Walmart

Walmart gave a lackluster profit outlook for next year, and said it will slow new store openings as it invests in remodels and digital initiatives.  

Kohl’s Corp. has joined the ranks of Walmart, Starbucks and other companies to offer its own mobile payments app.    The retailer launched Kohl’s Pay on Wednesday, hoping to speed up checkout in its stores. Using the app, shoppers can integrate their Kohl’s private label credit card and their Yes2You Rewards member number directly in the app’s mobile wallet. The technology also saves earned Kohl’s Cash and Yes2You Rewards.  

WalmartLabs’ newest project is giving comrades and competitors alike, a peek into its open-source software.   The retail behemoth has migrated its online platform to a React-based application platform over the last year, one that was built in-house by WalmartLabs. Now Walmart’s innovation division is open-sourcing this platform, reported TechCrunch.  

Wal-Mart Stores and Target Corp. stand at very different junctures, according to new report from Moody's Investors Service.    Walmart is starting to reap more discernible rewards as it adapts more quickly to a rapidly-changing consumer landscape -- and with fewer missteps -- than Target has managed, according to the report, "Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Target Corporation: Walmart Is Gaining Momentum, While Target Is Still Clawing Back Lost Ground."  

Bonobos opened its fifth Manhattan store this week on Madison Avenue, surrounded by neighbors that include Porsche Design, Tourneau, Dino Baldini, and Lladro.   Called the Bonobos Guideshop NYC, the store inhabits a 1,725-sq.-ft. ground floor space with all-glass frontage on the southwest corner of 52nd Street in the shadow of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The deal was brokered by RKF.   

There are few demographic segments that have generated as much discussion in the retail community as Millennials. A great deal of literal and virtual ink has been spilled discussing the importance of catering to this large and influential group of young adults. From their spending habits to their social and behavioral characteristics, addressing the priorities and preferences of Millennials is seen as critically important for any retailer that wants to remain competitive in today’s marketplace.  

Walmart’s next e-commerce power-play is reportedly in the works.   In its latest move to compete against its online nemesis amazon.com, Walmart is reportedly ready to invest up to $1 billion in Flipkart, according to an article in Quartz.   

Mark your calendars. Free Shipping Day, the one-day online event featuring free shipping with no minimum order requirement and delivery by Christmas Eve, is scheduled this year for Friday, Dec. 16.

"While we try to schedule the event one week before Christmas Eve, the calendar doesn't always accomodate," said Luke Knowles, founder of Free Shipping Day.  "What sets Free Shipping Day apart from other shopping holidays is small business participation.”

That was fast.   Jason Goldberger, the recently promoted chief digital officer of Target Corp., has left the company, effective immediatedly. No reason was given for his departure.    Goldberger's responsibilities will be split, with Target CIO Mike McNamara overseeing the website and digital operations, and chief merchandising officer Mike Tritton taking on pricing and promotions.  

Dollar stores and off-price chains account for half of the spots on a list of 10 retailers adding the most new store square footage, according to commercial real estate and analytics firm CoStar.       Walmart tops the list, followed by Dollar General and Forever 21, according to a report by the Chicago Tribune.     Click here to read more.