News

Family Dollar profits beat Street; Dollar Tree merger expected in May
Matthews, N.C. – Profits slid at Family Dollar Stores Inc. during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to last year, but still beat Wall Street predictions. The discounter reported net income of $76.7 million, down 18% from $90.9 million.
Flooring Installation Is Key
When evaluating the flooring in a new store or a remodel, installation is key. Meet Mark Chichak with Halex Corp., who discusses how a company that doesn’t make the flooring – but, rather makes the installation materials and tools – can be a key partner in creating solutions for faster, easier and more profitable ways to build and remodel stores.

Staples gets in to the 'Shark Tank' for small business

Staples is getting into the “Shark Tank” to attract more small business owners to its stores by teaming up with ABC’s popular TV show.

The retailer will sponsor debut products from inventors on ABC’s “Shark Tank” television show and on Staples.com and in select Staples stores. The successful entrepreneurs behind the products will be featured during three episodes of ABC’s “Shark Tank” starting April 10.
Study: Loyalty programs more important than ever

More and more consumers are motivated by loyalty programs than ever before, according to the 2015 Bond Brand Loyalty Report.

Bond Brand Loyalty’s fifth annual study shows consumers overwhelmingly agree that loyalty programs are worth the effort.
Beacons to get a boost from tech partnership

ShopperTrak is teaming up with a shopping app called Shopkick to enhance the value proposition retailers offer to their customers in-store.

ShopperTrak, a global provider of consumer behavior insights and location-based analytics, and Shopkick is the most widely used real-world shopping app. Their partnership aims to leverage the market leadership and experience of both companies to deliver superior in-store experiences and rewards for shoppers, while also providing the retail community with an analytics tool to optimize the shopper’s experience in the store.
Pharmacy sales help drive profits for Rite Aid in 2014

Rite Aid said higher prescription sales and stronger cost control helped the drugstore chain report a profit surge for the fourth quarter.
Kroger Co. names new Dillons chief

A 38-year Kroger employee who started out in the company bagging groceries at a Cincinnati area store has been promoted to president.
Walmart wage hikes under way in many states

Walmart is beginning to raise wages for workers in several states as part of its employee initiative for fiscal 2015.
February chills Family Dollar sales

Cold weather in February caused profits to slide at Family Dollar Stores Inc. ahead of its impending merger with Dollar Tree.
Ikea targets veggie lovers with meatless meatballs

Food has always been an important part of the shopping experience at Ikea, and the retailer is doubling down on that strategy by unveiling a new menu.

Ikea announced it will be adding more nutritious and sustainable food options to its restaurants, bistros near the checkout, Swedish food markets and co-worker restaurants. The new food strategy highlights how important food is to the chain.
Best Buy gets geeky in Canada

Best Buy is strengthening its commitment to educating Canadian kids about technology with the launch of a Geek Squad Academy.
Uniqlo to open D.C., Denver, Seattle stores

Japanese retailer Uniqlo's U.S. expansion is picking up speed as the company prepares to open its first-ever stores in the Seattle, Denver and Washington, D.C.