News

End of an era at coffee giant
It’s a new day at Starbucks Corp. Kevin Johnson officially took over as CEO of Starbucks on Monday, April 3. Outgoing CEO Howard Schultz continues on at the company as executive chairman, and will focus on the development of Starbucks’ new formats, Reserve Roasteries and Starbucks Reserve, and the company’s social impact initiatives.
Washington Spotlight: What Supreme Court Pick Could Mean for Retail
This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee considered the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the United States Supreme Court. Since vacancies on the bench are rare and the political stakes so high, few spectacles in Washington D.C. invite this level of drama. He was confirmed by the committee but when his nomination eventually goes to the floor of the Senate for a vote, the real fun will begin. (See “nuclear option.”) Lost in the hype is what his eventual seat on the court will mean to retail operators.

Discounter in big RFID deployment

Target Corp. is stepping up its inventory management. The discount retailer is partnering with Avery Dennison to deploy radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to more than 1,600 stores. The deployment, described by the technology provider as the largest of its kind, will help Target maximize inventory availability and deliver an enhanced shopper experience.
Key executive out at J. Crew

The woman whose quirky, eclectic personal style came to define J. Crew — and who is the No.2 executive at the company — is leaving. Jenna Lyons, president and executive creative director, is stepping down from the struggling retailer. She will remain with J.Crew as a creative advisor until her contract expires in December 2017.
C-store giant to power stores with wind energy

7-Eleven continues to reduce electricity use in its stores. The company has signed an agreement with TXU Energy to purchase 100% Texas wind energy for all its Texas stores located in competitive energy markets. The 96-month wind energy agreement, which impacts 425 stores, starts June 1, 2018, and is expected to reduce 7-Eleven's carbon footprint by 6.7% while providing significant operating expense savings.
No credit card, no debit card? No problem, says Amazon.

Amazon has launched a new way for customers to shop its site without using a bank card or credit card. Called Amazon Cash, the service allows consumers to add cash to their Amazon.com balance by showing a barcode at a participating brick-and-mortar store, with the cash then applied immediately to the consumer’s online Amazon account. Notably, Walmart already offers a similar type of service for customers without a credit or debit card, as does PayPal.
Gifting retailer gets “Moms” comfortable with emerging technology

Getting a handle on innovative technologies can be overwhelming — especially for parents of Generation X’ers and millennials. To keep its associates’ moms in the know, 1-800 Flowers is hosting an educational, hands-on experience showcasing how the company fosters a culture of innovation and leverages emerging technologies.
Report upbeat about retail industry

A just-released analysis of the U.S. retail sector offers positive news for an industry that has been subject to some gloomy assessments in recent times. Despite the rash of recent Chapter 11 filings and store closings, the U.S. retail sector as a whole remains incredibly strong and shows no signs of slowing down, according to a report by business intelligence firm Creditsafe USA.
Outdoor retailer files ‘stalking horse’ bid

Gander Mountain has taken a step toward keeping the brand in business. The outdoor retailer, which filed for bankruptcy protection on March 13, has filed a stalking horse bid. A joint venture comprised of Gordon Brothers and Hilco Merchant Resources has proposed to purchase substantially all of the retailer’s assets. This stalking horse bid will act as a baseline, in effort to ward off low offers on the chain’s assets.
Report: Walgreens sets deadline for approval of Rite Aid deal

The latest move by Walgreens Boots Alliance in its pursuit of the Rite Aid may be a bet that a Trump-appointed FTC chief will finally push the deal through.