Strategy

Amazon is always exploring new and more efficient ways to get its goods to customers.   In what could be its latest move, the Internet giant might be working with a company developing technology that would allow delivery people temporary access when they’re making deliveries, according to a report by techcrunch.com.   For more, click here.   

Publix Super Markets has promoted Bob McGarrity, director of construction, to VP of facilities.    McGarriity replaces 42-year company veteran Dave Duncan, who has announced his decision to retire effective Dec. 31, 2016.    In other appointments, VP of real estate Jeff Chamberlain will be promoted to senior VP, overseeing real estate and facilities, effective Jan. 1, 2017.  

Americans will open their purses for holiday shopping regardless of whether Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump wins the election.      A survey of American voters by RetailNext found the vast majority will not let the outcome of election 2016 affect their planned spending this coming holiday season.   

As it turns out, high-fashion and Lands’ End weren’t perfect together.      Less than two years after she took the reins of Lands’ End, Federica Marchionni has stepped down as CEO. Two current Lands’ End executives—James Gooch, executive VP, COO and CFO, and Joseph Boitano, executive VP and chief merchandising and design officer—were named as interim co-CEOs, effective September 26, while the company searches for a permanent replacement.  

Las Vegas’s first major sports franchise, the National Hockey League’s Black Knights, will build a practice facility in the Summerlin master-plan community west of the Strip.  

That was fast.   Jason Goldberger, the recently promoted chief digital officer of Target Corp., has left the company, effective immediatedly. No reason was given for his departure.    Goldberger's responsibilities will be split, with Target CIO Mike McNamara overseeing the website and digital operations, and chief merchandising officer Mike Tritton taking on pricing and promotions.  

Half of all American households might have an Amazon Prime membership by the end of this year.

Cowen and Company analyst John Blackledge estimates that approximately 44% of U.S. households are Prime members, and that  penetration could accelerate to 50% by the end of the year, according to a report by CNBC.   

Prime has maintained healthy growth largely due to [its] increasing value proposition," Blackledge said. 

West Elm is expanding into the hotel business. And most everything in the guest rooms will be for sale.   The retailer, a division of Williams-Sonoma, is partnering with hospitality management and development company DDK to launch a chain of boutique hotels.    

Charles R. (Cork) Walgreen III, former president, CEO, chairman of the board, and chairman emeritus of the iconic U.S.-based drug store chain Walgreens, died at on Monday, Sept. 26, at his home in Lake Forest, Ill. He was 80.

Walgreen was the grandson of Charles R. Walgreen Sr., founder of the 115-year-old pharmacy retailer that now is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance.

Staples has chosen a company veteran as its new CEO.   The retailer on Monday named Shira Goodman as its president and CEO and as a member of its board of directors, effective immediately.  Goodman, who has been been with Staples 24 years, has been serving as interim CEO since May when she took over for Ron Sargent, who resigned in the wake of the company’s failed attempt to acquire rival Office Deport.