News

Department store retailer takes a swing at Amazon’s shopping event
In the wake of Amazon’s Prime Day hype, J.C. Penney is eager to drive momentum among its own online shoppers. The department store retailer is getting ready to host its own online-only shopping event, “Penney Palooza.” The second annual two-day sale, which is set to run July 11-12, will feature “48 hours of non-stop savings,” according to the retailer.
Walmart installing automated vending machines for online order pickup
Walmart continues to explore new ways to make it easier for customers to pick up goods purchased online. The discounter is expanding its deployment of a giant self-service kiosk, which it calls a Pickup Tower, that spits out online orders to users of Walmart's buy-online-pickup-in-store service. Walmart debuted the technology last fall, in a store in Bentonville, Ark., close its headquarters.

Specialty denim retailer files for Chapter 11

Premium denim brand True Religion Apparel Inc. has struck a deal to erase $350 million of its debt. The company announced Wednesday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and signed a restructuring agreement with the majority of its lenders, including private equity owner TowerBrook Capital Partners. It listed assets and liabilities in the range of $100 million to $500 million.
Former Target merchandising exec joins specialty coffee retailer

A Target veteran has joined the leadership team of Caribou Coffee. John Butcher, who most recently served as senior VP merchandising: beauty and DermStore, has been tapped as president of Caribou Coffee. Butcher joined Target in 1997, working his way up through the ranks serving in various operations and merchandising roles, including serving as VP and general merchandise manager, electronics.
Study: Despite slower adoption, e-commerce is making its mark in grocery

Click-and-collect boxed-meal delivery services are encouraging more customers to make online grocery shopping part of their weekly routine. Currently, 97% of all consumer-packaged goods (CPG) dollars are still being spent in brick-and-mortar retail stores. However, the popularity of click and collect boxed-meal delivery services has 28% of shoppers purchasing groceries online regularly.
Online plus-size retailer has ambitious plans for brick-and-mortar

Eloquii is making the leap to physical retailing — with more than one location. The plus-size fashion brand is set to open a store at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Arlington, Va., followed by a location in downtown Chicago, and one at Easton Town Center, in Columbus, Ohio, which will open in September, reported The Columbus Dispatch.
Online giant’s fulfillment network enters new territory

Amazon is once again expanding its distribution fleet — this time in the Beehive State. The online giant will open an 855,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center in Salt Lake City — the company’s first warehouse in Utah. The facility, which will employ 1,500 full-time hourly associates, will pick, pack, and ship smaller customer items, such as books, electronics and toys.
Electronics e-retailer looks to steal some thunder from Amazon

Hoping to woo electronics shoppers away from Amazon’s Prime Day, Newegg is planning its own shopping extravaganza. For the third year, the electronics e-retailer will hold its annual "FantasTech" sale. The three-day event, which kicks off on July 11, will feature will offer “deep discounts” on hundreds of products across all tech product categories.
The most valuable brands in the world are...

Technology giants, including a retailer, dominated an annual ranking of the world's most valuable brands.
Online giant gives ‘voice shoppers’ first dibs on Prime Day deals

Days before Prime Day commences, Amazon is upping the ante once again. Starting Wednesday, July 5, Alexa shoppers will have access to more than 100 exclusive deals on Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, Amazon Tap, Fire TV or compatible Fire tablets. Voice shoppers will also get first dibs on select Prime Day deals on July 10, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. PST — two hours before the general public, according to Amazon.