News

A new dollar store brand is born
A private equity group better known for investing in established companies is creating a new dollar store brand after acquiring 330 Family Dollar stores from Dollar Tree.

Dollar Tree acquired Family Dollar earlier this year and to satisfy federal regulators, the company agreed to divest 330 Family Dollar stores. The acquiring company is a newly created portfolio company of the private equity firm Sycamore Partners called Dollar Express.
What retail CEO made an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show?
Ulta Beauty is not only “Ultra-beautiful,” according to television personality Ellen DeGeneres, it’s also “Ultra-generous.”

Capping off a partnership during the month of October with DeGeneres to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, Ulta CEO Mary Dillon appeared on the popular talk show and presented the host with a $2 million check made out to the Breast Cancer Reseach Foundation.

CVS Health announces results of solid Q3

For the third quarter ended Sept. 30, CVS Health reported $38.6 billion in net revenues, representing an increase of 10.3%. Revenues across the Pharmacy Services Segment increased 13.3% to $25.5 billion, primarily driven by growth in specialty pharmacy and pharmacy network claims.

“We delivered solid revenue and operating profit growth across our businesses, and we continue to expect significant growth in the fourth quarter, rounding out another terrific year for our company,” Larry Merlo, CVS Health president and CEO, said.
Millennials Set to Rebuild Retail Industry from the Ground Up

Retailers, are you prepared for the millennial effect?

Born roughly between 1980 and 2000, millennials, are poised to cause a tidal shift in the retail industry because of their spending power and unique characteristics that greatly influence how and what they purchase. According to Advertising Age, millennials will spend more than $200 billion annually starting in 2017 and $10 trillion in their lifetimes.
Report: Another big name throws hat in mobile payment ring

Mobile payment keeps getting more popular, at least on the provider side.

According to Re/Code, Amazon.com is launching a mobile “Pay with Amazon” button that will let consumers automatically use their Amazon payment information to make purchases on other retailer’s e-commerce apps. While not exactly a mobile wallet app, the Pay With Amazon button is definitely an attempt to obtain a piece of the mobile payment market which Apple, Samsung, Google, and several other entities are trying to take an early lead in.
Report: Walgreens-Rite Aid deal likely to avoid antitrust issues

Despite concern from smaller pharmacies, Walgreens’ plan to acquire Rite Aid is likely to be approved by the FTC, according to a report by International Business Times. “The location strategies of these two companies have been historically quite different,” said Howard Davidowitz, a New York-based retail consultant.
Another big name throws hat in mobile payment ring

Mobile payment keeps getting more popular, at least on the provider side.

According to Re/Code, Amazon.com is launching a mobile “Pay with Amazon” button that will let consumers automatically use their Amazon payment information to make purchases on other retailer’s e-commerce apps. While not exactly a mobile wallet app, the Pay With Amazon button is definitely an attempt to obtain a piece of the mobile payment market which Apple, Samsung, Google, and several other entities are trying to take an early lead in.
Samsung Pay starts strong in U.S.

The Samsung Pay mobile payment solution had a good first four weeks in the U.S.

According to data released by Samsung Electronics, U.S. consumers who have paid with Samsung Pay so far have executed an average of eight transactions each.
Borrowing a page from big tobacco to grow produce sales

Big screen actors and television personalities made smoking cool for generations of Americans. Now produce marketers and retailers hope a new deal with Hollywood can have the same effect on fruits and vegetables.
Target aims for a seamless holiday season

Target has an aggressive new plan to lure shoppers this holiday season that includes free shipping on all orders and a new international website.

The plan is part of Target CEO Brian Cornell’s efforts to restructure the company and revamp its digital and in-store offerings. Free shipping starts Nov. 1 and ends Dec. 25.