NBCUniversal Media, LLC

SPECS 2017, the “Retail Event for Store Innovation,” announced that three of the nation’s top financial experts will open the program at the 53rd annual SPECS conference, which will be held March 12-14 at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee (Orlando), Florida.  

Half of all American households might have an Amazon Prime membership by the end of this year.

Cowen and Company analyst John Blackledge estimates that approximately 44% of U.S. households are Prime members, and that  penetration could accelerate to 50% by the end of the year, according to a report by CNBC.   

Prime has maintained healthy growth largely due to [its] increasing value proposition," Blackledge said. 

The nation’s improving job market has a down side for the retail industry, particularly as the crucial holiday season arrives.   With the U.S. employment rate declining and minimum wages rising, it’s getting more challenging and more expensive for retailers to attract the best workers, reported CNBC.  

Consumers’ new ‘buy now, wear now’ mentality it putting them at odds with retailers, many of whom are already pushing outerwear and other cold weather gear.    

Kroger Co. posted second quarter earnings that topped expectations but the chain cut its guidance for the year citing ongoing price deflation.

"If you look at the price of milk, eggs and commodities like that, they're historically low. Meat continues to be deflationary and produce is on a deflationary trend," Kroger CFO Michael Schlotman said on CNBC on Friday.

Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, and Mark Lore, co-founder and CEO of Jet.com, discussed Walmart’s acquisition of the online site and other industry topics on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”  

Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts’ foray into mobile rebates is part of the 850-store chain’s strategy for reaching millennials. The retailer has partnered mobile shopping app provider Ibotta to offer cash-back rebates on in-store purchases, something Jo-Ann’s feels will build loyalty among the millennial set.   The multi-year partnership will provide users with special offers and cash-back options at any one of Jo-Ann Stores retail locations.  

Having already served as an early innovator in e-commerce, eBay has turned its attention to a new emerging technology area. In an interview on CNBC, eBay CEO Devin Weng said the company intends to take a leading role in artificial intelligence.   "We are planting the seeds right now to ensure that eBay is not only relevant, but a leader — a disruptor — in artificial intelligence," said Weng. 

In its search to find the right financial overseer, Destination Maternity Corp. didn’t have to look any farther than the auto parts industry.   On Monday, the maternity apparel retailer named David Stern, former CFO of Pep Boys – Manny, Moe and Jack, as executive VP and CFO, charged with leading the finance and accounting, real estate, loss prevention and procurement areas of the company.   Stern will report to CEO Anthony Romano.  

Steve Tanger is more than CEO of outlet giant Tanger Factory Outlet Centers – he is also an effective talking head.     Tanger appeared as a featured guest on CNBC's "Mad Money with Jim Cramer" on Thursday, July 28, and talked about the consistent strength of the outlet market despite a volatile retail industry.