News

Teen apparel retailer names new chief marketer
Will A. Smith has joined Abercrombie & Fitch Co. as chief marketing officer. Smith, who will report to president and chief merchandising officer Fran Horowitz, will be responsible for all brand, creative and digital marketing across the chain.
Home improvement giant in big commitment to wind power
On a wind farm near McAllen, Texas, with windmills that stand taller from tip to base than the Statue of Liberty, Home Depot is harvesting enough electricity to power 100 Home Depot stores. The juice is flowing because of the Atlanta-based retailer’s deal with EDP Renewables North America, a deal that marks Home Depot’s first major investment in a wind-powered renewable energy project. The company says that in addition to supplying power to 100 stores, the deal provides $150,000 in local community benefits.

Analyst: ‘Still chance of a reasonable outcome’ for Walgreens-Rite Aid deal

An Evercore ISI analyst maintained his “buy” rating on Walgreens Boots Alliance stock, stating that although its proposed deadline for a deal with Rite Aid has been delayed, “there is still a chance of a reasonable outcome for both parties.” The companies pushed back the deadline for merger from Jan. 27 to July 31 and trimmed the purchase price paid to Rite Aid to $6.50 to $7 per share — based upon the number of store divestitures the FTC requires — from $9 per share.
Walmart to give new employees pay increases sooner

The labor market for workers appears to be improving. Walmart confirmed to media outlets it will speed up the time it takes for new employees to complete a training program and subsequently increase their pay. The retail two years ago implemented a $9 per-hour minimum wage and last year unveiled a six-month training program called Pathways. Once this program was completed, pay was increased to $10 per hour.
H&M’s expansion plan calls for new stores and added emphasis on digital

In addition to reporting a strong quarter of earnings and store openings, H&M is slowing down its store growth and instead, bolstering its digital operations. The company, which aimed to open 10% to 15% more physical stores each year, reported Tuesday, Jan. 31, is shifting its focus to increasing its omnichannel sales — including both stores and online sales — by 10% to 15% per year, according to H&M.
Walmart takes direct aim at Amazon Prime’s free shipping

Walmart just upped the ante in the home shipping war against its rival, Amazon. The chain is ending its ShippingPass program, a fee-based, two-day delivery service, in favor of a free two-day shipping program. Shoppers can now order from more than two million items, and have merchandise shipped to their homes or stores without a membership fee.
Athleta debuts its first Fair Trade Certified styles

Athleta’s latest line will provide a premium to the female workforce that created it. The athleisure brand’s spring collection was manufactured in a factory certified by Fair Trade USA, an organization dedicated to creating social and economic opportunities for factory workers globally. For a product to earn Fair Trade certification, it must originate from a facility that operates according to the rigorous social, environmental and economic standards set in place by Fair Trade USA.
Report: Mobile investments paying off

Retailers are vying for time on their customers’ mobile devices — before, during and after a purchase. And their efforts are working.
Planet Hollywood puts a new, immersive spin on theme dining

Planet Hollywood has taken the wraps off its Orlando, Florida flagship, which has been totally transformed with a dazzling, multi-million dollar renovation.
Lamps Plus purchases $7 million warehouse to speed up fulfillment

Lamps Plus is taking steps to meet its shoppers’ increasing demand. The lighting retailer is expanding its warehouse presence in Redlands, Calif., with the acquisition of a 57,000-sq.-ft. building. The building is located next to Lamps Plus’ existing 800,000-sq.-ft. facility, which opened in 2007.