News

Costco strong in July
Costco Wholesale Corp. turned in a winning performance in July, fueled by strong traffic trends. The company reported that its net sales in July rose 8.8% to $9.41 billion, compared to $8.65 billion during the similar period last year. Total company same-store sales rose 6.2%, with a 6.0% increase in the U.S. Excluding the impacts from changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange, total same-store sales rose 5.3%, and 5.5% in the U.S.
Amazon’s shoe business outpacing brick-and-mortar competitors
Amazon’s investments in the shoe business are paying off. While 2017 is not even close to over, it is shaping up to being a strong year for shoes on Amazon. The company has already experienced 18% growth year-over-year during the first two quarters, alone. For 2016, Amazon had a total of 35% year-over-year growth, according to a study by One Click Retail.

Specialty retailer strikes upbeat note

Party City topped earnings estimates for its second quarter and said it is on track to deliver its full year total revenue and earnings guidance. The party supplies retailer and wholesaler reported net income of $25.0 million in the quarter, compared to $22.5 million in the year-ago period. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to 28 cents per share, topping Wall Street expectations
Grocer serves up 13th consecutive quarter of same-store sales gains

Weis Markets saw its sales and income increase in its second quarter. The company’s net income in the quarter totaled $18.5 million, a 21% increase over the year-ago period. Operating income rose 15.2% to $27.7 million, compared with $24.1 million in the same period last year. Sales rose 20% to $876.6 million. Same-store sales rose 2.7%, after adjustment for the Easter holiday shift.
Q&A: Boxed co-founder talks about machine learning

Driven by the need “to solve problems for its shoppers,” Boxed is about to make it easier than ever for customers to reorder merchandise — without even having to think about it.
More California Walmart stores add curbside grocery pickup

Walmart’s grocery pickup service is available to even more shoppers in the Golden State. The discounter introduced grocery pickup in 26 stores across Inland Empire, Los Angeles and San Diego, bringing the total number of stores statewide offering the service to 36 locations, according to The Orange County Register. Each store will designate parking stalls for shoppers to retrieve their groceries.
Regional furniture retailer modernizes front-end

City Furniture sales associates are moving away from the cashwrap, and completing transactions directly on the show floor.
Fast-fashion giant trying on vending machines

Uniqlo will be popping up at airports and malls across the nation — but not through retail storefronts. Putting a new spin on the term “fast fashion,” the Japanese retailer is launching 6-ft.-high vending machines that will enable customers to purchase T-shirts and lightweight down jackets, the Wall Street Journal reported. Merchandise is packaged in boxes and cans.
Now Trending: Eight clicks-to-bricks retailers to keep an eye on

Digitally native retailers are infusing the retail industry with something it can always use: new blood. Here are eight interesting newcomers to the physical space: Away
Saks to honor 80-year-old film icon (and her seven pals) for the holidays

Saks Fifth Avenue is partnering with Disney to celebrate the holidays. Saks' annual holiday window display at its New York City flagship on Fifth Avenue will be devoted to "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." The collaboration with Disney also includes special Disney-inspired fashion, accessories and giftable items created by premier designers and available across Saks' 41 stores in the U.S. and Canada, and Saks.com.