Foot Locker is taking a big step forward on the “Lace Up” growth plan it introduced last year, with a new retail concept it’s debuting today.

“It’s the most thorough, comprehensive store redesign we’ve ever done,” Foot Locker EVP and chief commercial officer Frank Bracken told Retail Brew; it improves the customer experience, layout, and storytelling opportunities for brands. The first location of the new concept was introduced today at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, New Jersey, and the company’s 34th Street flagship in New York City will get a refresh soon. Foot Locker also plans to debut new stores this year in Paris ahead of the Olympics, as well as in Melbourne, Australia, and in its first-ever location in India, outside Delhi.

Bracken said the retailer began working on a brief for the concept last year using feedback from consumers and brand partners, and zeroing in on the “Heart of Sneakers” brand platform it rolled out in November.

The new look begins with the storefronts, which have digital screens in the windows and a “Drop Zone” in the first 500 square feet of the store highlighting trends and new products.

Keep reading here.—EC

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Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen and Market announced they’re ceasing operations, effective yesterday. All 33 Foxtrot locations and two Dom’s grocery stores have closed their doors in Chicago, Austin, Dallas, and Washington, DC.

“We explored many avenues to continue the business but found no viable option despite good faith and exhaustive efforts,” Dom’s shared in a statement on its website, which Foxtrot shared on its social media accounts. “We understand that this news may come as a shock, and we apologize for any inconvenience it may cause. We genuinely appreciate your understanding during this challenging time.”

As of yesterday, delivery, store operations, store credits, and all customer-facing operations have ceased, per the Dom’s website. All account credit and member perks have also expired.

Corporate workers were told via conference call yesterday morning that stores would close by noon, Eater Chicago reported, while “store workers were left in the dark.”

Keep reading here.—EC

On Wednesdays, we wear pink spotlight Retail Brew’s readers. Want to be featured in an upcoming edition? Click here to introduce yourself.

Randy Carr is president and CEO of World Emblem, a patch manufacturer working with partners like Levi’s and New Era.

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? I oversee the technologies and procedures that ensure our products and services always meet expectations. There are many different materials and processes that go into making the items our clients sell, and emblems and patches are an essential piece of that puzzle. As CEO, my job is also to make sure there are clear roles and responsibilities for our employees, along with a vision and path for success.

One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? As much as I put myself out there, I am really an introvert at heart. When I’m done working, I just want to go home, be with my family, and get some rest.

What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? We’re currently on year three of transforming our company through lean manufacturing—a system that reduces production and response times from suppliers to customers.

Keep reading here.—EC

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