Supermarket/Grocery

Former Hhgregg exec to head up operations for sporting goods retailer
Academy Sports + Outdoors is bolstering its executive team. The sporting good chain appointed Sam Johnson as its executive VP of retail operations, effective April 24. In his new role, Johnson will oversee the day-to-day operations of Academy's more than 225 stores, as well as lead the store support team.
Lincoln Park center changes hands
Riverpoint Center, a 211,000-sq.-ft. grocery-anchored center in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, has been acquired by Federal Realty Investment Trust for $107 million. Mid-America Rea Estate brokered the sales of the center, which is anchored by Jewel-Osco, Marshalls, and Old Navy. The name of the seller was not disclosed. Riverpoint Center is located at the northwest corner of West Fullerton and North Clybourn Avenues in Lincoln Park, an affluent neighborhood on the lakefront north of downtown.

Study: Amazon tops total market growth for U.S. sales of household items

Amazon is gaining a significantly larger share-of-wallet for everyday household items — and the retailer continues to build momentum.
Blockbuster restaurant deal

Panera Bread has been acquired by a European firm with a growing U.S. presence. The fast-casual bakery/café brand has agreed to be acquired by JAB Holding Company, the investment arm of the Reimanns of Germany, for $7.5 billion, including the assumption of about $340 million in debt. JAB’s U.S. holdings include Krispy Kreme Caribou Coffee, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc., Peet's Coffee & Tea, and Keurig Green Mountain.
Noted industry veteran rejoins R.J. Brunelli

When Michael Murphy started his career as a mall marketing director with Ernest W. Hahn in California, the Beatles had just recently broken up and enclosed malls were the new wave in retail. Now, after four years as director of retail services at Cushman & Wakefield, Murphy has returned to R. J. Brunelli & Co.to take up his former position as senior sales associate.
U.S. grocer taps former Lidl exec as new CEO

As German discount giant Lidl prepares to enter the U.S. market, Save-A-Lot is bringing in a new chief executive officer whose resume includes a 13-year stint at the European chain. The discount supermarket chain has appointed Kenneth McGrath as CEO, effective April 21, 2017. He succeeds Eric Claus, whose departure was described as a “mutually agreed” parting of the ways.
Washington Spotlight: What Supreme Court Pick Could Mean for Retail

This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee considered the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court. Since vacancies on the bench are rare and the political stakes so high, few spectacles in Washington D.C. invite this level of drama. He was confirmed by the committee but when his nomination eventually goes to the floor of the Senate for a vote, the real fun will begin. (See “nuclear option.”) Lost in the hype is what his eventual seat on the court will mean to retail operators.
No credit card, no debit card? No problem, says Amazon.

Amazon has launched a new way for customers to shop its site without using a bank card or credit card. Called Amazon Cash, the service allows consumers to add cash to their Amazon.com balance by showing a barcode at a participating brick-and-mortar store, with the cash then applied immediately to the consumer’s online Amazon account. Notably, Walmart already offers a similar type of service for customers without a credit or debit card, as does PayPal.
Report upbeat about retail industry

A just-released analysis of the U.S. retail sector offers positive news for an industry that has been subject to some gloomy assessments in recent times. Despite the rash of recent Chapter 11 filings and store closings, the U.S. retail sector as a whole remains incredibly strong and shows no signs of slowing down, according to a report by business intelligence firm Creditsafe USA.
Publix to grow its GreenWise store banner

Publix Super Markets is revving up for growth in the organic and natural foods store space. Publix announced plans to reignite its GreenWise store concept. The grocer launched the format in 2007, and currently operates three stores under the banner. It has not opened a new GreenWise location since 2008.
Publix, H-E-B big winners in customer experience survey

Two regional grocers beat all the competition in and out of their category in a survey of customer experiences across 20 different industries.
Wegmans names new CEO

Wegmans Food Markets has appointed a familiar name as its new chief executive. Danny Wegman announced that he is stepping down as chief executive of the family-owned supermarket company and will be succeeded by his daughter, Colleen Wegman, who will serve as president and CEO. Danny Wegman will assume the title of chairman.