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Mass Merchant

  • Build-A-Bear Workshop completes strategic review

    Build-A-Bear Workshop is holding steady.   The specialty retailer's board of directors has completed its review of strategic alternatives and authorized a share repurchase program of up to $20 million. Build-A-Bear initiated the review in May 2016 after a sharp decline in net income in its first quarter, saying at the time that it would consider "all" options to boost shareholder equity, including a sale.     

  • Center changes hands in ‘fast-growing’ Folsom

    Citing favorable demographics and a steady income stream, Nazareth Enterprises acquired the Walmart Central Shopping Center in Folsom, California for $39.7 million.    Besides Walmart, the 139,377-sq.-ft. center contains a 24-hour Fitness SuperSport Gym, the 99Cent Store, and Great Clips. It’s shadow-anchored by a Super Walmart.  

  • Wal-Mart envisions ‘floating warehouse’

    Amazon isn't the only retailer thinking about drones.   Wal-Mart Stores has applied for a patent for a blimp-styled "floating warehouse" that could make deliveries directly to shoppers’ homes via drones, Bloomberg reported.    The machine would fly at heights between 500 ft. and 1,000 ft. and be equipped with multiple launching bays. It would be operated autonomously or by a remote human pilot.   

  • Walmart expands online grocery delivery via Uber

    The nation's largest retailer continues to beef up its defenses against Amazon.   Walmart is expanding its online grocery delivery pilot via Uber to Orlando and Dallas. The pilot is currently ongoing in Phoenix and Tampa, Fla. (The chain also runs its own grocery delivery service in Denver and San Jose, California.) Walmart announced the expansion just days prior to a scheduled vote by Whole Foods Market's shareholders on its pending acquisition by Amazon.  

  • Study: Top reasons millennial parents prefer stores for BTS shopping

    When it comes to sticking on budget, millennial parents prefer in-store shopping over digital commerce for back-to-school purchases.   Sixty-five percent of millennial parents believe shopping in-store enables them to more effectively remain within budget goals compared to shopping online, according to a study commissioned by Citi Retail Services. These parents plan to do the majority, 72% on average, of back-to-school shopping in a store rather than online this year.   

  • Milestone store opening for Dollar General

    Dollar General is celebrating an important milestone.   The discounter has opened its 14,000th retail location. The store is located in Dauphin, Pa.   “Dollar General is excited to celebrate our company’s continued growth by celebrating our 14,000th store grand opening today,” said Todd Vasos, CEO, Dollar General. “For nearly 80 years, Dollar General has continually been focused on delivering everyday low prices, convenience and value to the communities we serve."  

  • Survey: Walmart, Target and Old Navy tops in awareness — and that's not all

    Back-to-school advertising appears to be losing some of its resonance with consumers.    Walmart, Target and Old Navy scored the highest awareness levels among consumers (with children under the age of 18) in a survey of BTS advertising from 30 retailers by YouGov BrandIndex. But many retailers scored less than last year.   

  • Key exec departs Francesca's Holdings

    Francesca's Holdings Corp. is on the hunt for a new chief merchant.   The apparel retailer announced that Laurie Hummel, executive VP and chief merchandising officer, has left the company. It did not provide a reason for her departure.    Hummel joined Francesca's in November 2015. Previously, she served two years as senior VP and divisional merchandise manager at Kohl’s. Before that, she was with State Stores.   
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