News Briefs

The mood of American consumers continues to brighten.

Consumer sentiment extended its early-month climb, rising 3.2% in September to 70.1, according to the University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment. It’s the highest level in five months.

“The expectations index is now 13% above a year ago and reflects greater optimism across a broad swath of the population,” said Joanne Hsu, surveys of consumers director. “While sentiment remains below its historical average in part due to frustration over high prices, consumers are fully aware that inflation has continued to slow.”

In other University of Michigan results, the measure of consumer expectations for the next six months rose 3.2% in September to 74.4  from 72.1 in August. The measure of current economic conditions also improved, rising 3.3% in September to 63.3.

“Sentiment appears to be building some momentum as consumers’ expectations for the economy brighten,” said Hsu. "At the same time, many consumers continue to report that their expectations hinge on the results of the upcoming election.”

Relative to August, consumers across political parties are increasingly expecting a Kamala Harris presidency, though about two-thirds of Republicans still expect Donald Trump to win, she noted.

Hobby Lobby Stores is raising its minimum wage — again.

The arts-and-crafts retailer is raising its minimum full-time hourly wage to $19.25, effective Oct. 1. Hobby Lobby noted that, in 2009, it was one of the first retailers to establish a nationwide company minimum hourly wage well above the federal minimum wage. The company has since raised its minimum wage thirteen times over the last fifteen years.

“For decades, we have closed our stores on Sundays, and at 8:00 p.m. the rest of the week, to help employees balance their work and personal lives, and have time for rest, family and worship,” said Hobby Lobby founder and CEO David Green. “We work hard to provide some of the best wages and benefits in retail, which allows us to attract and retain a great team of associates to serve our loyal customers. We have worked hard to hold our prices down, and are thankful for our continued success as a company.”

Founded in 1972, Hobby Lobby currently operates 1,035 retail stores stocked with over 60,000 arts, crafts, hobbies, home accent, seasonal and custom framing products. The company is based in Oklahoma City, Okla.

A California grocery chain has entered an agreement to generate on-site renewable energy at one of its stores.

Vallarta Supermarkets has partnered with GreenStruxure to design, build, operate and maintain an on-site renewable energy microgrid at its store in Ventura, Calif. The project will deliver clean energy, providing 60% of the energy needed to the store. Vallarta Supermarket says the project will help it avoid significant energy costs from the first year of operation, and limit the impact of rising utility prices. 

“By partnering with GreenStruxure, Vallarta Supermarkets is taking significant steps towards sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint,” said Joel Silva, chief financial officer at Vallarta Supermarkets. “We look forward to offering this service to additional locations in the future.”

GreenStruxure will design, build, operate and maintain the microgrid solution utilizing solar panels, battery storage and advanced energy management systems to deliver a clean, reliable and affordable energy supply to the Ventura store. Vallarta Supermarkets will receive the zero-carbon energy, peak demand management and optimized use of energy from the grid and its onsite system, along with complete performance insights through GreenStruxure’s AI platform BeyondtheGrid.

[READ MORE: Vallarta Supermarkets leverages AI for planning]

“We are thrilled to partner with Vallarta Supermarkets in their transition to clean energy,” said GreenStruxure CEO Jose Lorenzo Lista. “Our onsite microgrid supplies clean, reliable, affordable energy and optimizes energy costs to deliver the best outcomes. We believe this partnership will inspire other mid-size companies to embrace clean and affordable energy.”

As of 2024, Vallarta operates 55 stores throughout California.

SpartanNash combined fun with technology knowledge in the largest program of its kind the grocery retailer/distributor has ever held.

The company hosted the first edition of an event it calls “IT Training Palooza” during the week of Sept. 23, 2024. The three-day event brought together more than 300 SpartanNash associates from across the country with a focus on topics such as artificial intelligence, automation and cybersecurity.

The IT Training Palooza featured more than 50 sessions covering topics from integrating AI into daily coding and applying an agile delivery model to innovation, to best practices in change management and leadership and the social and ethical impacts of AI. 

During the three-day event, associates logged more than 5,000 hours in a festival environment. Tech companies such as Microsoft and Snowflake also participated.

SpartanNash is launching this event as it pursues innovative technology efforts such as implementing the Simbe Tally autonomous inventory robot and using the the Upshop Magic inventory and replenishment optimization application to consolidate ordering systems, maintain accurate planograms, and assist with merchandising reset planning.

[READ MORE: SpartanNash predicts product demand with advanced analytics]

"Being people first includes providing our associates with development opportunities that allow them to gain hands-on experience with new-to-world technology that sharpens their skills around customer-centric innovation," said SpartanNash executive VP and chief strategy and information officer Masiar Tayebi. "This event not only shows our investment in our associates, but in driving the future of grocery to create a better customer experience."

SpartanNash operates 145 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin's Super Markets, D&W Fresh Market, VG's Grocery and Dan's Supermarket, in the U.S. and globally. 

North America’s largest Halloween retailer is teaming up with one of the largest delivery platforms to have costumes, decor and related items delivered straight to consumers' homes. 

Spirit Halloween has announced a new partnership with Uber Technologies for on-demand delivery from its stores in the United States and Canada. The Spirit Halloween catalog will be available to shop on Uber at the same prices consumers will find in-store, and Uber One members will benefit from $0 delivery fee and 5% discount on all Spirit Halloween orders with a $35 minimum purchase.

The Halloween retailer previously announced that this season would be its biggest yet, opening a record-breaking 1,525 locations this year.

"The holiday season officially kicks off this time of year, and households across the country are looking to on-demand delivery to get what's needed — now," said Beryl Sanders, director of U.S. grocery & retail partnerships at Uber. "That's one of the reasons we're most excited to bring Spirit Halloween to Uber Eats and our other Uber apps to make costumes and other Halloween must-haves a cinch. As a working mom, I know how crucial that last minute face paint or mask can be on the morning of the school parade or the hour before trick-or-treating starts, and I'm thrilled we'll be able to meet that demand at Uber."

[READ MORE: Survey: Halloween spending expected to rise despite cost concerns]

Founded in 1983, Spirit is a “one-stop destination” for all things Halloween. Stores offer an immersive and interactive experience for shoppers, complete with a wide assortment of costumes and accessories along with exclusive décor and animatronics.

Department retailer Bealls Inc. has announced the appointment of a new merchandising leader for its Florida stores.

Roselle Thomas has been named senior VP and chief merchandising officer for Bealls Florida. In her new position, she has responsibility for the merchandising strategy for 66 Bealls Florida stores and BeallsFlorida.com.

Thomas joined Bealls Inc. in 2010 as a merchandise assistant. She held multiple roles with the company since then, and most recently served as VP, general merchandise manager for ladies apparel, accessories and beauty for Bealls Florida.

“We are thrilled to have Roselle leading our storied brand,” said Tianne Doyle, president of Bealls Inc. “She has a deep knowledge of the Florida guest and business, and broad exposure to multiple facets of the company, which make her an excellent candidate to lead Bealls Florida into the future.”

[READ MORE: Bealls Inc. taps former Chico’s, Estée Lauder exec for key marketing role]

Headquartered in Bradenton, Fla. since 1915, Bealls Inc. operates more than 650 retail stores in 22 states under the names Bealls, Bealls Florida and Home Centric.