News

When it comes to payments, cash and cards still reign supreme
When it comes to payments, cash and cards still reign supreme. But one digital alternative is not far behind. Those are among the key findings of a new study, “How America Pays,” by Blackhawk Network, that surveyed more than 1,000 Americans in March 2016 to examine preferences for traditional and emerging payments tools and the role payments play in consumers’ purchasing decisions.
BDO study: The top risk factors for retailers are…
The risk associated with a possible security breach claimed the top spot for the first time ever in an annual ranking of the top 25 risk factors by retailers. Security risks shared the top spot with general economic conditions, which have remained tied at the top since 2013.

Online retailer stops shipping to South Dakota as tax battle heats up

Folks in the state of South Dakota can no longer buy baubles from popular online jewelry retailer Blue Nile.
Petco opens new DC to keep pace with expansion

Petco is expanding its store portfolio and distribution center network. In keeping with its 2016 growth plan, which includes 27 new store openings year-to-date, Petco will open a new distribution center on May 11, 2016, in Reno, Nevada. The company will also open a new Unleashed by Petco store in Maryland, and re-open a newly expanded Southern California Petco store in place of a previous Unleashed by Petco locations.
Rough going for Macy’s

Macy’s on Wednesday reported its fifth consecutive decline in same-store sales, and announced plans to improve its performance, from new product launches to more off-price shops. The nation’s largest department retailer also reduced its sales and earnings guidance for the year. Similar to many retailers, Macy’s is challenged by an overall retail environment marked by sluggish traffic, increased competition and cautious consumers.
Wayfair treads innovation lab path

Wayfair Inc. is turning inward to give shoppers a new view of its wares.
Staples and Office Depot call off merger in wake of ruling

The nation’s two largest office-supply chains have pulled the plug on their $6.3 billion merger.
Feature: Tractor Supply Co. avoids growing pains with science

As a rural lifestyle retailer, Brentwood, Tennessee-based Tractor Supply Co. knows a thing or two about using good old fashioned common sense and initiative to get things done. So when it came time for the 1,530-unit chain to prepare itself for a long-term goal of operating 2,500 stores (at growth of 100-120 locations per year), Tractor Supply took a fundamental approach.
Wal-Mart sues Visa over chip-enabled debit cards signature verification

Wal-Mart Stores filed a lawsuit against Visa Inc., saying the payments network wants it to verify transactions made with debit cards with signatures rather than the chip-and-PIN protocol, Bloomberg reported.
Wal-Mart sues Visa over chip-enabled debit cards signature verification

Wal-Mart Stores filed a lawsuit against Visa Inc., saying the payments network wants it to verify transactions made with debit cards with signatures rather than the chip-and-PIN protocol, Bloomberg reported.
Target maximizes energy savings with new HVAC equipment

The initiative is a three-year project that entails installing 3,600 York packaged rooftop units (Predator series) to maximize energy savings through more efficient HVAC equipment at stores eight years or older. The York rooftop units feature energy-saving technologies including variable-speed drives, California Title 24-compliant economizers and new energy recovery ventilators (ERV) specifically designed for retailers.
Supermarket giant is going on big hiring spree

The Kroger Co. is looking to hire 14,000 associates. The supermarket operator is holding a nationwide hiring event on Saturday, May 14, to fill open jobs across all its store brands. Interested candidates can also apply online at jobs.kroger.com. The openings are for part-time and full-time associates.