News

Amazon positioned to give food and beverage e-commerce a much needed spark
Based on its recent bold expansion into the grocery segment, Amazon is primed to give food and beverage e-commerce a shot of adrenaline. This was according to “U.S. Grocery Market Focus: The Amazon Food Shopper,” a report from Packaged Goods. According to the firm’s estimates, Amazon's 2016 online food and beverages sales, including AmazonFresh, is at $1.5 billion. This volume is expected to rise to $2.3 billion in 2017, giving the company a 19% share of the online market.
Home furnishings brand continues global expansion
West Elm brand is expanding in the U.K. The retailer, a division of Williams-Sonoma, will open its second U.K. location, in the London suburb of Kingston-Upon-Thames in winter 2017. The two-story, 8,000-sq.-ft. store is on the ground floor of Bentalls Shopping Centre. The new location will open with the brand's holiday assortment, along with a signature mix of furniture and accessories, and Fair Trade Certified and handcrafted products.

Moody's: Amazon is ‘weakest’ of large retailers

Amazon isn't as dominant as is widely believed — at least not according to a new report from Moody's Investor Services.
Walmart takes its marketplace north of the border

Walmart is expanding its online breadth in Canada. The discount giant expanded its global online marketplace to its Canadian e-commerce store, Walmart.ca, a move that doubles the site’s online product assortment. The retailer expects this number to quadruple by the end of this year, according to Walmart.
Roots, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto

Roots has debuted a new experiential format that brings the iconic Canadian sportswear brand's heritage to life. Roots' founders, Michael Budman and Don Green, are passionate about the outdoors, camping and Canada, and all three are reflected in the brand's new 5,100-sq.-ft. store, at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. The design of the space alludes to an open, modern cabin that showcases Roots' heritage and culture.
Store closings begin at Perfumania

One of the nation's largest fragrance retailers is shrinking its store portfolio. Perfumania has begun store closing sales at 65 stores. The nationwide sale is being conducted by Gordon Brothers and its joint venture partner, Hilco Global.
Amazon uses Whole Foods to bolster its private-label portfolio

Amazon is wasting no time in leveraging its ownership of Whole Foods Market. Amazon Fresh has made “hundreds" of new items from Whole Foods' house brands available online. Merchandise includes fancier fare and bath products from Whole Foods Market, staples from 365 Everyday Value, and pet foods from Whole Paws, according to CNBC.
Study: Shoppers look for deals

As much as today's shoppers want convenience, they also prioritize saving money and will make time to uncover the best deals online and offline. Over half (53%) of consumers indicated they invest over two hours a week looking for deals and savings across all sources, according to a survey from Valassis. About 25% of millennials and moms spend over four hours a week in their search for value.
Nordstrom execs point out risks of going private

Going private may take some pressure off a company, but it is not without its risks. In June, the Nordstrom family, which owns 31.2% of the department store's stock, announced it planned to explore taking the company private. But in its latest quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Nordstrom executives warned of the potential risks that might come with a move, reported Puget Sound Business Journal.
Simon Property Group vs. Starbucks: Precedent setting?

Simon Property Group raised eyebrows in the real estate and retail communities this week with the filing a suit that challenged Starbucks’ decision to close 78 Teavana stores in Simon malls. All retailer 379 of the tea shops are slated for closure through next year.