The following stories are from VMSD, INSTORE’s sister publication for retail design professionals. Visit VMSD.com or subscribe here.
Target CEO’s Turnaround Plan: More Fashion, Less Toothpaste
Target CEO Michael Fiddelke’s turnaround strategy centers on restoring the retailer’s design credibility through AI-powered trend analysis and 20,000 new Q4 products—twice last year’s count. The retailer will debut a fashion-focused SoHo store that rotates merchandise monthly and ditches basics for “bold, iconic displays.” Read more.
Rolex Expands to Brooklyn’s Williamsburg
Swiss luxury watchmaker Rolex is opening a 3,700-square-foot store in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, joining premium brands like Warby Parker and Glossier. The move signals luxury’s continued shift into emerging, lifestyle-driven neighborhoods where younger affluent consumers shop. Read more.
Starbucks Reimagines Small-Format Locations
Starbucks transformed a 265-square-foot pickup-only location into a cozy “espresso bar” with banquette seating and built-in nooks. The design will anchor future expansion, proving that minimal square footage can still deliver engaging customer experiences when thoughtfully designed. Read more.
Gen X: Retail’s Overlooked Powerhouse
Gen X (ages 45-60) drives 31% of retail spending despite representing just 19% of the population, with the highest revenue per shopper across nearly every category. They prefer in-store experiences and show strong brand loyalty—making them retail’s biggest near-term growth opportunity. Read more.
Luxury Retailers Energize Holiday Campaigns
Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom unveiled updated holiday strategies emphasizing experiential retail. Neiman’s Parisian-themed windows debut November 25, while Nordstrom introduces Santa experiences in every store with free photos for cardholders. Both retailers are blending one-of-a-kind experiences with elevated service. Read more.
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Two Fine-Dining Concepts Launch in Hotels
Brooklyn Chop House opens November 11 in Moxy Miami Wynwood with 20,000 square feet across two levels. Mediterranean restaurant Orexi debuts late November in Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy. Both demonstrate hospitality’s continued integration of elevated dining experiences. Read more.
Takeaways for Jewelers From This Week’s Wrap-Up
Here are a few actionable takeaways for jewelry retailers based on this week’s headlines:
- Use AI tools to spot trends early and source unique pieces overseas. Fresh inventory keeps customers coming back.
- Small store? Good. Focus on creating an intimate, premium vibe instead of worrying about square footage.
- Stop ignoring Gen X — they spend more than anyone and actually want to shop in your store.
- Holiday shoppers remember experiences, not just your sale percentage. Give them something this Christmas.
- Consider a hotel pop-up (or even second location) — you’ve got captive affluent customers already in shopping mode.
