As H&M braces for the opening of its first Arket store, it is already putting a plan in motion for its second location.   The fast-fashion chain announced in March that is plans to launch its new brand, Arket, in early fall. Arket, H&M’s first new brand in three years, will feature merchandise men, women and children, and a smaller, curated assortment of home goods.  

RadioShack Corp. has entered into the newest chapter of its financial saga.   The company, which recently filed for bankruptcy protection, closed 1,000 stores over the Memorial Day weekend. This move leaves the chain with a mere 70 company-owned stores and 500 dealer stores in operation across the U.S., according to Fortune.  

Wages

Federal $15/Hr Minimum Wage . As promised, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders with support from Democratic Leadership introduced a bill this week to raise the federal hourly minimum wage to $15 by 2024 to index it to inflation starting in 2025. Passage is highly unlikely, although Democratic leadership has vowed to make the Fight for $15 a larger focus of the party platform.
 

For the second time in less than three years, Kmart was hit by a malicious hack.   On Wednesday, May 31, Kmart’s parent company, Sears Holdings revealed that the chain was the victim of a security incident. The company became aware of the attack, which involved unauthorized credit card activity, following certain customer purchases made at some of its Kmart stores. Shoppers were alerted to the breach via email Wednesday evening.   

Product innovation, an enhanced digital experience, and its first-ever global brand campaign boosted Lululemon’s first quarter earnings — however these gains are not swaying the company’s restructuring plans.   The athleisure brand is currently restructuring Ivivva, its activewear brand for girls. The division will operate primarily as an e-commerce business, supported by only a select number of stores in key communities across North America.   

Fred Segal is designing its new flagship to be more than a just “a store.” Instead, it’s creating “a style and design laboratory.”  

CVS Pharmacy opened its first store in the Centennial State.    CVS Pharmacy’s newest location resides in Parker, Colorado. It is the first of three stores slated to open in the greater Denver market this year.