Retail

Whole Foods had a difficult 2015 that included falling sales and stock value, as well as a pricing scandal. However, as Marketplace Business reports, Whole Foods is looking to regain its footing in 2016 with help from a redesigned, IT-centric customer experience. [Marketplace Business]

Walgreens Boots Alliance on Thursday reported net sales of $29 billion, representing an increase of 48.5%, for the first quarter 2016 that ended Nov. 30, 2015. The significant growth was attributed to the inclusion of Alliance Boots consolidated results, the company reported.

Supervalu Inc. on Thursday moved closer to spinning off its Save-A-Lot division as a public company, filing a plan with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Under the plan, Supervalu shareholders will own at least 80.1% of the spun-off company. The stock would be publicly traded under an as-of-yet unidentified ticker. Supervalu did not set a deadline for taking Save-A-Lot public.

Consumers are changing the way they browse and shop for goods using mobile devices.

According to the State of Retailing Online 2016 study from Forrester Research, Shop.org and Bizrate Insights, growing use of smartphones by consumers, a shift in investments by technology companies and continued optimization strategies from retailers has landed smartphones on top as a driver of mobile sales and traffic for retail companies.

Walgreens Boots Alliance on Thursday reported net sales of $29 billion, representing an increase of 48.5%, for the first quarter 2016 that ended Nov. 30, 2015. The significant growth was attributed to the inclusion of Alliance Boots consolidated results, the company reported.

Wall Street had expected $29.2 billion in overall revenue, according to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters.

Having just inked a deal to serve as a mobile and online payment platform for Walmart, MasterCard is looking to devices to widen its range in the digital payment space and has even launched a new grocery initiative.

With 2016 upon us, many employers find themselves nervously awaiting what election-year politics might bring to their doorsteps. Retailers and restaurant operators, more than ever, have been thrust front and center into the political landscape, with labor issues at the top of candidate’s agendas as well as the subject of numerous ballot issues at the state and local level. As a result, the business models and labor practices of entry-level employers are being evaluated by the public in much the same way the candidates are.

Nintendo World in Rockefeller Plaza in New York City is getting a big upgrade.

The two-level store, which opened in 2005, will temporarily close on Jan. 10, and then reopen on Feb. 19, with a new look and a new feel. The overhaul will include an updated interior design, new demo units for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, a 15-ft. gaming screen and more fun elements.

In addition, a large bronze coin installed at the store entrance will display the store’s tagline: “Where everyone comes to play.”