News

The Fresh Market explores bid for company
Just a few weeks after installing a new CEO, the Fresh Market is planning to conduct a strategic review that may include a sale of the specialty grocery chain.

The company says it has retained J.P. Morgan Securities as its financial advisor to assist in this process, which may result in the company continuing to pursue value-enhancing initiatives as a standalone company, capital structure optimization, or a sale of the company or other business combination.
Holiday forecast: Cold temps, hot sales

Favorable weather, an extra shopping day and new tech gadgets should attract more shoppers this holiday season, according to a new report.

The U.S. Holiday 2015 Forecast from the FBIC Group says retailers should expect a happy holiday 2015 selling season, with combined spending in November and December to rise between 3% and 4% over 2014 levels to between $626 billion to $633 billion.

Amazon.com targets fake reviewers in lawsuit

Amazon.com Inc. is suing more than 1,000 people for writing fake product reviews on its website. Defendants are misleading Amazon’s customers and tarnishing Amazon’s brand for their own profit and the profit of a handful of dishonest sellers and manufacturers,” according to a complaint filed Friday in a Seattle court. (USA Today)
Kmart plans a Happy Halloween for shoppers

Shoppers who hit the aisles at Kmart this Halloween are in for more treats than tricks.

The company said that shoppers in costume on Oct. 31 will receive a coupon for a purchase over $30. Additionally, the first 100 children ages 12 and under who show up to trick or treat will receive a fun-size candy bar.
Havertys sees what’s coming

When you know what’s coming your way, it’s much easier to make successful plans.

For this reason, furniture retailer Havertys will deploy the GT Nexus collaborative supply chain management platform to improve supplier and inventory visibility. This, in turn, will allow Havertys to automate procurement processes, including purchase order management, three-way matching and invoice settlement.
Study: The most likely time for online fraud is…

Online fraudsters apparently do not keep nine-to-five hours.

According to a new study from fraud detection technology provider Sift Science, “The United States of Fraud,” online transactions conducted at 3 a.m. are most likely to be fraudulent.

The high likelihood of fraud at 3 a.m. occurs across all time zones. Also, fraudsters are more likely to transact during the weekdays.
Report: Co-founder of Warby Parker has a new venture capital fund

Andrew Hunt, the co-founder of the hot eyewear retailer Warby Parker, has raised $138.3 million for a new venture capital firm, reports Boston Business Journal. The Boston-based firm is called Elephant Partners and is reportedly focused on consumer Internet, mobile and software. (Boston Business Journal)
Target plans social Halloween
Shoppers not spending, shifting online

Consumers’ intentions often differ materially from their behavior and retailers better hope that is the case this year or it won’t be a happy holiday, according to the latest consumer research from the National Retail Federation.
Target outlines 8 new sustainability goals

Amid a slew of news from Target headquarters on Monday, the retailer also announced that, as part of the White House’s climate pledge, it would be working toward eight new sustainability commitments.