Strategy

High-end kitchenware retailer Sur La Table is on a mission to optimize its individual market and expansion strategies.   “Now, more than ever, being able to localize is the key to success,” said Ben Rosenfeld, senior VP of stores at Sur La Table.  

A lawsuit accusing a natural-foods grocer of overcharging customers has been revived.   On Friday, June 2, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City ordered Whole Foods Market to face a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing it of overcharging shoppers in New York City. The suit claims the chain overstated the weight of pre-packaged food in its supermarkets, according to Reuters.  

Teens’ demand for slime to fidget spinners helped boost Five Below’s first quarter sales, comps and earnings well above expectations.   For the first quarter ended April 29, the teen value retailer reported a net income of $8.4 million compared to $6.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Meanwhile, the chain’s sales increased almost 21% to $232.9 million, from $192.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2016.  

Office Depot is selling off another international unit.   The office supplies giant announced it will sell its stores in China to Shanghai M&G Colipu Office Supplies Co., Ltd. The public, China-based public company manufactures and sells writing instruments, as well as stationery products for offices and students.   

Duluth Holdings is losing its finance chief.    Mark DeOrio, the company’s CFO, will retire at the end of 2017. DeOrio will remain in his role until the next finance chief is appointed, and he will then assist with his successor’s transition until his retirement. DeOrio has held the role since August 2010. He also served as senior VP of operations from 2010 to January 2015.   

Fred Segal is designing its new flagship to be more than a just “a store.” Instead, it’s creating “a style and design laboratory.”  

CVS Pharmacy opened its first store in the Centennial State.    CVS Pharmacy’s newest location resides in Parker, Colorado. It is the first of three stores slated to open in the greater Denver market this year.