News

Vitamin Shoppe launches online subscription service — with a hook
Taking a page out of Birchbox's play book, The Vitamin Shoppe is going to be sending out personalized sample boxes of new products.
Moody's: Amazon to ‘kick start’ its grocery business with purchase of Whole Foods Market
Moody's Investor Services is feeling positive about Amazon's plans to acquire Whole Foods Market. The ratings agency assigned the deal a Baa1 rating and revised Amazon’s credit outlook to positive from stable, reported Marketwatch. The report also said that Amazon is planning to issue up to $16 million in debt to fund the online giant's acquisition of Whole Foods.

Q&A: Why Target is acquiring Grand Junction

Target is looking to expand its delivery capabilities by acquiring Grand Junction, a transportation technology company. Arthur Valdez, Target’s executive VP, chief supply chain and logistics officer, and Rob Howard, CEO of Grand Junction, discussed the acquisition in the following Q&A, posted on the retailer's website. Why did Target decide to acquire Grand Junction?
Beauty giant gives loyal shoppers their own ‘chat-room’

Sephora’s new service strives to connect customers while they shop. The specialty retailer launched a digital platform that invites customers enrolled in its Beauty Insider loyalty program to connect and chat about all things beauty. The mobile and online platform serves as a destination for members to find inspiration, ask questions and get recommendations in an unsponsored, real-time social setting.
Costco appoints new chairman

Costco Wholesale Club has tapped its longtime director as its new chairman. The company announced the election of Hamilton “Tony” James to the position of chairman. He replaces Jeff Brotman, who co-founded Costco with James Sinegal in 1982. Brotman passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 2.
PetSmart CEO resigns

The chief executive of the nation's largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions has left the building. PetSmart announced that Michael J. Massey has stepped down from his position as CEO, president and board member. Raymond Svider, managing partner at BC Partners, will serve as executive chairman and oversee the company’s operations with the senior leadership team while the board searches for a new chief executive.
Amazon making inroads in home and kitchen categories

Amazon is making great strides in the home and kitchen space with its Amazon Home store, which curates home and kitchen wares, furniture and appliances. Housewares account for 15% of Amazon's growth in 2016, according to a report from One Click Retail. During the first two quarters of 2017, the growth of the home & kitchen product group has continued on an upward trajectory.
Nike Kicks Lounge, Tokyo

The next generation of Nike's sneaker-focused boutique concept has opened in Tokyo.
Analyst: Penney turnaround is a long-term endeavor

Although J.C. Penney's numbers are not a disaster and represent a significant sequential improvement over the prior quarter, they are nevertheless underwhelming. While we maintain the company is moving in the right direction, the lack of progress on profit and same-store sales both highlight that the turnaround program is a long-term endeavor that will take some time to deliver.
Amazon exploring new ways for food delivery — no refrigeration needed

Amazon is looking at food-prep technology first developed for the U.S. military that would allow the online giant to deliver meals that do not require any refrigeration. The technology, known as microwave assisted thermal sterilization, or MATS, was developed by researchers at Washington State University, CNBC reported, and is being brought to market by a Denver-based startup called 915 Labs.