News

Study: Millennials put a premium on store associates
Generation Y may be tech-savvy, but for many, store employees still play a pivotal role in their overall shopping experience. In fact, 63% of shoppers aged 18-35 see store associates as extremely important to their retail experience, according to the “Store Associates Report,” from ChargeItSpot. The study is based on responses from more than 600 shoppers at malls across the country.
rue 21's reorganization plan gets court OK
rue21 has cleared a significant hurdle in its effort to move forward after declaring bankruptcy.

Former Winn-Dixie exec takes helm of specialty grocer

The Fresh Market has ended its search for a new chief executive. The grocer appointed Larry Appel as the company’s president and CEO, effective immediately. Appel brings nearly 30 years of experience in retail, legal and corporate strategy, and most recently served as CEO of Skeeter Snacks. From 2002 to 2012, he served at Winn-Dixie Stores in a variety of senior leadership roles including COO. Prior to that, he was senior VP of legal at The Home Depot.
Online giant preps for Indian version of Prime Day

Amazon is getting ready to host its fourth-annual flagship sale in India. The online giant is gearing up for its “Great Indian Festival,” an event similar to Amazon’s Prime Day sale. Amazon is banking on the sale’s deep discounts, exclusive merchandise and buyback offers to attract new customers, according to Live Mint.
Regulatory Wrap-Up: Wage, paid leave ballot measures in spotlight

Wages
Nordstrom debuts service-focused store with no inventory

As retailers consider how to best use their physical spaces in a digital world, Nordstrom is going "local," debuting a small-format retail concept that offers all sorts of personal services, but has no dedicated inventory.
Amazon, Whole Foods Market deal a win-win?

Amazon's purchase of Whole Foods Market appears to be paying off for both parties. The e-commerce giant has seen a spike in its online grocery sales since it acquired Whole Foods Market, according to a report by Bloomberg, which noted that the online giant immediately put about 2,000 items on its site from Whole Foods' 365 Everyday Value private brand, and sold out of almost all of the most-popular items.
Survey: Physical stores still dominate U.S. grocery

Discount stores and traditional supermarkets are U.S. shoppers' most popular choices when it comes to buying food. At least for the time being. Nearly all — 99% — of adults buy some or all of their groceries in-person, according to a survey by the International Council of Shopping Centers. The immediate access to products (71%) and the ability to select fresh meat, dairy and produce (70%) were the top reasons driving in-store shopping, along with the ability to see all other items in person (69%).
Walmart pledges up to $30 million in hurricane relief, Target raises commitment

Walmart is stepping up its hurricane relief efforts. The discount giant announced that it will donate up to $10 million in additional support for 2017 hurricane relief efforts in the United States, a move that will bring Walmart’s total commitment to hurricane relief efforts this year to $30 million. This additional support comes on the heels of donations already provided in response to Hurricane Harvey that hit the Gulf region less than three weeks ago.
Report: Mobile e-commerce sales to hit $250 billion by 2020

Mobile e-commerce sales will account for nearly half of all online commerce in just a couple of years. This was according to “A Mobile Mindset,” the second volume in the five-part series, “The 2017 UPS Pulse of the Online Shopper.” The report, from UPS, is based on input of over 5,189 comScore panelists who made at least two online purchases in a typical three-month period.