News

H-E-B Goes Beyond Products and Pricing to Connect With Customers
(The following is an excerpt from the new book, Extraordinary Experiences: What Great Retail and Restaurant Brands Do, by Denise Lee Yohn.)

Scott McClelland seems an unlikely candidate for his picture to appear under a "Why Is This Man Smiling?" headline. As spokesperson and president of the Houston food/drug division of Texas-based grocery store chain H-E-B, McClelland has plenty of reasons to be worried.
Kohl’s names Walgreen exec new COO, maybe CEO
Kohl’s has named Walgreens' former digital and chief marketing officer to the newly created role of chief operating officer and indicated she could eventually replace Kevin Mansell as CEO.

Kohl’s named Sona Chawla to the newly created position of COO, which might as well stand for chief omnichannel officer given her range of responsibilities and most recent experience at Walgreens. She will report directly to Kohl’s chairman, president and CEO Kevin Mansell.

Walmart U.S. is Q3 bright spot

Despite weak overall sales growth and an expected decline in third quarter profits, Walmart’s third quarter results offered reasons for the company to be optimistic and for competitors to be concerned.
How TJX is avoiding the retail sales slump

TJX shows no signs of losing its popular appeal with shoppers as the company reported stronger than expected traffic and same-store sales in the third quarter.

For the third quarter ended Oct. 31, same store sales at TJX Companies rose 5.3%. The company said net income fell to $587.3 million, from $595 million a year earlier. On a per share basis, net income rose to 86 cents per share from 85 cents, as the company had fewer shares outstanding. Revenue rose to $7.75 billion from $7.37 billion.
Video: Watch Build-a-Bear create float for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
It will be all about Black Wednesday at RadioShack

RadioShack is moving Black Friday all the way over to Wednesday in the hopes of ramping up shopper excitement for the holiday.

The company issued a call to customers Tuesday saying that as a "thank you to our loyal customers (particularly those who don't like to get trampled at big box stores on Black Friday), RadioShack's Black Friday Sale will begin early on Wednesday, Nov. 25." RadioShack says stores will stay open an extra hour on Wednesday, will reopen at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and feature extended hours the rest of the weekend.
Product Safety 2.0
LEDs: Benefits Extend Beyond Worth Energy Savings

Retail facilities are making the shift to LEDs, a more efficient, brighter and longer lasting lighting option saves energy and reduces operating costs. Its rapid return on interest makes LED retrofitting a smart, simple fix.

But what if LED lighting installations could also increase and guide purchasing decisions? What if thoughtful placement and controlled lighting could make customers feel more comfortable and safe, and make employees more productive?
Urban Outfitters in very surprising acquisition move

In a new expansion of food and retail, Urban Outfitters Inc. is acquiring a Philadelphia-based restaurant chain. The move comes as many retailers are working to make their stores more experiential by adding various services, including food and beverages, to the mix.
Retail CMOs forecast 2015 Black Friday sales up 2.4%