News

Survey: Mobile food coupon users show spirit of adventure
Consumers who rely on mobile coupons when food shopping are much more likely to experiment with new brands.

According to the latest edition of GfK MRI’s “The Survey of the American Consumer,” one in three (33%) U.S. adults agrees completely or somewhat with the statement, “I rely on mobile coupons while food shopping.” And almost half (44%) of these mobile coupon users say they like to “change brands often for the sake of variety and novelty,” compared to just 30% of the general population.
HBC details omnichannel growth agenda
The number of Saks Off 5th stores will surge dramatically as will investments in technology as Hudson’s Bay Company said it will make higher than normal investments in growth initiative this year.

Twenty-seven year Walgreens vet named to Fred’s executive team

Fred's Inc. has appointed Rick Hans as executive VP and CFO. He fills the position left open when Jerry A. Shore, Fred's former finance head, was promoted to CEO in October 2014.

Prior to joining Fred's, Hans enjoyed a 27-year career with Walgreens, where he most recently served as VP of investor relations and finance. Hans previously held the position of director of finance and assistant treasurer, where he promoted a sound capital structure that subsequently provided the basis for major strategic acquisitions.
Surging Hudson’s Bay details major investments in expanding Saks, Saks Off 5th and store renovations

On the heels of soaring profits and revenues in the fourth quarter, Hudson’s Bay Company said it will make higher than normal investments in growth initiatives this year, including a dramatic increase in the number of Saks Off 5th stores, store renovations and investments in technology.
PayPay cancels expansion in North Carolina over new law

PayPal announced it is cancelling plans to open a new operations center in North Carolina after the state passed a law that many see as restricting protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The news comes as leaders of the High Point Market, the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world, warned that “hundreds and perhaps thousands” of customers will not attend the Market, held in High Point, North Carolina in April, due to their opposition to the new law. The Market attracts retailers, designers, suppliers and manufacturers.
Demandware stays current with omnichannel trends

Retailers looking to keep up with consumer demand for an individualized and seamless customer experience have a new supporting technology option to consider.
H&M promotes fashion sustainability in April

Two major sustainability initiatives from H&M begin this month as the fast fashion retailer debuts a new line from Conscious Commerce co-founders Olivia Wilde and Barbara Burchfield and kicks off an apparel recycling effort.

The H&M Conscious Exclusive collection from Wilde and Burchfield will be available online at hm.com and in 165 stores beginning April 7. Meanwhile, H&M is set to begin is World Recycle Week initiative on April 18 which allows customers who drop off clothes at in-store collections bins to receive a 30% discount coupon.
Best Buy bolsters appliance portfolio

Whirlpool Corp. will bring its Maytag brand of appliances to 600 Best Buy stores this month rounding out what was already an extensive offering.

Maytag brand products will hit the sales floor at 600 Best Buy stores in mid-April and also be sold online, the retailer said. The move expands Whirlpool’s assort at Best Buy which already includes the leading appliance manufacturer’s Whirlpool, KitchenAid and Amana brands. Best Buy also offer appliances from LG, Samsung, Frigidaire, Bosch and Electrolux.
30-year PepsiCo exec named CEO at Advance Auto Parts

From salty snacks and soft drinks to motor oil and car parts, Advance Auto Parts has tapped a lifelong PepsiCo executive to serve as its next CEO.
Speedy meals, green design mark Chick-fil-A’s newest Manhattan eatery

Just five months after making its Manhattan debut with the opening of its largest restaurant to date, Chick-fil-A has opened a second outpost in the Big Apple.