eCommerce

Walmart leads the pack when it comes to paid search advertising in the grocery category.   That’s according to new research from AdGooroo. The search marketing intelligence provider analyzed 124 non-branded grocery store and grocery delivery keywords from June 2016-May 2017.  

Amazon may face a contender for Whole Foods Market.   JP Morgan research analysts said in a note that Walmart could step in as a rival bidder for the grocery chain, reported CNBC, attracted by Whole Foods' more affluent customer base and strong brand.   

Made-to-measure menswear brand Indochino continues its expansion from the Web into physical retail.       

Staples is close to returning to private ownership.   Private equity firm Sycamore Partners is in advanced talks to acquire Staples, according to numerous media reports. The deal could top $6 billion, reported Reuters, which said Sycamore is in the process of finalizing a debt financing deal with Staples. Sycamore repeatedly beat out Cerberus Capital Management in an auction.  

The Southeast’s leading grocery chain will be opening a new center in the state where it has its least exposure, and leasing activity is brisk.   Broker La Purser & Associates reported the signing of four tenants at a planned Publix-anchored center in Harrisburg, North Carolina. Smoothie King, Sports Clips, Avalon Spa & Nails, and dental office have committed to the 67,200-sq.-ft. Harris Square, set to open in 2018.  

While the pace of decline at B&N has eased, the company remains firmly in decline with sales down across the board. The saving grace is that a firm grip on costs, which were slashed by $137 million over the year, allowed the group to reduce losses for the quarter, and to post a $22 million net profit for the full fiscal.  

Indochino's recently opened showroom at West Edmonton Mall showcases the omnichannel brand's stylish approach to customized menswear apparel.   The 3,200-sq.-ft. space features eye-catching graphics, both on the exterior and interior, along with video screens that convey the brand's message of offering a “luxury tailoring experience without the high price tag.”   

Ongoing cost reductions helped the nation's largest bookstore retailer narrow its loss in its fourth quarter even as its sales continued to slide.   Barnes & Noble posted a net loss of $13.4 million, or $0.19 per share, for the quarter, compared to a loss of $30.6 million, or $0.42 per share, in the prior year.  For the quarter, the company's retail division generated an operating loss of $15.9 million, while Nook incurred an operating loss of $7.9 million, for a total operating loss of $23.8 million.