Marketing

There has been a bit of controversy lately regarding Urban Outfitters' recent request that some of their salaried employees “volunteer” to fill normally hourly roles in fulfillment centers and retail outlets. The labor community and their activist friends have been crying foul over what they perceive is the manipulation of salaried junior managers by forcing them to work “hourly” jobs and getting no additional pay or benefits.

It's changing of the guard time at Chico's FAS.

After what it called an extensive search, the retailer named industry veteran Shelley Broader as president and CEO, effective Dec. 1. She succeeds David F. Dyer, who will become vice chair of the Chico's board.

Broader brings over 25 years of experience to her new position. Most recently, she served as president and CEO of Walmart's EMEA region, responsible for retail operations and business development across Europe, the Middle East, Sub-Sahara Africa and Canada.

Greensboro, N.C. -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. announced the election of David B. Henry to its board of directors, effective Jan. 1.

Henry will retire from his current role as vice chairman of the board and CEO of Kimco Realty Corporation, effective Jan. 1. He joined Kimco, North America's largest publicly traded owner and operator of open air shopping centers, in April 2001 as vice chairman and chief investment officer, served as its president from December 2008 through August 2014, and has served as CEO since December 2009.

Fresh on the heels of its announced $17.2 billion acquisition of Rite Aid, Walgreens Boots Alliance reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $26 million and a boost in same store sales.

Net sales climbed almost 50% to $28.5 billion during the quarter, which ended August 31.

Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid Tuesday evening announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Walgreens Boots Alliance will acquire all outstanding shares of Rite Aid for $9 per share in cash, for a total enterprise value of approximately $17.2 billion, including acquired net debt.

Coach says increased demand for its merchandise and fewer discounts led the luxury goods maker and retailer to report increased profit in the first quarter despite a steep 9.5% drop in same-store sales.

The company said that for the first quarter ended Sept. 26, earnings were 41 cents a share (analysts expected 40 cents). Net income fell 19% to $96.4 million. Sales dropped 0.8% to $1.03 billion in the quarter, missing analysts’ $1.04 billion projection.

Alibaba Holding Group Inc. profits surged as a result of a one-time benefit in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, while mobile sales boosted revenue.

A revaluation of Alibaba’s holding in its Alibaba Health Information Technology Ltd. subsidiary drove year-over-year net income growth of 657% to $3.57 billion, from $480 million.

REI has shocked the retail industry — and shoppers — with its decision to lock its doors on one of the biggest and most profitable shopping days of the year.

The retailer says it will be closed not only on Thanksgiving Day but also on Black Friday. REI.com will operate as normal on Thanksgiving. On Black Friday, REI.com will have a black takeover screen encouraging people to get outside. Customers will still be able to view product and make a purchase on Black Friday, but the order will not be processed until Saturday.

Companies that are partially or entirely devoted to retailing dominate a new list of top brands among U.S. consumers.

According to a new study from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Apple is the top brand with U.S. consumers. Following are Amazon and Walmart. Other retailers in the top 10 list include Netflix, Costco and Chick-Fil-A.

But the survey also showed that Walmart and Apple rank first and third among America's least favorite brands, indicating that "brand love" can be volatile and turn quickly negative.

Walmart is launching a new initiative to help the 250,000 members of the military transitioning back to civilian life in the United States each year.

The program, called Greenlight a Vet, aims to bring recognition to the veterans a year transitioning back to school, jobs and neighborhoods. Walmart is encouraging everyone to participate by showing their support using a "visible symbol," saying even though we don't always know who are vets are when they aren't wearing uniforms, we should still show them support.