Strategy

Yesway has expanded its store network.   The convenience store company announced it has acquired 35 Wes-T-Go and Chillerz stores in Abilene, Texas. The acquired stores will be added to Yesway’s existing portfolio of 38 locations currently operating in Iowa and Kansas.  

Walmart showed its muscle in the first quarter, reporting a big jump in online sales, an increase traffic at its U.S. stores, and earnings that beat the Street.   

When it comes to expanding globally, the United States is the leader of the pack.   That’s according to CBRE Group Inc.’s 10th annual study of international retail expansion, which surveyed 166 cities across 51 countries regarding how many international retailers had debuted in their markets in 2016. The survey found that retailers’ expansion into new markets increased by 2% in 2016, down from 3.1% in CBRE’s 2015 study.    

West Elm will be opening its first Fort Worth location in rebranded urban retail development in the town’s Cultural District.   Heretofore known as West 7th, The Woodmont Company decided to call upon a more colorfully named street in the neighborhood to rebrand the shopping and entertainment district as Crockett Row at West 7th.  

Automation may be mission-critical to operational longevity in the retail industry, but it could be creating a significant pool of “stranded workers.”   Six million to 7.5 million retail jobs likely will be automated out of existence in the coming years, leaving a large portion of the retail workforce at risk of becoming “stranded workers.” Retail cashiers are at highest risk for automation technologies, and women hold 73% of these positions.  

American Eagle Outfitters’ profit shrunk in the first quarter amid charges and discounting.  

More hungry customers can now get their Big Macs, fries, beverages and desserts delivered right to their door.   As of Wednesday, May 17, McDonald’s is expanding its delivery service to customers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Columbus and Phoenix. Through its partnership with UberEats, the company’s “McDelivery” program now encompasses up to 1,000 restaurants in the United States.  

Amazon may have its sights set on a new, multi-billion dollar market.   The online giant may be on the cusp of entering the pharmaceutical dispensing business, according to a report by CNBC. The company reportedly has hired a general manager whose role is said to be helping the online retailer explore how to hang a pharmacy shingle.