Marketing

Growth opportunities in new geographies prompted Kroger to realign its organizational structure and place four executive in new roles.

Just two days after reporting strong first quarter results, the nation’s second largest food retailer established two new supermarket divisions in Nashville and Louisville.

Located on the mall’s second-floor veranda, the 8,500-sq.-ft. store puts a California spin on the brand’s preppy, nautically-inspired heritage. A sunlit glass façade and a central skylight draws natural light into the space. The interior décor includes nostalgia-oriented custom art pieces and graphic prints. A 1964 Volkswagen Bug adds to the atmosphere.

Design: Tommy Hilfiger Store Planning, New York

Architect: O'Neil Langan Architects, New York

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General received a Gold Stevie award for Company of the Year in Retail at the 11th annual American Business Awards in recognition of the company’s position as an industry leader in the retail sector.

New York -- Starbucks Coffee Company is raising prices on some of its beverages starting on Tuesday. Prices will rise an average of 1% starting June 25, but will vary slightly in different regions.
   
"Less than a third of beverages will see a small increase in most stores," said Lisa Passe, a Starbucks spokeswoman, in an Associated Press report.

A new brand identity now adorns the GSI Commerce business eBay acquired two years ago for $2.4 billion.

Canton, Mass.  -- As part of a brand overhaul, Dunkin’ Donuts is switching its focus from doughnuts and baked goods to coffee and other beverages. At this week’s annual consumer conference hosted by investment banking firm Jeffries, Paul Carbone, CFO of parent company Dunkin’ Brands Group, said beverages accounted for 58% of sales at U.S. franchise locations last year.

“We are a beverage company,” Carbone said. “Fred the Baker is not coming back.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Southern department store Belk has selected 13 winners from nearly 300 entrants in the retailer's Southern Designer Showcase competition. Belk announced the winners at an event at its corporate headquarters.

"We are so excited to add these impressive designers to our Belk family," said president and CMO Kathryn Bufano. "This year's winners truly represent the Modern. Southern. Style. that we deliver to our customers every day."

Amazon.com and Walmart.com both sell products online, but that’s where the similarities end despite frequent efforts to compare the two.