eCommerce

Whole Foods Market Inc. says it is taking the right steps to position itself for the long term and sees demand for more than 1,200 stores in the United States despite reporting a lackluster increase in same store sales for the third quarter.  

The health foods grocery retailer posted a same store sales increase of just 1.3% for third quarter ended July 5. Analysts had expected a 3% increase. The company did report  earnings of 43 cents per share on $3.63 billion in revenue. Total sales increased 8% to a record $3.6 billion.

Overstock.com has come up with an exclusive back to school offer designed to appeal to teachers.

The retailer is offering free Club O loyalty program memberships to teachers of all grade levels. With every purchase on Overstock.com, Club O members receive free shipping and a minimum of 5% back in Club O Rewards Dollars to spend on the online shopping website.

Framingham, Mass. – The TJX Cos. Inc. apparently has a taste for vegemite.

TJX is purchasing Trade Secret, an off-price retailer that operates 35 stores in Australia, from Gazal Corp. Ltd. for $58.45 million. The acquisition of Trade Secret provides TJX an opportunistic entry into Australia, where it currently operates one of its 13 buying offices.

The spring and summer has brought with it a flurry of new store concepts, from established players, international newcomers and online stars. Check out the six below.

Ahold USA has become the first major grocery retailer to join an initiative requiring Florida tomato suppliers to increase farmworker pay and protect workers from forced labor and sexual assault.

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers announced Wednesday that Ahold USA is America's first major grocer to join the group's Fair Food Program. Ahold USA is the parent company of Stop & Shop, Giant Foods of Landover, Giant Foods of Carlisle, Martin's and online grocer Peapod.

Boston -- A veteran retailer with experience in running big national chains has joined City Sports as its new chief executive.

The Boston-based company tapped Marty Hanaka, who has served on the board of directors of City Sports since 2008, as its new chief executive. Hanaka was the interim CEO of Guitar Center from January 2013 to April 2013. Previously, he served as CEO of Golfsmith Holdings (from June 2008 to November 2012) and of The Sports Authority (from September 1998 to August 2003.) Prior to that, he was the president and COO of Staples.

New York -- J.Crew Group is not breaking any new ground with its latest retail format, Mercantile, which recently opened its first location, in Dallas.

The budget-friendly store, in The Shops at Park Lane, is very similar to J.Crew’s factory outlet concept, reports Business Insider, particularly in its pricing and merchandise mix.

For a look inside the new store, click here.
 

TJX has been on a growth and revenue spree of late, and now the off-price retailer is apparently looking to expand down under.