The so-called clicks and mortar stores that combine retail space and a booming catalog or online business are fairly common but now Federated Department Stores will convert a former Lord & Taylor store in Delaware into a showcase for catalog and online retailers that have not had storefronts. The Epicenter Collection will offer 180,000 to 200,000 square feet of retail mall space. Epicenter will be a place for successful online businesses to have their own retail locations. They expect to have up to 60 e-tailers and catalog companies under one roof. Shoppers will also have access to a self-checkout device that will offer onsite purchases and home delivery. The store will be converted to the new format during the next year and open for customers by fall 2008 and more stores will be opened if the pilot program is successful.Online retailers get a new home
The so-called clicks and mortar stores that combine retail space and a booming catalog or online business are fairly common but now Federated Department Stores will convert a former Lord & Taylor store in Delaware into a showcase for catalog and online retailers that have not had storefronts. The Epicenter Collection will offer 180,000 to 200,000 square feet of retail mall space. Epicenter will be a place for successful online businesses to have their own retail locations. They expect to have up to 60 e-tailers and catalog companies under one roof. Shoppers will also have access to a self-checkout device that will offer onsite purchases and home delivery. The store will be converted to the new format during the next year and open for customers by fall 2008 and more stores will be opened if the pilot program is successful.