Mass Merchant

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is getting some social media heat about the message on a controversial T-shirt it is selling, and says no offense was ever intended. According to the Associated Press, in a written statement Target said the black women’s shirt with the word “Trophy” written across the front in bold lettering is not meant to demean women.

Macy's Inc. is expanding same-day delivery to several new U.S. markets this summer, according to Reuters.

The news service says a Macy's official said that the initial plan is to offer the service in so many markets that it could get ahead of Amazon — which currently offers same-day delivery in 14 markets.

Currently, Macy’s is offering the service in Houston, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles and New Jersey. 

Hoboken, N.J. – New membership-based Jet.com officially took off into wide rollout on July 21, and initial pricing analysis shows it is flying beneath competitors Amazon.com and Wal-Mart when it comes to what customers are paying.

Washington, D.C. - The National Retail Federation (NRF) is now a little less rosy in its sales expectations for 2015. The NRF has lowered its full-year retail sales forecast because of unexpected slow growth recorded during the first half of the year, similar to the industry’s experience in 2014.

However, NRF still expects sales will steadily increase through the remainder of the year. NRF forecasted in February that retail sales would grow 4.1% in 2015 from 2014, but today’s revision lowers the forecast to 3.5%.

Commerce, Calif. – Smart & Final Stores Inc. reported net income of $11 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, essentially flat compared to $11.1 million in the year-earlier period. Higher expenses related to higher sales volumes, increased store support costs, additional marketing expense, and public company costs inhibited profit growth.

What’s wrong with America? Plenty, according to the National Retail Federation which just slashed its full year retail sales forecast ahead of second quarter earnings announcements from major retailers next month.

Bentonville, Ark. – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has made it clear with recent promotions that it has Amazon.com in its sights, and the retailer is now boning up on back-end fulfillment capability for its e-commerce business. Wal-Mart is opening two new e-commerce distribution facilities Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Online retailer Jet.com is all about low prices and so far the upstart membership club competitor is living up to it value proposition.