News

Survey: Unclean restrooms can have negative impact on business
Retailers looking for a competitive advantage in these competitive times should consider their restrooms.
Croatian grocer enhances supplier collaboration
A growing supermarket retailer in the Adriatic region has deployed a solution to better manage its disparate inventory levels. Konzum, part of the 2,000-store Agrokor group with 2,000 stores in the Adriatic region, has been expanding its footprint through accelerated acquisitions have accelerated Konzum’s growth. But the strategy has created a diversified store network, each with different store layouts and inventories. These issues also force the grocery chain to manage disparate inventory files, and deal with order exceptions.

Walmart debuts updated Neighborhood Market format

Walmart is going on the offense as German grocery giant Lidl prepares to enter the United States this summer. The discounter has rolled out a new prototype for its Neighborhood Market grocery-store concept in a handful of markets nationwide.
Home storage retailer improves online experience, security

The Container Store has embarked on an initiative to optimize Web performance, the online shopper experience, and strengthen its Web security. Looking to significantly increase revenue from desktop, tablet, and mobile channels following a responsive web design launch, the company tapped Yottaa, selecting its online platform following a rigorous evaluation of multiple Web acceleration offerings, including in-depth performance benchmark testing.
Amazon debuts grocery pick-up concept
Furniture retailer adopts poison pill

Rent-A-Center Inc. has taken action to reduce the likelihood that an investor gains unsolicited control of the company. The nation's largest rent-to-own operator has adopted a stockholder rights plan, or a so-called poison pill, that would become exercisable if a group buys 15% or more of its outstanding shares.
Survey: Supply chain technology is a competitive advantage

As margin pressures increase, more retailers are adopting new supply chain technologies to streamline operations and remain competitive. Specifically, nearly three-quarters (74%) of top retail executives in procurement said that supply chain technology can provide a significant competitive edge, according to the inaugural Retail Pulse survey from C2FO.
No more tax-free shopping on Amazon

The party is over for shoppers that enjoyed tax-free online shopping — on Amazon, anyway. Starting on April 1, Amazon will collect sales tax from all states that have a tax levy. Only the five states that do not have a state sales tax — Alaska, Delaware, Oregon, Montana and New Hampshire — will remain exempt.
Value home décor retailer sees potential for major store expansion

When it comes to expanding its store portfolio, At Home has barely gotten started. Reporting strong results for the fourth quarter and full year, the home décor retailer also said it plans to open 25 new stores this year, with the potential for almost 500 more locations over the long term.
Supermarket retailer taps 24-year-company veteran to head real estate

A Publix Super Markets associate who started his career with the company as a part-time meat cutter has been named VP of real estate strategy. Publix promoted Bob Balcerak to the top real estate post, effective April 3, 2017. As VP, he will oversee the selection of new sites and management of leased properties for Publix stores.