Events

By Kevin Kulinowski, Robert Grosskopf and Rick Edwards, Gordon Brothers Group

The defining paradox of our industry is that closing stores has become a trademark of successful retail companies. Certainly healthy retailers are opening new stores; but shuttering locations has become the norm as well and, in most instances, is equally indicative of positive growth.

Talk about an uphill battle. Walmart is trying to educate shoppers about eating healthy on a limited budget and the importance of understanding unit prices when evaluating purchase decisions.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us revealed its 2012 hot toys list Wednesday, but not before Walmart did the same, giving the discounter a head start and the opportunity to poke fun at the toy retailer's earlier announced toy reservation program.

Charlotte, N.C. -- Harris Teeter is currently renovating two locations into a new concept called 201central, which will feature an extensive variety of wine, beer, specialty foods and other general merchandise items. The new format will also feature an array of specialty services, including in-store wine consultants, event coordination and catering as well as party rentals and educational classes focused on wine, beer and food pairings.
 

ITASCA, Ill. — Jewel-Osco on Friday announced that the company is observing Hunger Action Month this September with an aggressive campaign to raise food and funds for food banks and food pantries in the retailer's service area.

Walmart unveiled its top toy list Friday morning and couldn’t resist taking a shot at Toys "R" Us which launched a toy reservation program earlier in the week.

Walmart said its layaway program and top toy offering gives parents the confidence to shop now for the toys kids want at every day low prices. And in an obvious dig at Toys "R" Us, the press release for Walmart’s top 20 toys declared, "no reservations required: America’s largest toy seller’s hassle-free layaway program begins this Sunday."

Walmart unveiled its top toy list Friday morning and couldn’t resist taking a shot at Toys "R" Us which launched a toy reservation program earlier in the week.

Walmart said its layaway program and top toy offering gives parents the confidence to shop now for the toys kids want at every day low prices. And in an obvious dig at Toys "R" Us, the press release for Walmart’s top 20 toys declared, "no reservations required: America’s largest toy seller’s hassle-free layaway program begins this Sunday."

The OfficeMax Green Tie Ball will be held this weekend to raise funds for the beautification of Chicago.

The retailer on Thursday morning disclosed it was the title sponsor of the 21st annual event being held Saturday, September 15. The event is hosted by nonprofit organization Chicago Gateway Green, which is dedicated to greening and beautifying Chicagoland's expressways, gateways and communities. OfficeMax has a strong business presence in the Chicagoland area between its headquarters in Naperville and 45 stores and two distribution facilities.