BLOG POSTS BY THIS AUTHOR
January 2021
Jan 21
Converting Former Big-Box Stores to Warehouse Space: Challenges, Opportunities
As e-commerce has accelerated, so had the demand for warehouse space. According to a report from CBRE, nearly 14 million square feet of big-box retail space in the U.S. has been converted to industrial space.
ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR
May 2021
May 17
Walmart drops mask requirements; other retailers doing the same
The nation’s largest retailer has updated its mask requirements in light of new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.
May 14
Retailers want consistency on mask guidance, says RILA
The CDC’s has relaxed its mask guidance for fully vaccinated people but that does not necessarily mean that retailers will be doing the same — at least not right now.
May 14
Whole Foods has 40 stores in its pipeline; announces organizational changes
Whole Foods Market remains committed to growing its store footprint even as online grocery sales continue to surge.
May 14
Smart & Final to be acquired by Mexican retailer in $620 million deal
Grupo Comercial Chedraui, the third largest retailer in Mexico, is expanding its footprint in the U.S. grocery space.
May 14
Dillard’s back in the black; doubles capital spending
Dillard’s started off its fiscal year on a positive note.
May 14
Core retail sales stall in April but are up 28.8% year-over-year
Retail sales in the United States unexpectedly stalled in April as consumers pulled back in certain categories following a sharp increase in March.
May 13
First Look: Swarovski unveils jewelbox of a store in New York
Swarovski, the world’s largest crystal manufacturer, is expanding its dazzling new store concept.
The jewelry brand’s fourth “Instant Wonder” location, in the SoHo section of Manhattan, celebrates crystal in all its forms.
May 13
Amazon in hiring blitz; giving bonus to hires who show proof of vaccination
Amazon is hiring 75,000 people across its U.S. and Canadian fulfillment and logistics network as it continues to expand its footprint and keep up with increased demand.
May 13
Meijer expands Midwest footprint
Meijer has opened three new supercenters across the Midwest.
May 13
McDonald’s raising hourly pay in company-owned restaurants amid tight labor market
McDonald’s Corp. is feeling the labor crunch.
May 13
H&M testing rental service — with a twist
H&M has launched its first — and a unique — rental service in the United States.
May 13
Ralph Lauren to sell Club Monaco to private equity firm
Ralph Lauren Corp. is selling Club Monaco as part of its turnaround strategy to focus on its core namesake brands.
May 12
More details about Harry Potter NYC flagship
The only official Harry Potter flagship in the world will have a bar — of sorts.
May 12
Kohl’s expands board at annual meeting
Kohl’s Corp. has moved ahead with its plan to expand its board of directors.
May 12
Ollie’s opens milestone store; taps Christmas Tree Shops vet as COO
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Inc. keeps expanding its footprint and entering new markets.
May 12
Saks.com gets new financing to fuel growth
Sak.com is looking to capitalize on economic recovery and drive growth through a new round of financing.
May 12
Gap Inc. to resume stock buybacks
Gap Inc. is resuming the share buybacks that it had suspended in March 2020 at the outset of the pandemic.
May 12
Robert Redford’s Sundance catalog opens its first Northeast store
Sundance has opened up shop in one of the country’s wealthiest communities.
May 11
Consumers more confident about shopping in-store
Consumer confidence about shopping in stores is on the rise.
May 11
L Brands spinning off Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works into two companies
L Brands has opted to spin off Victoria’s Secret rather than sell it.
May 11
H-E-B VP joins Sally Beauty
Sally Beauty Holdings continues to focus on enhancing its omnichannel shopping experience.
May 11
Paper Source to be acquired by Barnes & Noble parent company
A British private equity firm is making another U.S. acquisition.
May 11
Macy’s plans big upgrade of Herald Square, with new office tower atop flagship
Macy’s is making a big investment in the neighborhood that surrounds its most iconic store, its flagship in New York City’s Herald Square.
May 10
Retailers optimistic about strong recovery in 2021
Retailers and commercial real estate companies alike are feeling good about the retail brick-and-mortar recovery.
May 10
Chipotle to hike pay, offer referral bonuses amid restaurant labor crunch
Chipotle Mexican Grill is increasing wages and adding new bonuses as it looks to hire 20,000 employees across the U.S.
May 10
Bed Bath & Beyond’s newest private brand has price points starting at $1
Owned brands are part of Bed Bath & Beyond’s growth strategy and the chain has just launched its biggest one yet.
May 10
Party City narrows loss, gives upbeat outlook
Party City Holdco reported a smaller-than-expected first-quarter loss and sales that beat estimates even as social gatherings remained constricted.
May 10
NPD: Three critical trends affecting retailers in coming months are…
New policies regarding the return to work, reopening of schools for in-person learning and the resurgence of travel will have enormous implications for the retail industry.
May 10
Primark to open stores at two Macerich centers
Primark continues to expand its U.S. footprint.
May 07
Monthly impulse spending jumps 51% year-over-year
Americans are once again buying on impulse — mostly in bed via smartphones.
May 07
Eddie Bauer acquired
Authentic Brands Group and the SPARC Group keep expanding their portfolios.
May 07
Best Buy, Whole Foods Market top COVID-19 store safety measures ranking
Best Buy and Whole Foods Market were the big winners in Ipsos’ Health and Safety Best Brand Awards.
May 07
Retail cargo imports set record
Imports at retail container ports hit a new record this spring and volume during the first half of 2021 even amid ongoing disruption.
May 07
RH’s new showplace in Dallas has glass-encased rooftop restaurant
RH has brought its luxe shopping experience to Dallas.
May 06
Tuesday Morning taps Burlington Stores exec as CEO
Tuesday Morning has ended its search for a chief executive officer.
May 06
Walmart taking well-being benefits to new level
Walmart is expanding its well-being services for employees — and their families.
May 06
Abercrombie & Fitch taps TikTok celebs for its first social brand
Abercrombie & Fitch is getting social.
May 06
Canada Goose to open its first-ever U.S. ‘snow room’ at South Coast Plaza store
Canada Goose is bringing the snow to Southern California.
May 06
Walmart to acquire telehealth provider MeMD in new front against Amazon
Walmart continues to dive deeper into health care.
May 06
Mastercard: April retail sales up 23.3%; trends indicate recovering economy
Restaurant sector posts second straight month of growth
May 06
Tapestry swings to Q3 profit; Coach sales hit pre-pandemic levels
Tapestry reported a better-than-expected third-quarter with gains on its top and bottom lines as demand for luxury goods rebounds after plunging during the pandemic.
May 05
Office Depot parent to split into two companies as Staples pursues acquisition
Staples’ years-long pursuit of Office Depot may be inching closer to becoming a reality.
May 05
ModCloth acquired — again
A digitally native fashion brand once owned by Walmart has a new owner.
May 05
Puttshack looks to expand with new financing
An entertainment concept that combines tech-infused mini-golf with food and drink is set to grow at “a rapid pace.”
May 05
Krispy Kreme planning to go public — for second time
Krispy Kreme has taken the first step in returning to the public arena.
May 04
CVS Health Q1 profit, sales top estimates; raises outlook
CVS Health Corp. reported a strong first quarter with sales and earnings that topped Street expectations amid growth in all its segments.
May 04
Tailored Brands taps three retail vets for leadership team
Tailored Brands has expanded its management team with veterans from J.C. Penney, Nike and Lowe’s.
May 04
Target gives customers an incentive to get vaccinated in its stores
Many retailers offer financial incentives to encourage employees to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
May 04
Walmart, Sam’s Club administering walk-up vaccinations at 5,100 locations
An appointment is no longer needed to receive a COVID-19 vaccination at a Walmart or Sam’s Club pharmacy.
May 04
Gap Inc. in deal to sell Intermix
Gap Inc. continues to streamline its brand portfolio to focus on its core banners.
May 04
NRF: Economy could see fastest growth since 1980s; 2020 sales put at $4.02 trillion
The U.S. economy is poised for a big comeback.
May 04
South Moon Under acquired; new owners cite ‘untapped potential’ for expansion
Ames Watson has made another retail acquisition.
May 04
Dick’s Sporting Goods to open new off-price concept
Dick’s Sporting Goods continues to expand its national footprint, introduce new store concepts and upgrade existing ones.
May 03
Walgreens to roll out mobile vaccination clinics
Walgreens is stepping up its COVID-19 vaccination effort.
May 03
The top 10 U.S. retail e-commerce companies are…
Amazon continues to dominate U.S. e-commerce sales, far outdistancing its closest competitor, Walmart.
May 03
First Look: Raley’s opens its third O-N-E Market location
Raley’s has brought its specialty grocery concept to Nevada.
May 03
Publix sales growth cools off a bit in Q1
Publix Supermarkets increased sales in the first quarter but its growth moderated compared to the early pandemic-fueled surges of last year.
May 03
Lowe’s teams up with style icon to launch home décor curation series
Lowe’s Cos. is tapping into the booming market for home décor.
May 03
David’s Bridal gets $70 million loan
David's Bridal has closed on a $70 million term loan provided by CPPIB Credit Investments Inc., a subsidiary of Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
April 2021
Apr 30
Target has opened 12 stores so far this year — here are the locations
Target Corp. is off to a running start with its 2021 store expansion.
Apr 30
First Look: M&M’s goes big at Mall of America
M&M’s is offering shoppers more than candy at its new store at Mall of America.
Apr 30
Best Buy COO to step down; won’t be replaced
Best Buy Co. is eliminating the role of chief operating officer — at least for now.
Apr 30
Macy’s ordered to restore commission to employees for in-store app sales
A union that represents 11,000 Macy’s employees nationwide has won its case against the department store retailer over the use of the “scan and pay” self-checkout feature on its mobile app that employees claimed cut it out of commissions.
Apr 30
7-Eleven to sell 106 stores to CrossAmerica Partners
CrossAmerica Partners LP is expanding its convenience-store network via an acquisition.
Apr 30
Free Market makes LA debut with shop-in-shop format
A concept that features a rotating curation of mostly independent brands, restaurants, cultural installations and services under one roof has opened for business in Los Angeles.
Apr 30
7-Eleven to open 150 quick-serve restaurants in 2021
7-Eleven is aggressively expanding in the QSR space.
Apr 30
Best Buy opens its first zero-waste facility
Best Buy continues to make its business more sustainable.
Apr 29
U.S. consumer confidence jumps to 14-month high
Consumers’ outlook on the economy increased for the fourth straight month in April and reached its highest level since before the start of the pandemic.
Apr 29
Lowe’s in spring hiring blitz
Lowe's Companies is giving a big boost to its workforce during the busiest season for home improvements.
Apr 29
CVS Health launches $100 million venture fund focused on health care innovation
CVS Health is expanding its efforts to provide a better health care experience to consumers.
Apr 29
Marco’s Pizza pipeline robust with 200-plus locations in development
Marco’s Pizza is on the fast track for growth.
Apr 29
Amazon smashes earnings expectations amid 44% sales increase
Amazon on Thursday reported its best first quarter ever as its earnings more than tripled over a year ago.
Apr 29
Amazon to spend $1 billion in pay increase for operations workers
Amazon is hiking the pay of some of its employees by as much as $3.50 per hour.
Apr 29
L.L. Bean to expand footprint in U.S., Canada; resume 24/7 hours at flagship
Coming off its strongest fiscal year in nearly a decade, L.L. Bean will open seven stores in 2021 and continue to diversify its channel strategy through wholesale partnerships, large-scale collaborations and e-commerce enhancements.
Apr 29
More signs of economic recovery as McDonald’s Q1 sales surpass pre-pandemic levels
McDonald’s got off to a strong start in 2021, reporting sales and earnings that topped expectations amid strong U.S. sales.
Apr 28
Amazon takes top spot in ranking of best U.S. companies to work for in 2021
Only five retailers made LinkedIn’s list of the 50 best workplaces to grow a career in the United States.
Apr 28
More customers can charge their cars while they shop at Macy’s
Macy’s is expanding the availability of electric vehicle charging stations on its properties.
Apr 28
Dyson puts its tech prowess on display at its newest ‘demo’ store
The British brand best known for its bagless vacuum cleaners, bladeless fans and high-tech hairdryer has expanded its fledgling U.S. footprint.
Apr 28
Return to in-store grocery shopping is underway; consumers still stockpiling
Grocery shoppers are returning to stores.
Apr 28
VF Corp. in deal to sell nine workwear brands
VF Corp. is slimming down its portfolio as part of its ongoing focus on its more consumer-minded active lifestyle brands.
Apr 27
Target’s new limited-time collection is a first for the retailer
Target Corp. is going green this spring.
Apr 27
Study: Amazon to overtake Walmart as largest U.S. retailer by 2025; Kroger #3
Amazon is on track to become the largest retailer in the United States within the next four years, followed by Walmart and Kroger.
Apr 27
Sephora, Kohl’s reveal 125-plus brand lineup
Cult favorites and prestige beauty brands will soon be available at Kohl’s Corp.
Apr 27
Starbucks CEO: 2Q brought ‘full sales recovery’ in U.S.; raises outlook
Starbucks Corp. reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and raised its full-year forecast for earnings and revenue.
Apr 26
Skyrocketing online sales drive Albertsons Q4 performance
Albertsons Companies continued to reap the benefits of strong online demand in its fourth quarter, reporting its fourth consecutive quarter of 200%-plus digital growth.
Apr 26
Apple to build $1 billion-plus campus in North Carolina
Apple Inc. has accelerated its investments in the United States and now plans to spend more than $430 billion and add 20,000 new jobs across the country during the next five years.
Apr 26
Walmart talks diversity; more women and people of color in officer roles
Walmart detailed the progress ofaq its workforce diversity and inclusion efforts in a new report.
Apr 26
Target taps Crate & Barrel exec to lead home merchandising
Target Corp. has tapped a merchandising and marketing veteran to help advance the company’s home strategy.
Apr 26
Meijer crosses the one million mark
Meijer pharmacies have crossed the threshold of one million vaccine doses administered through the retailer's in-store clinics.
Apr 23
Athleta snags a superstar — from Nike
Athleta brand is giving the most decorated gymnast in World Championship history her own performance wear line and a platform to speak up for other female athletes and women in general.
Apr 23
Victoria’s Secret reportedly back on the selling block
Victoria’s Secret’s improving performance could bode well for the sale of the brand.
Apr 23
Mother’s Day spending to hit record high; here’s what’s driving it
Americans — particularly those ages 25 to 34 — are upping their spending for Mother’s Day by a significant amount.
Apr 23
Walmart information security expert joins Casey’s in new cybersecurity role
Casey’s General Stores is expanding its information security efforts.
Apr 23
Accenture: Pandemic intensifies interest in ‘conscious consumption’
Consumers are becoming more conscious of the wider impact of their purchases.
Apr 23
Nathan’s Famous to open 100 non-traditional locations by year-end; most inside Walmart
Nathan’s Famous is growing its brand via ghost kitchens.
Apr 23
The Fresh Market ranks as the top supermarket in USA Today poll
A fresh-focused specialty grocer based in Greensboro, North Carolina, is tops with readers of USA Today.
Apr 22
Tractor Supply off to strong start in Q1; 90 new stores, 150 to 200 remodels on tap
Tractor Supply Co. reported better-than-expected first-quarter earnings and sales amid a “record” performance and raised its guidance for the year.
Apr 22
Neiman Marcus steps up environmental commitment
Neiman Marcus Group honored Earth Day by announcing its first environmental social governance team.
Apr 22
Lowe's acquires Stainmaster carpet brand
Lowe’s Cos. had added another company to its private-brand lineup.
Apr 22
Report: Walmart removing automated pick-up towers from its stores
Walmart is continuing to move away from in-store automated technology.
Apr 22
CVS Health vet joins National Vision leadership team
National Vision Holdings has named Roger Francis as chief stores officer.
Francis, whose appointment is effective May 3, will oversee operations for more than 1,200 stores across all National Vision brands.
Apr 22
Consumers ready to spend as COVID-19 restrictions lift, survey finds
With an estimated $1.7 trillion in excess savings accumulated during the pandemic, Americans are eager to shop, eat out and travel after more than a year of COVID-19 restrictions.
Apr 22
Amazon joins global initiative to protect tropical rainforests
Amazon is expanding its effort to fight climate change.
Apr 22
Chicken Salad Chick hatches expansion in Virginia
Chicken Salad Chick is targeting the state of Virginia for franchise growth.
Apr 22
In-person shopping scores high with consumers in this category
Consumers still favor department stores when it comes to shopping for shoes — and the majority like doing it in-store.
Apr 21
Tops stores going green with off-site solar power
Tops Friendly Markets is increasing its commitment to sustainability.
Apr 21
Most consumers plan to shop in-store for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day could bring some good news to store retailers.
Apr 21
Starbucks opening center to find new ways to build, operate stores
Starbucks Corp. and Arizona State University are partnering to create a facility whose goal is to positively impact the future of the planet.
Apr 21
Chipotle to open 200 new locations in 2021
Chipotle Mexican Grill smashed first-quarter earnings expectations amid a 17.2% rise in same-store sales.
Apr 21
NRF, retailers address Chauvin verdict
The guilty verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd brought responses from some of the nation’s top companies and business leaders as well as one of its leading retail trade associations.
Apr 21
Yelp: New business openings rise nationwide
Nearly every U.S. state experienced an increase in new business openings in the first quarter of 2021.
Apr 20
First Look: Harry Potter New York
A themed flagship featuring the largest collection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise under one roof is set to open in the Big Apple.
Apr 20
First Look: Amazon’s new high-tech hair salon
Amazon is entering yet another brick-and-market segment and this one could be the most unexpected to date.
Apr 20
Kohl’s latest brand partner is…
Kohl's Corp. has added a high-profile brand to its merchandise lineup.
Apr 20
Athleta to open 20 to 30 stores annually; to enter Canada
Gap Inc. is expanding its popular women’s athletic apparel brand — and not just in the United States.
Apr 19
Ulta Beauty, Walmart directors join Camping World leadership team
Camping World Holdings has expanded its leadership team with two strategic hires.
Apr 19
BJ's names new CEO
BJ's Wholesale Club has promoted its interim chief executive to the role on a permanent basis.
Apr 19
Whole Foods adopts next-gen refrigerant to lower carbon footprint, save energy
Whole Foods Market is switching to an alternative refrigerant with a lower global-warming potential.
Apr 19
Herman Miller in $1.8 billion deal to buy rival
Modern furniture giant Herman Miller Inc. is entering into a deal that will create a powerhouse in design-driven furniture at a time when consumers are focused on their homes and home offices.
Apr 19
More shakeups at GameStop: CEO to leave
GameStop has begun the search for a new chief executive.
Apr 19
Placer.ai: Nike, Dick’s Sporting Goods chart new paths in 2021
Athletic apparel retailers Nike and Dick’s Sporting Goods are flipping to a new page of their playbooks.
Apr 19
Raley’s to convert all stores to new banner
Raley’s has big plans for its Raley’s O-N-E Market format.
Apr 16
Sheetz expands in Central Ohio with big plans
Sheetz has opened its first store in the Columbus, Ohio, market with more to come.
Apr 16
Consumers willing to pay a bit more for safer environments
With COVID-19 restrictions lifting in many areas, consumer opinion about resuming activities varied. But one sentiment is common.
Apr 16
Amazon Prime membership at 200 million
Membership in Amazon’s Prime service continues to soar.
Apr 16
Macy’s bullish on its off-price format
Macy’s is expanding its off-price Backstage concept – in-store and in freestanding locations.
Apr 16
Stores, restaurants shuttered in 2020 had one thing in common…
The pandemic took its heaviest toll business-wise on smaller retailers and restaurant operators.
Apr 16
Macy’s taps Nickelodeon vet to head up iconic parade, fireworks and other events
Macy’s has brought on an experienced producer to lead its branded entertainment events.
Apr 16
Walmart to test in-store Le Madeleine bakery, café
Walmart is partnering with a casual restaurant brand known for its “French comfort food.”
Apr 16
Choice Market puts high-tech spin on convenience in new location
A retailer that combines the selection of a natural grocer and the footprint of a c-store with the newest technology is looking to reinvent convenience with the opening of its new location in Denver.
Apr 15
Big rebound for U.S. retail sales in March
Retail sales roared back in March with huge gains, fueled by the fresh round of stimulus checks and increased consumer confidence.
Apr 15
Adidas opens high-tech flagship in one of world’s largest malls
Adidas has opened its first Mideast flagship, at The Dubai Mall. At 15 million sq. ft., it is the largest mall in the world based on total area.
Apr 15
Lids to open in-store shops in DSW, Shoe Company stores
Lids is expanding its footprint in Canada through a partnership with Designer Brands.
Apr 15
American Eagle on track for $1 billion Q1
Sales are booming across American Eagle Outfitters’ two banners.
Apr 15
Gen Z quickly ‘cancels’ brands and moves on; no patience with online errors
Gen Z is not likely to give retailers a second chance when faced with a poor online experience.
Apr 15
Jeff Bezos commits Amazon to being ‘Earth’s best employer’
Jeff Bezos wants Amazon to be as obsessed with its employees as it is with customers.
Apr 15
C-store sales fall nearly 14% in 2020 as fuel sales plunge
A steep decline in fuel sales amid the pandemic took a big toll on convenience store sales in 2020.
Apr 14
The 15 most popular luxury brands online are…
For the fourth consecutive year, Gucci is the most popular luxury brand online.
Apr 14
Board shakeup as Kohl’s strikes deal with activist investors
Kohl's Corp. has resolved its differences with a group of activist investors who have been working to take control of the company’s board.
Apr 14
Walmart to convert most U.S. part-time store workers to full-time
Walmart is moving more of its part-time workers in the United States to full-time status.
Apr 14
Dollar General looks to hire 20,000 in spring hiring blitz
Dollar General is going on a five-day hiring spree.
Apr 14
Amazon, Target, Starbucks among companies in statement defending voting rights
Hundreds of high-profile companies, including retailers, joined together in a statement opposing efforts to restrict voting rights.
Apr 14
Bed Bath & Beyond swings to Q4 profit; sales miss
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. reported mixed fourth-quarter results as the ongoing store closures and the sale of its non-core banners — both key to its turnaround strategy — took a toll on its sales.
Apr 13
Kohl’s named Energy Star Partner of the Year for 10th consecutive year
It’s an even 10 for Kohl’s Corp. as the retailer is recognized for its longstanding commitment to energy efficiency.
Apr 13
Macy’s veteran joins NRF executive management team
The National Retail Federation appointed Martine Reardon as chief marketing officer and executive VP of content and membership.
Apr 13
Scotch & Soda opens its largest store — in a theater
The Amsterdam-based fashion brand Scotch & Soda has opened its largest location yet, in the Dutch city of 's-Hertogenbosch, also known as Den Bosch.
Apr 13
Lowe’s targets pro customers with enhanced store experience
Lowe's is going after its professional customer (Pro) base by rolling out an in-store shopping experience created specifically for them.
Apr 13
Walmart increases efforts to protect birds, bees, other pollinators from pesticides
Walmart announced a comprehensive initiative to protect birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators — all of which are essential to the nation’s food supply.
Apr 13
Former CEO of Pier 1 joins Dollar Tree executive team
A retail executive with global consumer goods experience has joined the leadership team of Dollar Tree.
Apr 13
Tractor Supply adding branded in-store Carhartt shops
Tractor Supply Company is expanding its partnership with Carhartt.
Apr 13
Retail branding vet joins David’s Bridal team
David’s Bridal had added a retail veteran to its creative team.
Apr 12
Accenture: Pandemic triggering innovation across industries, including retail
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people live, work, socialize and shop, fueling a new wave of innovation amid retailers.
Apr 12
PGA Tour Superstore set to open milestone store
PGA Tour Superstore is entering a new state as it continues to expand its footprint.
Apr 12
7-Eleven expands ‘evolution’ store concept
7-Eleven Inc. has opened the latest version of its “evolution” store format.
Apr 12
Check out Roche Bros.' new store at mixed-use development Arsenal Yards
Roche Bros. has opened a location at the 1 million-plus sq. ft. Arsenal Yards in Watertown, Mass.
Apr 12
Nordstrom veteran to lead Anthropologie
There’s been a change in leadership at an Urban Outfitters brand.
Apr 12
Bed Bath & Beyond in new effort to take lead in $180 billion home market
Bed Bath & Beyond is launching one of its biggest brand campaigns ever in a move to position itself as the leading authority in home goods. Store employees will be outfitted with uniforms as part of the initiative.
Apr 09
Retail import surge to last through summer
Record levels of imports will make it a busy summer at the nation’s retailer container ports.
Apr 09
McDonald’s closing hundreds of locations inside Walmart stores
A decades-old partnership between two giants in their sectors is not what it used to be.
Apr 09
Walmart taps former Disney exec as its first-ever chief creative officer
Walmart has added a new position to its c-suite.
The retail giant named Jean Battany as its first chief creative officer. Most recently, Battany served as VP, global creative at Walt Disney Park Experiences and Consumer products. She l
Apr 09
IBM: Most shoppers eager to return to stores
The tides may be turning for brick-and-mortar stores, with consumers indicating a strong desire, once they are vaccinated, to return to malls and shopping centers.
Apr 09
Amazon workers vote against union in Alabama; union to challenge results
It wasn’t even close according to the final tally, but a challenge has been raised.
Apr 09
BJ’s Wholesale Club CEO dies at 49
Lee Delaney, the president and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 8, the company said.
Apr 08
Mastercard: U.S. retail sales up 26.3% in March, one year since first lockdown
The infusion of stimulus payments, coupled with the broader reopening across the country, gave a boost to retail growth in March as the country reached the one-year mark since the first COVID-19 lockdowns impacted retail sales.
Apr 08
Kantar: Amazon widens brand equity gap
Consumers view Amazon as significantly “different” than competitors Target and Walmart.
Apr 08
Costco sales rise 17.6% in March
Costco Wholesale Corp. reported stronger-than-expected sales for March.
Apr 08
Moody’s: Retail defaults to ease in 2021; leveraged retailers remain vulnerable
There is good news and bad news for the U.S. retail industry when it comes to defaults and bankruptcies.
Apr 08
GameStop to name Chewy co-founder Ryan Cohen as chairman
GameStop continues to remake its leadership as part of its digital transformation push.
Apr 08
Chipotle expands debt-free degree program to new majors, universities
Chipotle Mexican Grill has given a major upgrade to the debt-free degree program that it offers employees.
Apr 07
Gen Z survey: Teens big on ‘thrifting,’ Nike, Chick-fil-A — and 1990s fashions
Gen Z is ready to spend on clothing again, with females leading the recovery.
Apr 07
Target to spend over $2 billion with Black-owned companies by 2025
Target Corp. will add more products from Black-owned companies and spend more with Black-owned businesses such as construction companies as part of effort to advance racial equity.
Apr 07
Patagonia donates to fight for voting rights in Georgia; asks more CEOs to step up
Patagonia is once again showing its activist stripes — and it wants other companies to follow suit.
Apr 07
Best Buy testing new membership program; benefits include unlimited tech support
Best Buy is piloting an annual membership program in select markets that provides customers with a number of benefits.
The program, called Best Buy Beta, costs $199.99 per year or $179.00 for holders of the Best Buy credit card.
Apr 07
Survey: Consumers say Walmart is top grocer for value
For the first time since the pandemic began, U.S. shoppers are prioritizing value over speed when they shop.
Apr 07
Tropical Smoothie Café expansion heats up
Tropical Smoothie Café is on track for another strong year.
Apr 07
Good news for stores: Consumer sentiment about COVID-19 recovery improving
The number of consumers who are ready to pursue normal activity is on the rise.
Apr 06
Parent company of Zales, Kay Jewelers enters jewelry rental subscription market
Signet Jewelers has made an acquisition that gives it a foothold in a fast-growing online service that appeal to next-gen jewelry customers.
Apr 06
Taco Bell hiring spree may include drive-up interviews
With 5,000 job openings, Taco Bell is getting creative about interviewing potential employees amid the pandemic.
Apr 06
Pandemic resulted in additional $900 billion global online spend in 2020
E-commerce provided a lifeline for retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic as consumers shopped online for nearly everything, from groceries to gardening supplies.
Apr 06
Starbucks trials reusable cup program — with refundable deposit, loyalty points
Starbucks Corp. is testing a program that lets customers earn loyalty points for purchasing a reusable cup and returning it to a special kiosk.
Apr 05
Dick’s Sporting Goods unveils new store concept — complete with outdoor track
Dick’s Sporting Goods has gone experiential.
Apr 05
C-store retailers predict that summer drive will be near ‘normal’ levels
Convenience store retailers expect that leisure travel and routine customer trips will return to pre-pandemic levels this summer.
Apr 05
Walmart to expand mobile wellness fleet to help with vaccinations
Walmart is ramping up its efforts to vaccinate folks in vulnerable communities.
Apr 05
Restaurant chain winners in 2020 included….
Some restaurant chains fared better than others amid the pandemic — a lot better.
Apr 05
Direct-to-consumer California menswear brand opens first physical store
Another digital brand is trying on brick-and-mortar retail.
Apr 05
ASHRAE: Changes in HVAC, building ops can reduce airborne transmission of COVID
The operation of HVAC systems can play a critical role in stopping the indoor spread of COVID-19.
Apr 05
Dick’s Sporting Goods updating Golf Galaxy stores; opens 34 in-store soccer shops
Dick’s Sporting Goods is doubling down on two popular sports: golf and soccer.
Apr 02
Consumers likely to be value-focused post-pandemic, according to report
Consumers will continue to remain frugal even after the pandemic ends, says The Conference Board
Apr 02
Walgreens teams up with John Legend for vaccination campaign
Walgreens has tapped John Legend to encourage Americans to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
Apr 02
Retail adds to March jobs but industry still below pre-pandemic level
Job growth surged in March with one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic showing the largest increase.
Apr 02
Trader Joe’s is first grocer to use special app to help shoppers with autism
Trader Joe's is offering a free app designed to make the world a more accessible place for people with cognitive and intellectual disabilities.
Apr 02
Retail is the top advertiser on Facebook
Retailers are big fans of one particular social media platform.
Apr 01
Brookfield Property Partners gives OK to $6.5 billion buyout
Brookfield Asset Management, which manages approximately $575 billion worth of commercial real estate assets globally, is taking full control of its property business, mall giant Brookfield Property Partners.
Apr 01
Joann swings to Q4 profit as sales rise 21%
Joann swung to a profit in its fourth quarter and full-year as consumers spent more time at home and invested in crafting projects amid the pandemic.
Apr 01
NRF: Economic recovery is ‘accelerating’
The economy “has come a long way” compared to one year ago.
Apr 01
Consumer confidence jumps to highest level in a year
Consumer confidence surged in March as Americans grew more optimistic about the economy and labor market.
Apr 01
J. Crew bolsters top management; expands board
J.Crew Group is building out its senior leadership team, mostly with in-house promotions from its Madewell brand, “to advance its long-term strategic growth plan.”
Apr 01
Kohl’s urges shareholders to reelect current board amid activist challenge
Kohl’s Corp. is continuing to defend its board as a group of activist investors seek changes.
Apr 01
Study: Grocers have spent $24 billion on pandemic-related expenses
From increased cleaning and sanitation supplies to incentive pay, food retailers have paid a steep price to meet increased consumer demands and operate safely amid the pandemic.