Strategy

According to reports, regulators are still seeking information on the proposed merger between Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid, and the subsequent divestiture of as many as 1,200 stores to Fred's.   Analysts are suggesting the implication does not bode well for the merger, as the continued Civil Information Demands from the Federal Trade Commission may be indicative that the agency is still not appeased over the merger's potential effect on the retail pharmacy market.  

Free coffee was on the menu at some Starbucks locations on Tuesday, due to a point-of-sale software glitch.    What the coffee giant described as a typical software update ended up putting point-of-sale systems out of commission — and for longer than expected, in some locations. The outage began in the evening on Monday, May 16, and continued into Tuesday, May 17, according to CNBC.  

Executives at Walmart are planning their next move in anticipation of its newest rival — and asking suppliers to support their cause.   The European grocer Lidl, which has a track record for disruption, is preparing to open its first 20 United States-based stores this summer. The first locations are set to open their doors in the next few weeks. As a result, Walmart is asking suppliers to keep their prices low, according to the Consumerist.   

Kroger Co. has made changes in its executive team, including naming a new retail VP.   Calvin Kaufman was named senior VP of retail divisions. He will replace Sukanya Madlinger, who is retiring in June. Madlinger has been with Kroger for 31 years.   

Urban Outfitters reported disappointing results for its first quarter, weighed down by heavy promotional activity at its namesake and Anthropologie banners.    The company’s net income fell 60% to $11.94 million, or $0.10 per share, down from $29.56 million, or $0.25 per share, in the year-ago period. Analysts had expected the company to earn $0.16 per share,   

A home improvement chain is taking a page from science fiction to keep employees safe.   Lowe's and Virginia Tech have joined forces to develop an exosuit — a wearable robotic suit with lift-assist technology — for Lowe's store employees. The lightweight exosuit, which is designed to help employees lift and move product throughout the store more efficiently, and aids against muscle fatigue, is being piloted in Lowe's Christiansburg, Virginia, store.  

Jewel Food Stores (Jewel-Osco), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albertsons Companies, is expanding its footprint in Indiana.    Jewel-Osco said it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Central Grocers to acquire 19 Strack & Van Til stores and other certain assets. Strack & Van Til is owned by Central Grocers, which filed for bankruptcy protection at the beginning of May.   

The company formerly known as Restoration Hardware has added a longtime Williams-Sonoma executive to its executive team.   RH announced the appointment of Sandra Stangl as president of new business development. In the position, she will lead the development of future new business and growth strategies that will leverage RH’s proprietary multichannel platform.  

L.L. Bean is going to set up camp in Boston.   The Freeport, Maine-based retailer will open its first permanent, full-line store in an urban location in spring 2018, in the Seaport District of Boston. The store will feature active and casual apparel, outerwear, and footwear, as well as outdoor lifestyle gear curated for residents and visitors of Boston. At 8,600 sq. ft., the Boston outpost will be significantly smaller than Bean’s traditional retail footprint.  

Southeastern Grocers’ announcement it would close six Bi-Lo stores in South Carolina leaves two Wheeler centers anchors, and the REIT has put out a call out for replacements.   CEO Jon S. Wheeler said his company would entertain a grocer or non-grocer to fill the vacancies at Cypress Shopping Center in Boiling Springs and Shoppes at Myrtle Park in Bluffton. Bi-Lo will shut down operations at the 47,260-sq.-ft. Cypress store and the 37,900-sq.-ft. Myrtle Park store in June.