News

Amazon and Whole Foods: 5 things to know about the blockbuster deal
The food retail industry has been flush with big mergers lately, but today’s stunner has no precedent.
New company preps to relaunch the Bebe brand
The Bebe brand is undergoing a transformation — thanks to a new parent company. Global Brands Group Holding Limited, a leading branded apparel, footwear, and fashion accessories company — and a spin-off of global exporter Li & Fung Ltd., is partnering with the Bebe brand to relaunch a new e-commerce platform. In addition, the company will redesign the brand’s international brick-and-mortar stores to better meet the heightened shopping expectations of Bebe’s consumers.

Amazon granted anti-showrooming patent

Despite the many sales that showrooming has afforded Amazon over the years, the retailer surely doesn't want to become a victim going forward.
Home goods retailer turned hotel operator adds new location

West Elm has announced the newest location for its fledgling West Elm Hotels portfolio. The company, a division of Williams-Sonoma, is teaming up with Signature Development Group and Jordan Real Estate Investments to develop a hotel in Oakland, Calif. Expected to open in 2020, the hotel will be located in Oakland’s Uptown neighborhood, and will celebrate the rich diversity and history of the location.
Survey: Employee theft on the rise

In a sobering statistic, one out of every 27 employees was apprehended for theft from their employer in 2016. That's according to “The 29th Annual Retail Theft Survey,” conducted by Jack L. Hayes International, a loss prevention and inventory shrinkage control consulting firm. The survey is based on reports on over 380,000 shoplifting apprehensions that took place in 23 large retail companies, representing 16,038 stores with combined 2016 annual sales in excess of $370 billion.
Commentary: Amazon-Whole Foods deal ‘potentially terrifying’ for other grocers

The retail sector is used to change, but every so often an event occurs that shakes the industry to its core. Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods is one of those. On the surface, the purchase -- which comes with a $13.7 billion price tag -- is surprising. However, there is an inherent logic in the move which, in our view, brings benefits to both businesses.
Amazon buying Whole Foods Market

In a blockbuster deal, online giant Amazon is acquiring Whole Foods Market in an all cash transaction valued at $13.7 billion, or $42 a share. John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods, will remain CEO of the grocer after the deal closes. Stores will continue to operate under the Whole Foods banner, and the company's headquarters will remain in Austin, Texas.
J. Crew clinches lender support to trim debt load

J. Crew is entering into a deal that it expects will put it one step closer to improving its business. The fashion retailer has won the support of more than 50% of its term loan holders to trim its $2 billion debt load and end intellectual property litigation. This was according to sources familiar with the situation, according to Reuters.
CBRE: E-commerce still lacks traction in some retail categories

E-commerce has generated significant volumes of sales in the electronics and clothing industries, but has yet to gain traction in other retail sectors.
West Elm to make Phoenix debut

West Elm is adding to its growing retail footprint. The home furnishings and decor brand, a division of Williams-Sonoma, will open its first location in Phoenix, in the revitalized Uptown Plaza shopping center, on June 29. The 11,000-sq.-ft. store will include a curated assortment of local products highlighting 10 Arizona-based makers and designers.