News

Beauty retailer preps to launch new holding company
Ulta Beauty is launching a new holding company. On Sunday, Jan. 29, the beginning of the company’s new fiscal year, the retailer will form a new holding company, Ulta Beauty Inc. “Business operations will not change, and the primary purpose of the reorganization is to create a more efficient corporate structure,” the company said. All outstanding shares of common stock will automatically convert, and the stock will continue to trade under the "ULTA" ticker.
Commentary: Starbucks now “firmly in middle age”
Neil Saunders, CEO of retail research and consulting firm Conlumino, comments on Starbucks’ first quarter results in the remarks below.

Report: Fraud, risk incidents rise in 2016

Fraud, cyber and security incidents escalated in 2016. That’s according to the “Kroll Annual Global Fraud and Risk Report,” which surveyed executives worldwide across multiple industries and geographies. The study noted that 82% of the respondents experienced a fraud incident in the past year compared to 75% in 2015.
Amazon’s new logistics plan set sail — on the ocean

Eager for more control of how its products are shipped, Amazon is now organizing oceanic shipments.
Lane Bryant exec lands top role at HoneyBaked Ham

The former CEO of the nation’s top plus-size apparel chains will soon head up a food retailer. Just days after it was revealed that Linda Heasely had left her position as chief executive of Ascena Retail Group’s Lane Bryant and Catherine’s, Honey Baked Ham Company announced that it had appointed her as its new CEO, effective Feb. 6, 2017.
Walgreens CEO: Company in 'active discussions' to get approval for Rite Aid deal

With the deadline for the deal set to expire Friday, Jan. 27, Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Stefano Pessina told shareholders attending the Walgreens Boots Alliance annual meeting Thursday morning that the board of directors for both Walgreens and Rite Aid were in "active" discussions toward getting the deal approved even as the Federal Trade Commission continues to deliberate over the proposed retail pharmacy merger.
Layoffs at Abercrombie

Abercrombie & Fitch is in cost-cutting mode. The teen apparel retailer has let go 150 employees at its headquarters in New Albany, Ohio, Columbus Business First reported. The retailer said the layoffs were part of its “ongoing cost reduction initiatives,” according to the report.
Alibaba affiliate buys MoneyGram

A new acquisition by Alibaba positions the company to accelerate the accessibility of global financial services. Ant Financial Services Group, Alibaba’s e-payment arm and the parent company of Alipay, is purchasing money transfer firm MoneyGram for approximately $880 million, according to Business Insider.
H&M to debut shoppable runway show at Paris Fashion Week

For the first time, H&M shoppers will be able to purchase merchandise straight on the runway. On March 2, H&M is launching its ‘See Now, Buy Now’ show, which enables customers to log onto its site and purchase items from its H&M Studio collection immediately following its presentation during Paris Fashion Week. Merchandise will also be available in select H&M stores.
Modern furniture retailer opens largest store to date

Design Within Reach has opened a store in Portland, Ore., in an historic building that dates back to the end of the 19th century. The retailer opened in the city’s North Pearl District, in a circa 1890 two-story brick warehouse that originally served as a distribution center for pottery and housewares. "We're thrilled to be a part of the vibrant, evolving Pearl District and the opportunity to support the preservation of this historic building," says DWR president John McPhee.