Strategy

The nation's largest toy retailer wants everyone to take some time out to play.    Toys "R" Us announced that, this fall, it is launching "play labs" at 42 stores where kids (and parents) can play with some of the season's hottest toys. The retailer said that adults can use the lab to test the items on kids' holiday lists to check for age appropriateness before they make a purchase.  

Amazon is building another fulfillment center in the Buckeye State.   The online giant will open a new 650,000-sq.-ft. warehouse in Euclid, Ohio — its fifth in the state. The company recently announced upcoming fulfillment centers in the cities of Monroe and North Randall, and it currently operates warehouses in Etna and Obetz.  

Don’t expect to hear specifics about Kohl’s holiday workforce any time soon.   Unlike other chains, including Target and Macy’s, that have announced their plans to hire thousands of temporary workers during the holiday season, Kohl’s is not discussing the number of seasonal hires its will make, according to CNBC.  

Publix Super Markets is ramping up its grocery delivery services.   Beginning Sept. 28, the supermarket chain will begin testing curbside grocery pickup at a store in Wesley Chapel, Florida, and another in Valrico, Florida. In addition, Publix's Metro-Atlanta stores will begin testing the service by the end of this year.  

Ikea Group has entered the booming market for on-demand services.      The home furnishings giant is acquiring TaskRabbit, an on-demand services platform company that connects customers with workers, called "taskers," that handle everyday needs such as furniture assembly, moving and packing, general handyman repairs, and home improvements. The price of the transaction was not revealed.  

Rite Aid Corp. appointed a Walgreens veteran to its executive team.   Rite Aid on Thursday named Kermit Crawford as president and COO, effective Oct. 5. Crawford enjoyed a long, 30-year career with Walgreens, most recently as executive VP and president of pharmacy health and wellness. Most recently, he served as a retail and healthcare adviser and consultant for Sycamore Partners, a New York City-based private equity firm.   

Walmart is looking to expand its share of the lucrative market for baby products.   The discounter announced it is relaunching its Parent's Choice line of baby essentials with an expanded line of products and a new logo. Parent's Choice, which began 20 years ago with just baby formula, will grow to 275 items. The relaunch comes as Target Corp. has been focusing on baby with new Cloud Island baby brand, which recently added has bedding and nursery decor to its assortment.   

The National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association are throwing its support behind the tax reform proposal released Wednesday by the Trump administration and congressional leadership.   According to the NRF, the measure could provide a major boost for the nation’s economy.