The Agenda: Business / USA
Personal shoppers
Christopher Lord on how bespoke service is helping America’s family-owned department stores to thrive.
The biggest US department stores have endured some tumultuous years, having lost touch with the needs of younger consumers and struggled to translate their brand appeal to the world of e-commerce. But there has been a surprising story of business resilience away from the spotlight: the skill and nimbleness of family-owned department stores in places that aren’t readily associated with retail prowess.
Halls in Kansas City is a shining example. Founded in 1916 and owned by the family behind Hallmark Cards, it has just had its best year of business…
