Supermarket/Grocery

FTC won't block Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods Market
The biggest retail deal of 2017 has moved one step closer to completion. Shareholders of Whole Foods Market on Wednesday voted to approve the natural grocer's $13.7 billion acquisition by Amazon. The vote, which took place at Whole Foods' headquarters in Austin, Texas, was expected.
A lifestyle center architect’s view of the world
International architects, developers and municipalities have been pushing the commercial real estate envelope for generations, and International design ideals are increasingly taking root in the U.S. From unique communal environments that encourage social engagement to innovative entertainment concepts and extreme sports, domestic developers are slowly but surely integrating formerly international elements into centers. In many ways, this is driven by consumer demand for an experience — coupled with increasingly dense markets that require more creative thinking.

Target and Best Buy among speakers at annual cybersecurity summit

The Retail Cyber Intelligence Sharing Center (R-CISC) has announced featured speakers for its Retail Cyber Intelligence Summit, held October 3 - 4, 2017, in Chicago. Among the keynote speakers are Rich Agostino, chief information security officer at Target Corp, who will lead a session titled, "Stepping into Leadership: Staying Ahead of Today's Threats and the Evolving CISO Role," and Kostas Georgakopoulos, CISO at Procter & Gamble, leading a session on the next evolution of information security.
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.
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.
Wegmans may lose out to parking garage in Boston

The paucity of parking in Boston could scuttle hopes of residents there to obtain their first Wegmans supermarket. A Wegmans had for years been in Samuel Associates’ planned Landmark Center expansion in the Fenway section of town. But, with parking lot rates zooming upwards in Boston, the developer is now leaning toward keeping the garage it was to demolish to make room for the supermarket, reports the Boston Globe.
Upcoming store will be a first for Wegmans

Wegmans Food Markets is expanding its footprint with a new concept. In a first for the 101-year-old grocer, Wegmans said it will open a two-level store, at Natick Mall, Natick, Mass., with direct access to the shopping center. The 134,000-sq.-ft. store will be located in a building that formerly housed one of the mall's anchors, J.C. Penney.
Digital and store sales boost Walmart in Q2

Walmart reported better-than-expected results for its second quarter amid surging online sales and an increase in store traffic. Walmart's total revenue for the period ended July 31 rose 2.3% to $123.36 billion for the quarter, better than analysts had expected. U.S. store visits increased 1.3% over the year-ago period.
Analyst: Walmart shows that traditional retail can thrive if they adapt, evolve

The second quarter numbers show that Walmart remains firmly on the front foot and is more than holding its own in a challenging and competitive retail market. It is particularly pleasing to see sales growth accelerate since Q1 -- a clear sign that the various initiatives and investments are paying dividends.
eTail East: Warehouse club operator debuts new desktop site

BJ’s Wholesale Club introduced the newest service within its digital transformation. The warehouse club operator launched a new desktop website on Monday. Besides featuring a modern look and feel, the site also supports easier navigation, browsing and shopping.
SoCal center sells for $20.7 million

A limited partnership has purchased the 110,359-sq.-ft. Southridge Plaza in Fontana, California for $20.7 million. Anchored by a Rio Ranch Market, the necessity-based center is strong among Hispanic consumers in this town just east of San Bernardino. Other tenants include Rite Aid, AutoZone, McDonald’s, Subway, Waba Grill, and Cricket Wireless.
The top drivers of consumer loyalty are...

When it comes to being loyal to a retailer or brand, the majority of U.S. consumers are swayed by their pocketbooks. Nine out of 10 (92%) loyal customers rank price and value as the top factor in driving loyalty to specific retailers, followed by product/quality (79%) and variety/selection (71%), according to the International Council of Shopping Centers’ survey on brand loyalty.