Retail

As part of its efforts to strengthen its digital footprint, Walmart has launched its first-ever original reality series developed specifically for the Web. 

The new weekly Web series highlights 20 finalists in the Walmart Get on the Shelf contest, which encourages entrepreneurs to present products to Walmart customers.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples is introducing Staples Connect, an offering that lets customers’ home or office technology interact and be controlled by a single app. With the touch of a button, Staples Connect lets customers shut down their office, turning off lights, lowering shades and locking doors, while at the same time turning on their lights and heat at home.

Toronto – Sears Canada CEO Calvin McDonald has resigned to take a position with an unnamed international company. The retailer named COO and executive VP Douglas C. Campbell as president and CEO.

As COO, Campbell was responsible for retail store operations, logistics, replenishment, IT, corporate procurement, and international sourcing. Prior to joining Sears, Campbell was a principal with Boston Consulting Group and also an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

By Laura Wheeler DeYonker, AbsolutData

Recent data from Harris Poll shows that weaknesses in retailers’ pricing, product information and customer service strategies lead 43% of customers to showroom — creating a situation where brick-and-mortar retailers incur all the sales costs and online retailers make the sale.

Dunnhumby, a leading customer science company, has launched Dunnhumby Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focusing on innovations in retail technology. 

Dunnhumby Ventures will serve as a support mechanism for innovators, helping to fund startup businesses that are embracing data for innovations along the consumer’s path to purchase. Dunnhumby Ventures will also provide strategic input and mentorship. Average initial investments will range from $100,000 to $500,000.

Rockville, Md. -- Mom’s Organic Market is opening its first Pennsylvania store, in Rosemont Square, Bryn Mawr, which is located outside of Philadelphia.

Orlando, Fla. — Jones Lang LaSalle has announced the appointment of Justin Greider to its Florida retail leasing business. Greider joins as a VP to oversee the firm’s retail leasing portfolio. Greider will work with Florida retail market lead John Lambert and senior VP Sean McConnell to provide strategic planning and execution of merchandising plans for the firm’s neighborhood, community and premier shopping centers throughout Florida.

Sears Canada CEO Calvin McDonald has resigned from his position and the company’s board of directors to pursue an opportunity with an international company. Taking his place will be current EVP and chief operating officer Douglas C. Campbell. 

Campbell joined Sears Canada in March 2011 and was appointed EVP and chief operating officer Nov. 2012. He was responsible for retail store operations, logistics, replenishment, information technology, corporate procurement and international sourcing.