Strategy

As both founder of legendary 1960s rock group The Velvet Underground and as a solo artist, recently departed singer/songwriter Lou Reed was noted as a visionary and a curmudgeon. While his gruff approach to critics and fans may not be the best customer engagement template, Reed’s innovations as a musical artist offer lessons for retailers seeking success in the digital arena.

Avoiding all That Jazz

Green Bay, Wis. -- Shopko continues on its growth path with the opening of five new Shopko Hometown stores in November. The new stores are located in: Afton, Wyo.; Ellsworth, Wis.; St. Peter, Minn.; Tomahawk, Wis., and Winneconne, Wis.

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. -- Edwin Watts Golf Shops on Monday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware, with the intention of selling the operating assets of the business.  

The company, owned by private equity firm Sun Capital Partners, listed estimated liabilities and assets of $100 million to $500 million.

Rockford, Mich. -- Wolverine Worldwide announced the appointment of Ira P. Hernowitz as president of the Stride Rite Children's Group. He most recently served as executive VP of "R" Us Brands for Toys R Us, Inc.

Hernowitz has served in a variety of leadership roles during his career, and his strong background in children's products, coupled with his retail expertise.

Leading sales and marketing services provider Crossmark has enhanced its shopper marketing capabilities with the purchase of PromoWorks.

The transaction will result in Crossmark being the preferred product sampling and demonstration agency for 10 of the top 20 food retailers in North America and the exclusive event marketing planning agency for many of the top consumer brands, according to the company.

Phoenix -- Leslie's Poolmart announced it has acquired the assets of Pool Supply World, one of the nation's premier Internet retailers of swimming pool supplies.

As a separate division of Leslie's Pool Supplies, the acquired business will continue to operate as Pool Supply World with its distinct brand and website. Mark Krueger, CEO of Pool Supply World, will continue to lead the business.

The love affair between retailers and loyalty programs is in serious distress. Several major retailers have cut or reduced their loyalty programs and more are considering a trial separation. Customers seem to be shrugging off the change for now. As long as they’re getting the discounts, it’s easier for them to not have to carry and swipe their cards or give their phone numbers at checkout.

By Joseph Bona, [email protected]

In media interviews of late, Beth Newlands Campbell, the new CEO of Food Lion, has been offering reporters a frank assessment of the supermarket chain’s ho-hum, middle-of-the-road situation: “Staying the same,” she explains, “is not an option.”