Strategy

Berkeley, Calif. - Cheryl Hughes has joined Andronico’s Community Markets as CFO. Recently appointed CEO Suzy Monford leads the all-female team.

Hughes formerly held the role of controller for Chemoil, a global oil trading organization. Prior to this role she was CFO at Pacific Convenience & Fuels based in Pleasanton. Her career in food and retail dates back to her 15-year stint as director of U.S. Finance with Circle K Stores Inc.
 

Markdowns and the costs of expansion hurt Lululemon profits in the second quarter, but the athleisure retailer did post an impressive jump in same store sales.

Bentonville, Ark. -- 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.

Starting Oct. 1, all Sam’s Club locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico will take American Express cards at checkout. Earlier this year Costco ended its 16-year relationship with American in favor of Visa after the two companies could not come to an agreement on new terms.

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.

This special report by WD Partners examines one of the most crucial questions confronting the retail industry:  the role of the physical store in a digital age. It provides a call to action for a new retail experience, and offers insights and guidance on how retailers can position themselves for success in this new age.

Click here to download the report.
 

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.

New York -- The storefront of Century 21 Department Stores’ flagship in lower Manhattan has been given a stunning makeover to honor the city and in remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attack.

The off-price retailer has partnered once again with internally famous street artist Thierry Guetta (commonly referred to as Mr. Brainwash), who has painted a vibrant mural on a 65-sq.-ft. by 225-sq.-ft. wall on the flagship’s façade. The store is in the financial district and close to where the World Trade Center once stood.   

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.