Marketing

Levi Straus is the second most patriotic brand in America. And Ralph Lauren isn't far behind.    That's according to the 15th annual Brand Keys survey of iconic American brands, which asked 4,860 consumers, balanced for age and political party affiliation, to evaluate which of 280 brands were most resonant as to ‘patriotism.’ Jeep took the top spot in the survey for the second consecutive year. (For complete listing of the 50 most patriotic brands, which includes several retailers, see end of article.)

Amazon is impacting its hometown of Seattle in ways large and small.  

Wisconsin has become the third state to legalize the use of the automated robots. Virginia and Idaho passed passed similar legislation earlier this year.    The Wisconsin law places an 80-pound weight limit on the robots, and doesn’t permit the machines to travel faster than 10 miles per hour. The robots are also required to have a person in the loop to take over control in case something goes awry, according to ReCode.  

The Finish Line met earnings estimates for its first quarter amid sales that were less than expected.    The retailer reported net income of $8.1 million. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.23, in  line with analysts' expectations.    Consolidated net sales inched down 0.1% to $429.8 million in the quarter ended May 27. Same-store sales decreased 1.1%. Same-store sales at Finish Line in-store shops at Macy’s 13.6%.  

Dollar General has added a Vitamin Shoppe veteran to its ranks as executive VP and chief merchandising officer.   Jason Reiser, most recently executive VP and COO of Vitamin Shoppe, will join the discounter, effective July 12. He replaces the recently retired Jim Thorpe.   Reiser brings with him to Dollar General more than 30 years’ experience in retail management, private brand sourcing and regulatory affairs. He also is a trained pharmacist.  

Ongoing cost reductions helped the nation's largest bookstore retailer narrow its loss in its fourth quarter even as its sales continued to slide.   Barnes & Noble posted a net loss of $13.4 million, or $0.19 per share, for the quarter, compared to a loss of $30.6 million, or $0.42 per share, in the prior year.  For the quarter, the company's retail division generated an operating loss of $15.9 million, while Nook incurred an operating loss of $7.9 million, for a total operating loss of $23.8 million.  

Made-to-measure menswear brand Indochino continues its expansion from the Web into physical retail.       

Amazon may face a contender for Whole Foods Market.   JP Morgan research analysts said in a note that Walmart could step in as a rival bidder for the grocery chain, reported CNBC, attracted by Whole Foods' more affluent customer base and strong brand.