Corporate Governance

Report: Amazon could upend retail with new brick-and-mortar formats
Amazon is keeping all its options open when it comes to exploring new concepts. The online giant is exploring an array of brick-and-mortar ideas, from electronics stores to stores that sell furniture and appliance, that would use technology in ways and have a dramatic impact on how other stores operate, reported The New York Times.
Supreme Court decision a win for large retailers
The way has been cleared for retailers to challenge swipe fees in the coming years. The Supreme Court on Monday declined to reinstate a class-action lawsuit settlement that would have blocked merchants from challenging Visa and MasterCard over credit card swipe fees.

Sporting goods retailer taps Walmart exec as COO

Sportsman's Warehouse has named Jon Barker president and COO, effective March 31. Barker, who holds 25 years of retail experience will direct the marketing, supply chain, operations, compliance and technology functions for Sportsman's Warehouse, and will also lead the expansion of the company's e-commerce business.
Report: Amazon Go not a go for the public yet

Even Amazon has technical difficulties. The online giant is delaying the public opening of its cashier-less convenience store, Amazon Go, due to technical complications, according to MarketWatch.
Legislative Spotlight: Rough Road Ahead for Retailers

The failure of President Trump and the Republicans in Congress to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act was shocking enough for business owners but it is the road ahead that should give operators some real heartburn.
Report: Amazon to buy Middle Eastern online retailer

A new deal could give Amazon a foothold in the Middle East. Amazon has agreed in principle to buy Souq.com, a leader in the Middle East's online shopping market, according to a report in Reuters.
Auction scheduled for 58 MC Sports locations

MC Sports, a longtime fixture in the Midwest that filed for bankruptcy in February, has put leases on its stores in seven states up for auction. The 58 stores range in size from 11,000 to 46,000 sq. ft. and are located in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Bids are due by April 7 to A&G Realty Partners, which is handling the auction.
Meijer expands in Indianapolis

Meijer continues to expand its presence in the Indianapolis area. On May 2, the retailer will open two supercenter in McCordsville, Ind., and one in Franklin, Ind. The Indianapolis-area supercenters are two of seven new stores Meijer is opening in Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin this year.
Dunkin’ Brands begins hunt for new CFO

The parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins announced that Paul Carbone, CFO, is leaving the company effective April 21, 2017.
Sportswear retailer streamlines trade operations in China

Adidas Group wants to kick off its expansion in China on the right foot. The sportswear brand plans to bolster its retail sales network to 12,000 outlets in China by 2020, with much of the growth slated for smaller cities. However, the company also knows that conducting international trade within China can be difficult and complex due to challenges presented by huge import and export volume, and minimal advance notice of regulatory changes.
Report: Hy-Vee to add clothing boutiques in 4 stores

Hy-Vee shoppers will soon be able to buy new clothes while they grocery shop. Two Hy-Vee locations in Nebraska will soon feature F&F clothing boutiques through the Iowa-based retailer’s franchise agreement with the British clothing line owned by supermarket company Tesco, reported The Anchorage Press.
Gaming retailer to shutter stores this year as sales drop

Online gaming is taking its toll on GameStop in a big way. The retailer said that its video game category was weak, particularly in the second half of the year. This challenge, combined with shoppers’ attraction to online gaming, contributed to a total global sales decrease of 13.6% to $3.05 billion for the fourth quarter ended January 28, 2017. The company earned $208.7 million, in the fourth quarter, compared with profits of $247.8 million for the same period a year ago.