News

Ascena Retail Group appoints a new SVP
Ascena Retail Group has a new senior vice president to lead the company through its next phase of growth.

The company announced that Duane Holloway has been named Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective immediately. Holloway will serve on the company’s leadership team and report to David Jaffe, President and CEO. He will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters for the Company.
Report: Walmart merging tech teams to create new group
Wal-Mart Stores’ online push continues.

The retailer will merge its Bentonville-based information systems division with its Silicon Valley-based technology unit, zWalmartLabs, next month, Reuters reported.

The merger will create a new group called Walmart Technology.

The chain’s CIO, Karenann Terrell, and chief technical officer, Jeremy King, will continue to lead the information systems group and zWalmartLabs, respectively. Both will report to Neil Ashe, head of the chain e-commerce division, the report said.

Sam's Club to now accept Visa cards

Sam’s Club has entered into an agreement with Visa to begin accepting Visa credit cards starting Feb. 1.

“Everything we do is in an effort to better serve our members and extend the value of membership. By accepting Visa credit cards, we are giving our members more ways to shop that are convenient for them,” says Tracey Brown, chief member officer at Sam’s Club.
Amazon reveals details about its drone delivery service

More information about Amazon's drone delivery program has been released, the Huffington Post reported. The drones will be able to carry a limit of five pounds and can be at customers' doorsteps as fast as 30 minutes. [Huffington Post]
Quick-change Manhattan retailer Story partnering with health insurance giant

Story, the 2,000-sq.-ft. Manhattan store that changes its theme, interior design and product mix every four to eight weeks, is teaming up with health services provide Cigna for its next iteration.

The retailer will unveil its “Feel Good” concept on Tuesday, Jan. 19. The installation will be open through Feb. 28, and customers will be able to participate in a variety of classes and panel discussions focusing on health and wellness, in addition to shopping for the latest trends in healthy living.
Former Walgreens merchandising guru joins Massage Envy

Massage Envy on Monday named Joseph Magnacca CEO. Former CEO Dave Crisalli will continue to serve the business as a member of its board.
Cash still king for many consumers

Even in today’s expanding market of digital payment options, cash remains a leading payment form.

That’s according to a survey of over 1,000 consumers by Cardtronics. It shows that in spite of people having access to and using a greater variety of payment methods, cash remains widely used and frequently selected for making all sorts of payments.
NRF’s Shay delivers state-of-retail message

National Retail Federation president and CEO Matt Shay shared a message of inspiration and transformation to mark the beginning of the trade group’s annual Big Show, which again drew a record number of attendees to New York.
First Amazon Dash devices to go live

Amazon has rolled out the first devices available with Amazon Dash Replenishment.
Chico’s sells Boston Proper

Chico’s FAS has sold its Boston Proper women’s apparel business to a Los Angeles-based, consumer-focused private equity firm.

Brentwood Associates, whose portfolio includes J. McLaughlin and Soft Surroundings, announced Tuesday it has acquired the women’s apparel brand. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.