News

Survey: Everyday prices drive grocery purchases
New York – Most consumers base their grocery purchase decisions on very basic information. According to new research from data analytics solution provider Precima, 80% of U.S. shoppers choose their primary grocery store based on everyday prices, with two-thirds (65%) stating that the everyday (regular/non-sale) prices of staple items such as milk and eggs most influence their price perception of a grocery retailer.
C-store operator closes OneStop purchase, dropdown transaction
San Antonio, Texas - CST Brands Inc., through its CrossAmerica Partners LP wholly-owned subsidiary, has closed its previously announced acquisition of the Charleston, West Virginia-based One Stop convenience store network. CST is also moving 29 recently constructed stores into its wholly-owned CrossAmerica partnership via two “dropdown” transactions.

TGI Fridays offers social burger 'jump balls'

Carrollton, Texas – The range of social media keeps expanding, and TGI Fridays is now including burgers. The casual dining chain has launched “Buy A Burger, Give A Burger,” a new promotion that allows customers to let their friends compete for free burgers through social media.
A Matter of Time (and Money)

Time is often considered the most precious resource of all, because once it is spent, it can never be replenished. While there is no way to create new time, retailers can reduce the amount of time spent on such tasks as scheduling and payroll with automated workforce management technology. And as the old saying goes, time equals money.
Nebraska Furniture Mart Goes BIG in Texas

Most retailers are reducing their footprints, but not Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM). In fact, the retailer is doing just the opposite and has opened the nation’s largest home furnishings store. Located in the new 433-acre mixed-use development, Grandscape in The Colony, Texas, the two-level NFM has a whopping 560,000 sq. ft. of selling space. Including an on-site warehouse, the space totals more than 1.8 million sq. ft.

The store sells 100,000 products, ranging from very high-end items to value offerings, with another 500,000 items in stock in the warehouse.
Planned HVAC Replacement

Taking proactive approach can save energy, costs

Unexpected heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system repairs or breakdowns can result in unplanned store downtime or customer comfort issues for retail stores. With comfort such an important part of the customer experience, one that can impact sales, HVAC systems are indeed a critical component for retail stores.

In addition, HVAC systems are one of the largest sources of energy consumption in retail stores.
Real-Time Data, Real Savings

Saks Fifth Avenue reduces energy costs with LED retrofit

It’s often said that companies must spend money to make money, and this is true of investments in energy efficiency.
And the top state for business is…

New York -- The top state for business is a high-tax, high-wage, union-friendly, cold-climate state, according to an annual ranking by CNBC.
Amazon heads south of the border

Seattle – Mexico has always held an appeal for Americans, and Amazon.com is the latest visitor from the U.S. to heed Mexico’s call.

Following the successful launch of its Mexican Kindle store in 2013, Amazon has launched a Spanish-language Mexican website and mobile app with millions of unique items available.
Starbucks makes French connection

Seattle - Starbucks Coffee Co. plans on making a connection with French consumers.

The retailer is partnering with and Casino Restauration, the restaurant subsidiary of mass merchandiser Groupe Casino, to open Starbucks stores within Géant Casino hypermarkets and Casino supermarkets across France.
Reflexis completes more than 20 rollouts in 2015 so far

Dedham, Mass. - Reflexis Systems Inc. has successfully implemented its products in more than 20 retail, QSR (quick-service restaurant), and convenience store chains at the regional, national, and global level, across five continents during the first half of the 2015 calendar year. The solutions include Reflexis Task Manager, Reflexis Workforce Manager, ReflexisPlus, Advanced Analytics and Reporting, and Time and Attendance.
The top five food trends at Fancy Food Show

Forget organic and gluten free, these are the top five trends experts at the Fancy Food Show predict will shape what’s next on store shelves.

The Specialty Food Association held its annual trade show recently in New York where roughly 22,000 attendees sampled wares from the 2,600 food companies who exhibited at the Javits Center.