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News Briefs

  • 1/21/2025

    Weis Markets names new COO

    Bob Gleeson

    A Mid-Atlantic grocer has promoted a veteran employee to its C-suite.

    Weis Markets, Inc. has promoted Bob Gleeson, who previously served as senior VP of merchandising and marketing, to the role of chief operating officer. In his new role, he will oversee the grocer’s merchandising, marketing, advertising, store operations, information technology, asset protection, and pharmacy departments. He will also have oversight of the supply chain departments including distribution, transportation and manufacturing.

    Gleeson joined Weis Markets in 2018 and was promoted to VP of fresh merchandising in July 2019, and was promoted to his most recent role in March 2021. Earlier in his 32-year career, he worked in increasingly senior leadership positions, including VP of center store, senior VP of merchandising, and division president for SuperValu. Gleeson will continue to report to Jonathan H. Weis, chairman, president and CEO of Weis Markets.

    [READ MORE: Amazon expands same-day delivery from Metropolitan Market, Weis Markets]

    Founded in 1912, Weis Markets, Inc. operates 198 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia and Virginia. 

  • 1/21/2025

    Trump signs order to review trade policies; considers 25% tariff on Canada, Mexico

    Trade tariffs rubber stamp; Shutterstock ID 1042926847

    President Trump is targeting Canada and Mexico with the first of the tariffs that he promised during his campaign. 

    The newly sworn-in president told reporters on Monday that he was considering imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada — two of America’s top three trading partners — on Feb. 1

    Trump did not impose any of the day-one tariffs that he spoke about during his campaign. Instead, he signed an executive order that, among other things, directs federal agencies to investigate U.S. trade deficits and unfair trade practices. The National Retail Federation said it welcomed the review.

    “We are pleased with President Trump’s thoughtful decision to initiate a review of current trade policies before implementing significant new tariffs against many of our most important trading partners,” stated David French, NRF executive VP of government relations. “Tariffs are taxes paid by Americans, and any new tariff tax increases should be methodically and effectively deployed toward only the most strategic goods. “

    [READ MORE: NRF: Trump's tariffs could cause 'dramatic' price hikes]

    French noted that retailers are committed to working with President Trump and his administration to achieve his campaign promises, including "strengthening the U.S. economy, extending his successful Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and ensuring that American families are protected from high inflation."

    “Undertaking a strategic assessment of trade priorities is an important first step, and we look forward to working with the president to see that the resulting policy changes are carefully targeted and create an environment that attracts investment and protects critical industries,” French said.

  • 1/21/2025

    SPECS announces two more dynamic speakers

    SPECS

    Industry experts will take on two of retail’s most critical topics — AI and crime — at Chain Store Age’s SPECS Show. The annual event will be held March 9–11, at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. 

    Gene Marks, tech consultant, author and founder of The Marks Group, will discuss how AI is impacting retail store development — and the implications going forward — during a presentation on Monday, March 10.

    Read Hayes, research scientist/criminologist and director of the Loss Prevention Research Council, will discuss how retailers can better protect their stores from theft, and share actionable takeaways at a presentation on Tuesday, March 11.

    Marks and Hayes will be among the spotlighted speakers at SPECS 2025, which will feature 30 educational sessions on the industry's hottest topics and latest trends, with insights from retailers and industry experts.  (Click here to see the full education program.)

    In addition, legendary football icon, Monday Night Football analyst and successful business entrepreneur Troy Aikman will deliver the opening keynote at SPECS. Aikman will share his journey from football hero to business leader, including his brewing company’s upcoming growth plans.

    SPECS attendees will also hear from trail-blazing financial news journalist Ron Insana, who will discuss the forces impacting the economy and business during his keynote 

    To register for SPECS, click here.

  • 1/21/2025

    WHSmith launches retail media network in North America

    WHSmith

    A global travel retailer is offering advertisers new access to its customers.

    WHSmith North America, the North American division of U.K.-based WHSmith, is partnering with commercial media company SMG to create what the retailer calls the first-ever travel-focused, in-store retail media network in North America.

    The WHSmith North America Media Network (WHS Media) will provide advertisers with opportunities to connect with consumers across WHSmith’s 347-plus and growing locations across the U.S. and Canada, including stores at airports, rail stations and resorts across the continent.

    [READ MORE: WHSmith to open 50-plus stores in airports across North America]

    WHS Media combines in-store and off-site campaigns with data-based customer insights. The retailer intends to leverage insights gained from campaigns to optimize ad strategies using sales data and other metrics such as impressions and click-through rates.

    "The launch of WHSmith North America Media Network represents an exciting new chapter for WHSmith North America on our ongoing journey to create more exciting and engaging retail experiences for consumers in travel," said Toby Keir, CEO at WHSmith North America. "We’ve been hard at work for the past year with the team at SMG to build this entirely unique retail media offering tailored to the needs of our supplier brands."

    Spanning more than 347 retail locations, including Marshall Retail Group and InMotion stores, WHS Media will be able to activate campaigns with tailored targeting options including behavioral and location-based data.

    "With WHSmith North America Media Network, we’re creating a powerful connection between brands and travelers across prime locations that hasn’t been possible with existing retail media networks on the market," said Sam Knights, CEO at SMG.

  • 1/21/2025

    Unionized workers at Costco vote to authorize strike

    Costco

    Costco Wholesale Club is facing a potential strike.

    Members of the union representing more than 18,000 Costco employees across the country have voted to authorize a strike. Costco Teamsters said 85% of its members voted in favor of the action. The current contract between the Teamsters and Costco is set to expire Jan. 31.

    "Our members have spoken loud and clear — Costco must deliver a fair contract, or they'll be held accountable," Sean M. O'Brien, Teamsters General President, stated in a press release

    The Teamsters covered by the Costco national contract make up 8% of the 219,000 U.S .employees that the retailer has at 616 U.S. stores, according to company filings, reported CNN. The report noted that a strike authorization vote does not mean there will be a strike, as strike authorization votes are a common tactic used by unions ahead of a contract expiration.

    Last week, hundreds of Costco Teamsters nationwide organized practice pickets in preparation for a potential strike.

    In its release, the union said that Costco recently reported $254 billion in annual revenue and $7.4 billion in net profits, which represented a 135% increase since 2018.

    "We are the backbone of Costco," Bryan Fields, a Costco worker in Baltimore and member of Teamsters Local 570 said in the release. "We drive its success and generate its profits. We hope the company will step up and do right by us, but if they don't, that's on them. The company will be striking itself."

  • 1/17/2025

    The Buckle ties mobile POS to omnichannel operations

    buckle

    A specialty apparel, accessories and footwear retailer is enabling store associates with access to enterprise information for enhanced customer service.

    The Buckle Inc. is deploying Aptos One as its new mobile-first POS platform. Buckle has been leveraging Aptos unified commerce software since 2018, and by implementing Aptos One the retailer intends to provide store associates with the ability to conduct more personalized and efficient customer interactions.

    "Aptos One is an extremely cohesive system, offering advanced store operations and guest engagement capabilities within a flexible platform," said Brandon Hauff, VP of IT at Buckle. "With the Aptos One app, Buckle assoociates have everything they need to add value to the customer experience."

    Leveraging the Aptos One app, Buckle associates will have access to data including customer insights, product details, inventory information and loyalty status.

    [READ MORE: Foot Locker brand expands mobile POS installation]

    "Buckle has consistently demonstrated excellence in retail operations, fostering a culture of learning, growth and evolution," said Aptos GM Jeremy Grunzweig. "With advanced omnichannel and customer engagement capabilities, Aptos ONE is uniquely equipped to support Buckle’s dedication to unified commerce and creating enjoyable shopping experiences."

    Headquartered in Kearney, Neb., Buckle operates more than 440 retail stores in 42 states and carries a wide selection of denim brands, including its exclusive brand, BKE.

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