Department Store

San Francisco -- Although most of the 16 electronics retailers scored by the Electronics TakeBack Coalition received an “F” grade, three companies – Staples, Best Buy and Office Depot – were deemed to have effective recycling programs.

More than half of the retailers failed the Coalition’s assessment, including Walmart, Amazon, Costco, Sam’s Club and Sears.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer conducted a survey of its customers, which revealed that 90% of them plan to spend the same or more than they did last year and 40% will have completed their back-to-school shopping before the school year begins. 

Median spend will range between $101-$150 per student and $201-$250 in total. In addition, 15% of parents expect students to help pay for a portion of school expenses and nearly 30% will get help from grandparents.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots EVP and CMO John C. Martin has announced his plans to retire. He will remain with the company until his successor is appointed, and has committed to provide guidance to his successor and the company through May 2014.  

Big Lots has retained SpencerStuart to conduct a search of external potential candidates.

Total U.S. Shopper Traffic in Retail Stores and Malls for June 2013

Shopper activity slightly decreased last month, thus returning to seasonal standards after May holidays. Retail foot traffic decreased 1.3% in June compared to May 2013, a slight departure from recently reported positive month-over-month retail trends. However, foot traffic for June 2013 was relatively flat compared to the same month in 2012 — with an increase of 0.3%.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Home furnishings retailer West Elm is heading to the Midwest and getting set to open its first-ever retail store in St. Louis, Mo., Thursday, July 25.

NEW YORK — Multichannel retailer Delia's, which primarily markets its brand to teenage girls, has appointed Whitney Randall as the company's VP and general merchandise manager, following the company's May/June financial results.

A Walmart employee in Canada was fired this week after confronting a customer who left a dog in a truck, according to a television report out of Ontario.

NEW YORK — Macy's is launching its latest Parisian-inspired fashion brand, Maison Jules, atop a limited-edition bicycle — so to speak — in collaboration with Martone Cycling Company.