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On the edge: An updated look at J.C. Penney and Best Buy
The retail industry, yours truly included, has had a watchful eye on J.C. Penney ever since CEO Ron Johnson took over and announced his plans to revamp the iconic retailer. Many experts have shared their concerns over the new direction and, as the second quarter numbers would indicate, cause for concern is clearly warranted. With overall sales plummeting nearly $1 billion dollars, and earnings plunging from an expected $41 million profit to an $81 million loss, the company is down $1.7 billion in sales and $260 million in earnings in the first half of the year, compared to 2011.
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Giant-Carlisle introduces healthy-food checkout lanes
RICHMOND, Va. — Eight supermarkets in the Richmond, Va., area are using one of the most important parts of the store to promote healthy eating: the checkout lane.
Martin's Food Markets, part of the Ahold USA's Giant-Carlisle chain, announced it had partnered with the Richmond City Health District and Greater Richmond Fit4Kids in launching "Healthy Ideas" checkout lanes at the stores. Items will include fruit, nuts, snack packs from the store's Nature's Promise natural and organic section, nutrition bars and 100% fruit juice.