Mass Merchant

A 1.8% decline in second quarter same store sales at AutoZone was attributed to a two week tax return processing delay by the Internal Revenue Service.

The delay kept tax refunds out of the hand of AutoZone customers inclined to perform maintenance on their vehicles during the retailer’s second quarter ended February 9. Last week, Walmart also cited the tax processing delay as a source of sale weakness when it reported a 1% comp increase that was at the low end of its forecast range for a 1% to 3% increase.

Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Customer satisfaction with e-commerce websites in on the rise, with Amazon topping all measured sites, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index's (ACSI) annual E-Commerce Report, produced in partnership with customer experience analytics firm ForeSee.
   

New York -- Terry Lundgren, CEO of Macy’s, took the stand on Monday to testify in the trial of two Macy's lawsuits regarding the deal between J.C. Penney Co. and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. The long-awaited trial began last Wednesday, in New York Supreme Court.

The trial is about whether Macy’s has the exclusive right to sell Martha Stewart branded cookware, bedding and certain other products.
 

First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to visit a Walmart store in Springfield, Mo., this week as part of a nationwide tour to generate interest in her Let’s Move! children’s health initiative.

The stop at the Springfield Walmart is schedule for Thursday afternoon and follows appearances on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America and The Dr. Oz Show. The two day tour will showcase progress and announce new ways the country is coming together around the health of children.

New York -- With an overall branded basket 4% less expensive than Target’s, Walmart assumes the strongest overall lead in Kantar Retail’s semi-annual pricing study since the study began in 2009.
   
While strategic price discounts on key items continue to be a cornerstone of Target’s price competitiveness, rather than everyday low prices, Target’s overall basket has not been lower than Walmart’s since the January 2011 iteration of this study.

New York -- Wal-Mart de Mexico expects to spend up to $1.4 billion on investments in 2013. But the chain declined to discuss how many stores it will open.

The chain did say that it expects to increase total store space by 8% to 9% in Mexico and 6% in Central America this year.

"We think that the number of stores does not communicate much," said CEO Scot Rank in response to a question by an analyst, Reuters reported.

BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons named the division presidents who will lead the 877 stores it will acquire from Supervalu after the purchase agreement closes next month, the company said. The two companies agreed to the purchase in January.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney announced that Canada’s Joe Fresh brand will launch in JCPenney stores beginning March 15, with a collection of modern basics for women. The collection will be displayed in 750-sq.-ft. to 2,500-sq.-ft. dedicated shops in nearly 700 JCP stores.