News

Walgreens, Rite Aid extend date of merger agreement to allow for store divestures
Walgreens, Rite Aid extend date of merger agreement to allow for store divestures Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid announced that they have mutually agreed to extend the end date of their merger agreement from Oct. 27, 2016 to Jan. 27, 2017. The companies now expect the transaction will close in early calendar 2017.
PetSmart uses acquisition to drive pet adoptions
PetSmart’s recent acquisition will help place pets with prospective forever families even faster. The specialty pet retailer acquired AllPaws, one of the largest online and mobile platforms that matches those looking to adopt a pet with pets ideally suited for their home, family and lifestyle. Approximately 5,000 animal rescues and shelters across North America already utilize AllPaws to promote their adoptable pets.

Cashless society not happening anytime soon

The use of cash remains strong among in-store shoppers. That’s according to a new survey by Cardtronics, in which 89% of consumers report using cash in the past six months to pay for merchandise in a physical store. Cash was followed by debit cards, used by 74% of consumers in the last six months, and credit cards, used by 66% of consumers. Eighteen percent of consumers reported using store mobile apps to pay for something in the last six months, and 17% used a mobile wallet.
Connecticut center gives Rouse a foothold in Northeast

Until this week, Rouse Properties’ northeastern-most retail possession was The Centre at Salisbury in Maryland. But its purchase this week of an 115,000-sq.-ft. center outside of Hartford, Connecticut, gives the developer a footprint planted firmly in New England.
Saks unveils new specialty store concept

Saks Fifth Avenue has opened its first standalone store dedicated exclusively to footwear.
Sheetz customers can now ‘OrderUp’

Sheetz just added a new item to its assortment — an app-based delivery service. Through a partnership with OrderUp from Groupon, an on-demand restaurant food-delivery service, Sheetz now features a mobile ordering program for food and beverages. The service, which is available in its Morgantown, W.V., and State College, Pennsylvania, locations, allows shoppers to place orders and have them delivered to their doorstep.
Meet 2016’s newest ‘small screen’ star: Wayfair

Who hasn’t wanted to buy “looks” featured on their favorite television show? Now, it’s a reality. A new TV talk show series, created through a partnership between Wayfair and A+E Networks, will allow viewers to purchase all featured items on Wayfair.com. The show, called The Way Home, uses a combination of home décor and DIY how-to’s, room makeovers and everyday solutions for better living — and everything displayed is for sale.
Former Walmart and Sam's Club exec Ron Loveless dies

Ron Loveless, the first CEO of Sam's Club who grew the retailer for several years before retiring in 1986, has died. According to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Loveless died Monday at the age of 73 after "a long battle with cancer," according to a memo from Walmart CEO Doug McMillon and Sam's Club CEO Rosalind Brewer sent to Sam's Club employees.
Investor doubles money on Illinois center

In 2013, Newport Capital Partners paid just over $31 million for Danada Square East, a 200,000-sq.-ft. center in Wheaton, Illinois, anchored by a Dominick’s supermarket. Yesterday, Newport sold the property for $63 million.
Walmart amps up online strategy in China with three new initiatives

Walmart is ready to sink its teeth into the world’s largest e-commerce market. Three months after entering into a strategic alliance with JD.com, China’s second-largest e-commerce website, Walmart is introducing Chinese shoppers to a new digitally-driven shopping experience. For example, Chinese shoppers got their first taste of Sam’s Club when Walmart opened the doors of its first flagship store in China today.