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Corporate Governance

  • Three ways Amazon Go’s automation will impact the retail industry

    Could “paper or plastic?” become a question of the past? In early December, Amazon opened its checkout-free store concept, Amazon Go, in Seattle. Initially open only to employees, the store is expected to open to the public early this year. With the e-commerce giant’s “just walk out” technology, customers are able to swipe their app when they enter, pick up items they want off the shelves, and exit without cash registers or lines.  

  • Gifting retailer unloads product line, but gains new business partner

    1-800-Flowers.com’s latest business move puts the company in a strategic position to more cost-effectively expand its assortment.     The gifting retailer said Wednesday that Ferrero International S.A will acquire the company’s Fannie May Confections Brands, including its subsidiaries Fannie May Confections and Harry London Candies.   

  • Penney losing key executive to Hershey

    The chief marketing officer of J.C. Penney is leaving the company after two years on the job.   Mary Beth West is leaving the department store retailer on March 31 to become senior VP and chief growth officer of the Hershey Co. She will join Hershey on May 1.   West joined Penney in April 2015 after serving on the company’s board of directors for 10 years.   

  • Commentary: Downtick in February largely a temporary blip

    After solid start to the year, retail is now back in softer growth territory. While the 2.1% rate of overall expansion is not disastrous, it is much lower than the past few quarters and is largely the result of higher gas prices which buoyed sales at gas stations by 15.8%. The pure retail number is more concerning, with the 0.8% increase being the slowest growth recorded since February 2013.  

  • Report: Walmart to acquire another online retailer

    A fashion blog is reporting that Walmart will acquire an online fashion brand known for its eclectic and quirky styles.   Walmart’s Jet.com division will acquire Modcloth, reported CNBC, which cited the Jezebel fashion blog. The report comes on the heels of Walmart’s acquisition in February of online outdoor apparel brand Moosejaw.    

  • Williams-Sonoma Q4 profit tops Street

    Williams Sonoma Inc. on Wednesday reported adjusted fourth-quarter earnings above expectations and said its board of directors authorized a dividend increase.   In a separate announcement, the company said Sandra Stangl, president of its Pottery Barn brands, will resign from the company March 31. http://www.chainstoreage.com/article/leadership-changes-home-furnishings-retailer  

  • Consumers cautious in February

    The delay of tax refunds helped keep consumer spending in check on February.   Retail sales in February inched up 0.2% seasonally adjusted over January, according to the National Retail Federation. (The NRF numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants.)   The industry’s performance in February was mixed. Electronics and appliance stores took the biggest hit, with sales falling 2.8% over the previous month.   

  • Christopher & Banks Q4 disappoints; to roll out merchandising changes

    Changes are coming to Christopher & Banks Corp.   On the heels of a 7.8% decrease in its fourth quarter sales, the women’s apparel retailer is launching a new merchandising strategy  that include a bigger focus on fashion over core items.   Christopher & Banks also will review styles on a weekly basis to identify emerging trends and mark down slower-moving products, said interim president and CEO Joel Waller on the company’s quarterly call with analysts.   
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