Corporate Governance

Teen apparel retailer caught in security breach
The Buckle is the latest cyber-crime target. The teen apparel retailer was alerted that some guest credit card information was pilfered following purchases made at some of its retail stores. The chain launched a thorough investigation, which revealed that store payment data systems were infected with a form of malicious code, which was quickly removed.
Holiday shipping to get more expensive: UPS to charge extra during peak times
For the first time ever, UPS is going to add a surcharge for orders delivered to homes during peak holiday times. The surcharges, which apply only to residential deliveries, could boost the buy-online-pickup-in-stores (BOPIS) strategy deployed by many store-based retailers. The move comes as the shipping giant look to combat its escalating costs, which include increased investments in hiring, in the wake of the shipping boom caused by rising online package volumes.

Regulatory Wrap-Up: Where state and national policy impact retail

Wages
Lululemon in investment, partnership with cycling apparel startup

lululemon athletica is thinking outside its core athleisure category.
Up Close: Shoppers review Lidl
Parent company of Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo on hunt for a CEO

Southeastern Grocers' chief executive is leaving after 16-months on the job to pursue "another opportunity."
Amazon and Whole Foods: 5 things to know about the blockbuster deal

The food retail industry has been flush with big mergers lately, but today’s stunner has no precedent.
Amazon buying Whole Foods Market

In a blockbuster deal, online giant Amazon is acquiring Whole Foods Market in an all cash transaction valued at $13.7 billion, or $42 a share. John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods, will remain CEO of the grocer after the deal closes. Stores will continue to operate under the Whole Foods banner, and the company's headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas.
Will a hole through a hill save a Mohave center?

In the Mohave Valley of Arizona, a town has punched a hole through a hill to unite a challenged shopping center with the local mall to improve traffic. Kmart will close its store in the City Square shopping center in Bullhead City, across the Colorado River from Laughlin, Nevada, leaving it without the anchor that was its prime draw. In fact, few locals even knew the name of the center, referring to it just as Kmart, according to the Mohave Valley Daily News.
Walmart doubling down on fashion with Bonobos acquisition

Walmart is buying the hot men's clothing company Bonobos for $310 million in cash. The move is in keeping with Walmart's recent efforts to beef up its online offerings and widen its appeal by buying digitally native brands that target millennials and younger consumers. Founded online in 2007, Bonobos has expanded its assortment over the years and has also opened 35 brick-and-mortar stores ("Guideshops"). It also has a partnership with Nordstrom.
New company preps to relaunch the Bebe brand

The Bebe brand is undergoing a transformation — thanks to a new parent company. Global Brands Group Holding Limited, a leading branded apparel, footwear, and fashion accessories company — and a spin-off of global exporter Li & Fung Ltd., is partnering with the Bebe brand to relaunch a new e-commerce platform. In addition, the company will redesign the brand’s international brick-and-mortar stores to better meet the heightened shopping expectations of Bebe’s consumers.
Commentary: Amazon-Whole Foods deal ‘potentially terrifying’ for other grocers

The retail sector is used to change, but every so often an event occurs that shakes the industry to its core. Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods is one of those. On the surface, the purchase -- which comes with a $13.7 billion price tag -- is surprising. However, there is an inherent logic in the move which, in our view, brings benefits to both businesses.