Corporate Governance

Walmart just upped the ante in the home shipping war against its rival, Amazon.    The chain is ending its ShippingPass program, a fee-based, two-day delivery service, in favor of a free two-day shipping program. Shoppers can now order from more than two million items, and have merchandise shipped to their homes or stores without a membership fee.  

Athleta’s latest line will provide a premium to the female workforce that created it.   The athleisure brand’s spring collection was manufactured in a factory certified by Fair Trade USA, an organization dedicated to creating social and economic opportunities for factory workers globally. For a product to earn Fair Trade certification, it must originate from a facility that operates according to the rigorous social, environmental and economic standards set in place by Fair Trade USA.   

Despite a profitable second quarter, 1-800-Flowers.com fell short of expectations.   The company reported a 1.1% revenue growth to $554.6 million for the quarter ending Jan. 1, from $548.4 million the previous year. The company credited its 1-800-Flowers.com and BloomNet segments for the increase, along with modest growth in its Gourmet Food and Gift Baskets segment, and e-commerce growth across the Harry & David, Cheryl’s, The Popcorn Factory and 1-800-Baskets brands, the company said.  

Despite a volatile global retail environment, Coach increased sales and profits for its fiscal second quarter.   The luxury handbag and accessories retailer reported revenue of $1.32 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2016, up 4% from $1.27 billion last year. The retailer’s net income was $200 million, up from $170 million in 2015.  

Fred’s Pharmacy confirmed its agreement to purchase divested stores remains in effect following Monday’s news that Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid extended the deadline for their potential merger agreement.  

According to a 2015 Nielsen study, two-thirds of consumers trust consumer opinions over company advertising and rely on peer review sites for insights and advice. However, these sites can cause huge headaches for well-intentioned retailers that incentivize consumers to post glowing reviews or find themselves on the wrong side of a revenge or competitor-sponsored post. When not conducted correctly, these efforts can harm brands and further consumer mistrust.   

Young children looking for the carousel at Westfield’s Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, New Jersey, were disappointed this past holiday season. Their older siblings, cousins, and perhaps even parents, were not.  

In addition to promoting three key executives and adding a new board member, Signet Jewelers is announcing the retirement of two company leaders.    The appointments include the following: