010
CVS expands grocery aisles in latest attempt by drugstores to compete with supermarkets
"It's retailers anarchy and everybody's trying to fill a void in new spaces,” said Michael Tesler, president of Retail Concepts in Norwell. ... » Read Article
Patriot Ledger June 7, 2010
Retail Chains Find They Can Grow With Smaller Outlets
For a growing number of retailers, new slimmed-down store prototypes have become the favored strategy to expand their brick-and-mortar presence. » Read Article
Patriot Ledger May 1, 2010
O pioneer!
After years on Newbury Street, Debi Greenberg will soon open luxury retailer Louis in a sleek new waterfront location. Will the high-fashion venture succeed and spark much-needed growth in the struggling area? Or will it be a ghost town? » Read Article
The Boston Globe April 15, 2010
Bidding to Rebuild That Retail Thrill
South Shore Plaza expands its range. » Read Article
The Boston Globe March 26, 2010
Tello's Files for Bankruptcy, Plans to Shutter Three Stores
Fashion retailer Tello’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection yesterday and is seeking court approval to close three of its eight remaining stores by month’s end. » Read Article
Boston Herald March 20, 2010
Give Subtle Clues to Customers
To stay or to go... » Read Article
Scribd March 19, 2010
With Student Help, L.L. Bean Tries Younger Look
Bates College students swarmed Willy Beans coffee shop last week as 19-year-old freshman Charlie Carey, clad in a slim Hunter’s bright navy plaid shirt and brown moc hand-sewn shoes, preached the preppy gospel of the new Signature collection L.L. Bean is launching today. » Read Article
The Boston Globe March 15, 2010
Shopper Shopping
Oxford market enters the scene. » Read Article
Worcester Telegram & Gazette January 13, 2010
Stores See Happier Ending For ’09
Filene’s Basement plans loom large in coming year. » Read Article
Boston Herald December 24, 2009
Retail Survivor
Newbury Comics’ Dreese adapts to threats to old-line music business. » Read Article
Boston Business Journal December 18, 2009
Black Friday Sees Red In N.E.
Sales dive 5% here, up half percent in U.S. » Read Article
Boston Herald November 29, 2009
Black Friday's Bright Future
Downturn little threat to bargain weekend » Read Article
Boston Herald November 24, 2009
Flu and Fears Create One Feverish Market
If you’re looking to launch a business, here are two words any budding entrepreneur should know: hand sanitizer. » Read Article
The Boston Globe November 13, 2009
Men's Wearhouse to spiff up K&G stores
» Read Article
New York Post October 27, 2009
Retailers Set To Leap Into Seasonal Sales, Tighten Reins On Cost
» Read Article
Boston Herald September 21, 2009
Bob Kraft Praises Concept But One Critic Skeptical
» Read Article
Boston Herald September 13, 2009
Billion Dollar Catalog Co. Runs Quietly In Beverly
Beverly-based Orchard Brands doesn't conjure up an image of a billion dollar retail powerhouse for most people. But that's exactly what California private equity firm Golden Gate Capital has quietly converted Orchard Brands into in recent years. » Read Article
Boston Business Journal September 8, 2009
Jeans Company Coming to Back Bay
High-end jeans company 7 for All Mankind will test the retail landscape on Boston's Newbury Street beginning next Friday with a six-month temporary store. » Read Article
Boston Herald August 8, 2009
Syms Wins Battle for the Basement
A $62.4 million offer pushes aside Men's Wearhouse, but can it bring automatic markdowns back downtown? » Read Article
The Boston Globe June 16, 2009
Shoppers of the World, Unite
Here's one way to stop feeling guilty about shopping during the recession: Get on the computer and buy with friends - or even strangers - and receive deep discounts on local products and services. » Read Article
The Boston Globe June 14, 2009
Retail Concepts, Inc. Receives 2009 Best of Norwell Award
Retail Concepts, Inc. has been selected for the 2009 Best of Norwell Award in the Business Management Consultants category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA). » Read Article
Press Release June 8, 2009
$62m Bid for Filene's Basement
Men's Wearhouse won an intense nine-hour bidding war last night with a $62 million offer to take over bankrupt Filene's Basement, saving the 100-year-old chain from liquidation, according to a Basement official with knowledge of the deal. » Read Article
The Boston Globe June 6, 2009
Last Markdown for Filene's Basement
In August 2007, days before the metal grates came down on Filene's Basement in Downtown Crossing, teary employees gathered among the barren shelves for a farewell breakfast. » Read Article
The Boston Globe May 24, 2009
Last Markdown for Filene's Basement
Downtown closing sparked spiral. » Read Article
The Boston Globe May 24, 2009
Filene's Basement Finds a Buyer
While Filene's Basement filed for bankruptcy last week, the bigger surprise to many was that the legendary Boston upscale off-pricer appears to have avoided liquidation. » Read Article
Retail Wire May 15, 2009
Retail Concepts Adds 'Collum' to Impressive Talent Spreadsheet
For 15 years, Retail Concepts has specialized in helping retailers make smart business decisions. The newest member of Retail Concepts, Ani Collum, only enhances the strength of the team and its ability to help clients build and maintain successful retail businesses. » Read Article
Retail Concepts May 1, 2009
How Filene's Basement Got Sold at a Discount
Through a succession of owners who expanded, pulled back, and tinkered with the brand, Filene's Basement has never been able to recapture the magic of its original Washington Street location. » Read Article
The Boston Globe April 23, 2009
Hard Times and Faneuil Hall
Market’s operator bankrupt. » Read Article
Boston Herald April 17, 2009
Ailing Malls Shopping For a New Identity
Woes surfacing amid decline in spending. » Read Article
The Boston Globe March 22, 2009
Amid Recession, a Vein of Optimism
Some firms finding ways to capitalize. » Read Article
The Boston Globe February 15, 2009
To Improve Business, Retailers focus on Experiences
Hundreds were lined up outside the store entrance in Palm Desert, Calif. for the grand opening of Golfsmith Xtreme, the first U.S. location under a new megastore banner of longtime Texas retailer Golfsmith International Holdings. » Read Article
Scripps News January 23, 2009

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