News

Westlake Ace Hardware hits store milestone
Westlake Ace Hardware has officially hit the 100-store milestone with the acquisition of two new stores. The hardware store chain has finalized its acquisition of two Q.P. Ace Hardware stores in the Omaha area, bringing its total retail hardware location count in the U.S. to 100.
Shoptalk Europe attracts diverse lineup of speakers
The CEO of Hudson's Bay Company, the managing director of Harrods, and the president of Pinterest will be among the featured speakers at Shoptalk Europe. The event will take place on October 9-11, 2017, at The Bella Center in Copenhagen. It will feature more than 125 speakers, according to organizers, with 75% of the speakers being C-level executives, including 65 CEOs. More than 2,000 attendees are expected.

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Tech Bytes: Four tips to compete on Prime Day

Amazon has brought the saying, “Christmas in July” to life with its Prime Day global shopping extravaganza and this year's event promises to be bigger than ever.
Target to debut four new brands

Target Corp. is doubling down on its efforts to distinguish itself with exclusive brands and to be a leader in two key categories. The discounter revealed in a posting on its web site that it will launch three new apparel brands and one new home goods brand in its stores and online this fall.
Online giant plans to open robotics-based facility in South Florida

Amazon is once again bolstering its warehouse fleet in the Sunshine State. The online giant will open an 850,000-sq.-ft. facility staffed with robots and more than 1,000 workers in South Florida. The depot will reside in a vacant property that is currently being transformed into a 97-acre commercial center adjoining the county’s Opa-locka airport, according to The Miami Herald.
Happy Fourth!

The Chain Store Age offices will be closed July 4 in honor of Independence Day. Daybreaker will resume publishing July 5. Have a fun and safe holiday!
Regulatory Wrap-Up: Where state and national policy impact retail

Wages
Amazon gains huge foothold in Middle East

Amazon has completed its acquisition of e-commerce company souq.com, a leader in the Middle East's online shopping market. The deal, which was initially announced in March, closed for $580 million in cash, according to filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Specialty retailer offers its own version of Prime Day

Sur La Table is inviting shoppers to its version of Black Friday in July. Replacing multiple smaller weekend sales that typically run throughout the month, the kitchenware retailer is introducing a one-day shopping event called “Lime Day.” The sale, which is set to launch on July 10, will feature more than 300 lime-themed items on sale for up to 75% off.