Walmart

Whole Foods is trying to get its groove back, but after reporting weak fourth quarter results, it is not clear when that will be as the company expressed concern about the competitive climate and the impact on its profit margins.

L.L. Bean has gone outside the company for the first time ever to pick a chief executive. The outdoors retailer named the chief merchandising and marketing officer of a Walmart-owned Chinese e-commerce business as president and CEO, effective Feburary 2016. [ABC News]

Whole Foods is trying to get its groove back, but after reporting weak fourth quarter results it is not clear when that will be as the company expressed concern about the competitive climate and the impact on its profit margins.

Walmart and Hobby Lobby top the retailer list of the first ever annual Faith Equality Index.

Faith Driven Consumer, a group that represents 41 million Christian consumers, has published an index rating the faith compatibility of major brands both in the consumer and entertainment spheres, as well as serving as a voice for this community.

The top executive over Health and Wellness of Walmart's U.S. division is leaving to join Brookdale Senior Living as its COO.

Labeed Diab will have responsibility for all aspects of Brookdale’s operations, including community and field operations, marketing and sales.

The top executive over Health and Wellness of Walmart's U.S. division is leaving to join Brookdale Senior Living as its COO.

Labeed Diab will have responsibility for all aspects of Brookdale’s operations, including community and field operations, marketing and sales. 

Target has an aggressive new plan to lure shoppers this holiday season that includes free shipping on all orders and a new international website.

The plan is part of Target CEO Brian Cornell’s efforts to restructure the company and revamp its digital and in-store offerings. Free shipping starts Nov. 1 and ends Dec. 25.

Consumers in Columbus, Ohio, are being given a new option for mobile payment.

CurrentC, the mobile payment application from retailer-backed consortium Merchant Commerce Exchange, is now being piloted at stores in Columbus. Major retailers currently participating in MCX include Walmart, Sam’s Club, Sears, Target, CVS and Kmart.

MCX briefly announced the Columbus beta test on the CurrentC webpage, with few details. Reuters reports that 12 major retailers are testing the service at 200 store locations, and the test may be expanded in early 2016.

Easier shopping every day is the value proposition Walmart touting this holiday season as it contends shoppers are tired of pricing games played by other retailers.

As it does every holiday season, Walmart claims it will have low prices on a broad assortment and the hottest holiday items, but it is also touting an improve store experience and a strengthened omnichannel approach.