News

Local hardware chain takes on global security threat
Operating seven stores, McLendon Hardware Inc. may not seem like a top target for a customer data breach. However, the Renton, Washington-based chain understands that no retailer of any size is immune to the risk of having sensitive customer data stolen by cybercriminals. That is why McLendon utilizes an Epicor deployment of the Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) SecureData Payment security solution.
Walmart opens new perishables facility
Walmart grocery shoppers in North Carolina and Virginia may notice an improved assortment. The discount giant is opening a 450,000-sq.-ft. distribution center in Mebane, North Carolina, on Wednesday, July 13. The facility, which cost nearly $100 million, will be dedicated to distributing perishables to stores in North Carolina and Virginia.

Kids rule at Target

Target Corp. is tapping into its consumer base, including kids, to stay on an upward trajectory.
PetSmart dives into seamless fulfillment

PetSmart is ensuring that it has the right back-end infrastructure to support front-end omnichannel commerce.
Comic book retailer takes novel digital commerce approach

A text-based “store” may sound like a flight of fancy, but Kaboom Chat is graphically bringing it to life. The Dallas-based specialty comic book retailer is leveraging the Samus Chat text-based commerce app to offer a mobile store and informational platform. Kaboom Chat asks customers some discovery questions when they first register, which then enables the retailer to auto-populate the SMS-based store when they visit via mobile phone.
Worldpay partially admits to Etsy outage

Payment processing platform Worldpay isn’t naming names, but appears to be owning up to playing a major role in the Etsy transactional outage. Since July 1, what Etsy has described as a third-party payments processing issue has stalled thousands or even millions of online transactions. In a running thread on the online marketplace’s “Bugs” community forum, some users have been posting that their delayed orders have gone through, but others still complain of inability to process payments.
Brookfield finalizes Rouse acquisition

Brookfield Asset Management announced the completion of its deal to acquire Rouse Properties at a price of $18.25 per share. Rouse will be merged with Brookfield’s BSREP II Retailing Pool LLC affiliate and the acquired company’s stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.
Four hot online retailers to watch

The online space doesn’t have a lock on new retail concepts, but with its lower start-up costs and potential audience reach it has proved itself a great breeding ground for disruptive retailers. Here’s a look at four innovative e-tailers that are generating buzz and revenue increases — enough to place them among the top 15 fastest-growing e-retailers in a recent study.* Casper
Petco has growth in store for July

Petco will not be taking it easy this summer. As part of a 2016 growth plan which includes 26 new Petco stores and one new Unleashed by Petco location, the specialty pet supplies retailer will open five new Petco stores across the country in July. In addition to the five new stores, the company is also remodeling 12 stores in Seattle, one in San Diego, expanding one store in Heath, Ohio, and relocating one store in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.
Supervalu to supply regional grocer

Supervalu Inc. will serve as primary wholesaler for Indianapolis-based Marsh Supermarkets. Supervalu has entered into a long-term supply agreement with, and will also provide some professional services to Marsh, which operates approximately 70 Marsh Supermarkets and O’Malia Food Markets stores across Indiana and Ohio. Marsh also operates 38 pharmacy locations.