Strategy

Washington, D.C. – Retail imports appear to be climbing as the holidays approach.

Foster City, Calif. – Financial services provider Visa Inc. is among the lead investors in a $30 million round of equity funding for a blockchain technology provider.

Dallas -- Corner Bakery Café is expanding in Pennsylvania with the addition of eight stores throughout northern Pittsburgh. A group of franchisees with extensive real estate and retail experience is opening the new stores.

Corner Bakery Café is also targeting southern Pittsburgh for franchise growth. The retailer has more than 190 company-owned and franchise stores currently open, and franchise agreements representing commitments for 398 units.
 

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet delivered strong sales growth in its first quarter as a public company and expects the second half of the year will see more of the same from its rapidly expanding store based and extreme value positioning.

In the latest move in its battle against Costco, Sam's Club is going to start accepting the very form of payment that Costco rebuffed earlier this year.

Kroger on Thursday announced the appointment of four EVPs to lead key lines of business.  

Fast-fashion giant H&M is expanding its upscale store brand, Cos, in the United States.

The Home Depot's Team Depot is taking on the home lives of U.S. military veterans and their families through a two-month-long campaign called Celebration of Service.

Shoppers who love a good deal on designer duds have a new reason to shop Century 21 in New York City.

The retailer has partnered once again with famous street artist Mr. Brainwash on a second mural honoring the city and the attacks of Sept. 11. His second interpretation of the events that changed the city and the nation forever are located on a 65-square-foot by 225-square-foot wall of the storefront on Church Street, depicting painted images of iconic NYC sights and sceneries.

Crocs Inc. has a new interim finance chief after its CFO resigned to take the same position at West Marine.

Jeff Lasher, who joined Crocs in 2009 and was named chief financial officer in 2011, will remain with the company through early November. Lasher plans to join West Marine, Inc. as chief financial officer in November.