Corporate Governance

Lost jobs, ugly architecture, picky consumers and stiff competition are among the reasons why Costco may have a tough time achieving success in France, according to a Seattle Times report.

The newspaper says the Washington-based retailer is building its first warehouse in France and envisions opening as many as 15 stores in that nation over the next 10 years. But whether Costco will succeed in attracting the French consumer is an important question.

Read more by clicking here.

Bentonville, Ark. -- A pioneer in retail clinics has joined the nation’s largest retailer.

Sandra Ryan has accepted a position with Walmart to lead the chain’s Care Clinic business, Drug Store News has learned, in a move that suggests the world's largest retailer is ready to make some major moves in the retail clinic space.

A collection of crowdfunded products introduced on Staples Web site is being billed as a “first-of-its-kind-entrepreneurial store.”

Staples conducted a contest called Crowd2Shelf and winners of the inaugural event created by Fundable debuted on Staples' new entrepreneurial store at Staples.com/fundable. The contest drew thousands of startups across the country who competed for a chance to crowdfund their way to Staples. The Crowd2Shelf Contest was also made possible by the business strategy firm Sprosty Network.

New York -- Amazon should be feeling pumped about the  results of its one-day super sale anniversary event in July.

The Internet giant had a 30.1% increase in marketplace sales in July over the year-ago period, with the increase likely due to its “Prime Day” sale on  July 15, according to a ChannelAdvisor report.

New York -- GameStop wants its employees to pursue a higher education.

Bethesda, Md. -- Washington Property Company announced it has acquired Ballenger Creek Plaza, a 75,527-sq.-ft. center located in Frederick, Maryland, for $9.5 million.

“Washington Property Company is excited about expanding its retail portfolio with the acquisition of Ballenger Creek Center,” said WPC president Charles K. Nulsen, III. “We plan to renovate and reposition this neighborhood center in the growing submarket of southwestern Frederick.”
 

New York -- As Costco Wholesale inches closer to opening its first location in France, the retailer may not find the country such an easy target by any measure, reported the Seattle Times.

In France, Costco will find itself on the doorstep of hypermarket giants Carrefour, Auchan and Casino, which run huge stores selling a dizzying assortment of food and other products, according to the report.

For the full story, click here.

As back to school season heats up, Staples is launching an innovative promotion that aims to give students in North America the opportunity to make a world of difference with their back-to-school purchases.