Retail

Pop-up stores are a retail trend that shows no sign of slowing down.   The ability to create a brick-and-mortar presence without many of the hassles that come with establishing and maintaining a permanent physical location has become an increasingly attractive option in recent years. The pop-up store concept has transformed into an estimated $50 billion industry — fostering new partnerships, experiential marketing opportunities and a unique way for retail brands to engage with their customers.   

Coach ends its fiscal with a set of strong results that signify the turnaround program is making excellent progress. Although sales shrunk in both North America and Europe, this is because this quarter was a week shorter than the same period last year. When this is stripped out, total Coach brand sales rose by 5%, or by 7% on a constant currency basis.  

The CEO of the nation's largest private employer has criticized the administration’s response to the violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia.    In a note to Walmart employees posted on the company's website, CEO Doug McMillon said that President Trump "missed a critical opportunity" in his initial reaction to the "tragic events" that occurred in Charlottesville, Va. But he called Trump's follow-up remarks on Monday "a step in the right direction."  

Shoppers turned out in force in July, driving retail sales to their largest gain since December 2016.   Retail sales in July increased by 0.6% June on a seasonally adjusted basis, triple the revised 0.2% growth seen in June, according to the National Retail Federation. Sales have increased by 3.5% year-over-year. (The NRF numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants.)  

After a solid first quarter, Home Depot has posted an even stronger set of second quarter figures. Total sales rose by 6.2% with underlying comparables up by 6.3% overall and by 6.6% in North America. Given the long run of big uplifts in same-store numbers, this is a very impressive performance.  

Sephora’s new service strives to connect customers while they shop.   The specialty retailer launched a digital platform that invites customers enrolled in its Beauty Insider loyalty program to connect and chat about all things beauty. The mobile and online platform serves as a destination for members to find inspiration, ask questions and get recommendations in an unsponsored, real-time social setting.  

German discount grocer Aldi is jumping into home grocery delivery.   The retailer announced a pilot program with Instacart, the on-demand grocery delivery service. Starting later this month, the service will be available in Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles, with potential for future expansion.  

Target is bringing on talent from Walmart and General Mills to accelerate its food and beverage strategy.     Mark Kenny will join Target as VP divisional, meat and fresh prepared food where he will oversee the meat, seafood, deli, bakery and prepared food categories. Kenny joins Target from Walmart, where he most recently was the senior director of private brands, deli and bakery.