Marketing

The failure of President Trump and the Republicans in Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act was shocking enough for business owners but it is the road ahead that should give operators some real heartburn.  

A new deal could give Amazon a foothold in the Middle East.   Amazon has agreed in principle to buy Souq.com, a leader in the Middle East's online shopping market, according to a report in Reuters.   

Sportsman's Warehouse has named Jon Barker president and COO, effective March 31.   Barker, who holds 25 years of retail experience will direct the marketing, supply chain, operations, compliance and technology functions for Sportsman's Warehouse, and will also lead the expansion of the company's e-commerce business.   

The parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins announced that Paul Carbone, CFO, is leaving the company effective April 21, 2017.  

Even Amazon has technical difficulties.    The online giant is delaying the public opening of its cashier-less convenience store, Amazon Go, due to technical complications, according to MarketWatch.   

The baton has officially been passed at Macy’s.   Jeff Gennette has been named as the department store chain’s new CEO, succeeding Terry Lundgren, who will continue as executive chairman.   Gennette, who has served as Macy’s president since 2014, is Lundgren’s handpicked successor. Prior to becoming president, he was appointed Macy’s chief merchandising officer in 2009.  

Williams-Sonoma is throwing its hat into the 3D app ring.   Later this month, the chain’s Pottery Barn banner will introduce 3D Room View. The augmented reality mobile app, which is based on Google’s AR technology Tango, enables shoppers using Tango-enabled smartphones to “virtually” place Pottery Barn merchandise in any of their rooms. The goal: to enable shoppers to see how products look and fit with their existing furniture and decor — or in an empty room.   

A combination of sluggish mall traffic, a shaky sporting goods industry, and poorly performing merchandise took a toll on The Finish Line in the fourth quarter and fiscal 2016.