News

Ralph Lauren taps veteran P&G exec as its new CEO
Ralph Lauren Corp. has named a 25-year Proctor & Gamble executive to head up its ongoing turnaround effort. The company appointed Patrice Louvet as president and CEO, effective July 17, 2017. At the time, he will also be appointed to the board. Louvet will dual report to founder Ralph Lauren in his capacity as executive chairman and to the company’s board.
Report: Amazon exploring entering pharmacy market
Amazon may have its sights set on a new, multi-billion dollar market. The online giant may be on the cusp of entering the pharmaceutical dispensing business, according to a report by CNBC. The company reportedly has hired a general manager whose role is said to be helping the online retailer explore how to hang a pharmacy shingle.

Study: Handbags, purses, personalization top Mother’s Day

While handbags and purses have historically been considered a “risky gift,” times are a’ changin.’ In fact, handbags and purses were the most popular gift for Mother’s Day 2017, representing six of the top 10 gifts for the holiday. Overall, the accessories category led the top gifts purchased for Mother’s Day, according to data from Loop Commerce. Results were based on sales made on the company’s GiftNow platform.
Chicago to be home to world’s first…

Nutella is setting up shop on Michigan Avenue. Ferrero, the makers of the popular hazelnut spread, will open their first owned and operated restaurant, Nutella Café, on May 31. The two-level café is located one block from Millennium Park.
First Look: Walmart’s next-gen test stores

So what’s the bottom line? By rethinking stores and testing new ideas with customers in real-life stores, we are improving customers’ experiences and making it easier than ever for them to get what they need as quickly and easily as possible.
Fast-food giant’s delivery service expands

More hungry customers can now get their Big Macs, fries, beverages and desserts delivered right to their door. As of Wednesday, May 17, McDonald’s is expanding its delivery service to customers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Columbus and Phoenix. Through its partnership with UberEats, the company’s “McDelivery” program now encompasses up to 1,000 restaurants in the United States.
Analysis: Target’s top issue is the quality of its stores

At headline level, Target's results are a lot better than feared. The pace at which total and comparable sales are declining has eased over the prior quarter, and the company helped itself to a 7.7% increase in net earnings. Against a tumultuous retail backdrop, this is a not so terrible performance.
Lidl to make U.S. debut June 15—with low, low prices

German discount grocer Lidl is set to shake up the competition with prices that promise to turn up the heat on its U.S. competitors, who are already engaged in a price war. Lidl on Wednesday revealed the locations of the first 20 stores it will open this summer in the United States, starting on June 15. (See end of story for listing). The stores — in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia — are the first of up to 100 locations the grocer plans to open across the East Coast by next summer.
Teen retailer posts mixed Q1 results

American Eagle Outfitters’ profit shrunk in the first quarter amid charges and discounting.
Apple launches new store initiative

Apple wants to give its shoppers more reasons to visit its stores than to make a purchase or visit the Genius Bar.