Strategy

Whole Foods Market is preparing to roll out a rewards program nationwide amid increasing competition for its shippers. .   Coinciding with the company’s “strategy around leading a race to the top in terms of a differentiated customer experience,” the grocer plans to launch the rewards program in 2017, Whole Foods’ CEO John Mackey said in the company’s earnings call on Wednesday, Nov. 2. He did not reveal a specific start-date.  

On the heels of the announcement that Walter Robb would step down as co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, more changes may be in store the grocery chain.   One of Whole Food’s 10 largest shareholders has met with potential activist investors explore making major changes to the retail, including replacing management and exploring a sale of the company, Bloomberg reported.

There’s going to be change in the leadership structure at Whole Foods Market that will leave founder John Mackey as the sole CEO of the company.   Walter Robb, a 25-year Whole Foods veteran, is stepping down as co-CEO of the chain, effective Dec. 31. Robb, who has shared the CEO title with Mackey for six years, will remain on the board of directors and continue to serve as a senior advisor to the company and as chairman of the Whole Kids Foundation and Whole Cities Foundation.     

Staples’ business division is using a mobile app to help customers visualize site assessments.  

Saks Fifth Avenue has opened its third location in Miami, and seventh location year to date, at the just opened Brickell City Centre in the city’s financial district.   

Petco will celebrate the grand opening of nine new stores nationwide in November and December.   The openings are in keeping with the company’s fast-paced 2016 growth plan, which includes 63 new Petco stores and one new Unleashed by Petco store year-to-date.   In addition to the nine new locations, Petco will also celebrate the grand reopening of a relocated store in Kettering, Ohio.  

That was fast.   Anne Dament, senior VP of grocery merchandising for Target Corp., is leaving the chain, after less than 18 months on the job. Her last day will be Nov. 18.   Damen’s exit will mark the third high-level executive departure at Target in less than three months. In August, the chain’s chief marketing officer, Jeff Jones, resigned to join Uber. And in September, chief digital officer Jason Goldberger left.    

Walmart is expanding its mobile payment options.   Walmart will accept Chase Pay on Walmart.com, through the Walmart mobile app, and in its stores through the app’s Walmart Pay feature. The digital payment solution allows shoppers to make secure digital payments in-store and online while earning rewards and receiving offers. Chase Pay also protects the customer through token technology, which utilizes one-time complex codes to process transactions and keep credit and debit card information secure.