News

Home Depot adds information security expert to board
Nearly a year after a massive data breach, the Home Depot is looking to a cybersecurity veteran to add expertise to its board directors.

The world's largest home improvement retailer said it has appointed Linda R. Gooden to the company's board of directors. Gooden will serve on the company's Audit and Leadership Development and Compensation Committees. Her appointment gives the company 12 directors, 11 of whom are independent.
NRF creates Digital Council
The National Retail Federation has formed a Digital Council to focus on the e-commerce, mobile and innovative initiatives that exist within the retail industry today.

The members-only council, powered by NRF’s Shop.org digital division, will support and promote collaboration in efforts like the exchange of information on digital retail trends and strategies, the development of original research, and educational events and advocacy opportunities in Washington, D.C.

Amazon.com extends its lead in e-commerce wars

Amazon.com is the No. 1 website for online shoppers in the United States, according to a new survey.

A Survata study commissioned by BloomReach reports that in a survey of 2,000 U.S. consumers, 44% bypass the entire Internet and go directly to Amazon.com first to search for products, compared to 34% who use top search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo!.
Wal-Mart Canada in locker pilot with 7-Eleven

Walmart Canada is joining forces with a C-store giant to make online shopping as convenient as possible.

In a pilot project, Walmart’s Canadian subsidiary is partnering with 7-Eleven Canada to expand Walmart Canada’s Grab & Go locker network to six 7-Eleven stores in the greater Toronto area.
Tech Guest Viewpoint: Four Shopping Lessons to Finish 2015 Strong

Every year, it seems, summer and the “back to school” shopping season go by in a flash. Suddenly, as the leaves change color, retailers find themselves looking ahead to what they hope will be a successful holiday shopping season.
PwC: Ten Trends Expected to Drive the Holiday Shopping Season

1. Holiday spending: Is the glass half full or half empty?
Consumers are cautiously optimistic this holiday season with 53% indicating they will likely spend about the same as last year and 32% indicating they will likely spend more than last year.

Of all age groups, young millennials – aged 18 to 24 – indicated they are the most optimistic.

2. Income levels drive survivalists and selectionists
Is the Container Store still really on track for growth?

The CEO of The Container Store says the company is still on track to maximize profitability despite a disappointing second quarter that produced little sales and revenue growth.

The Texas-based chain reported that for the second quarter ended Aug. 29, revenue edged up 1.2% to $195.5 million. Net income fell by more than 60% to $2.67 million, with earnings of $0.06 per share, a penny less than the consensus forecast and down by more than half from last year's $0.14 per share showing.
Haggen finds another buyer for its stores

Gelson's Markets is joining Smart & Final on the acquisition of some Haggen properties in Southern California.

Gelson's, a regional supermarket chain operating in Southern California, announced it is bidding on eight Haggen locations across five counties: Los Angeles County (Santa Monica), Orange County (Laguna Beach, Ladera Ranch), Riverside County (Rancho Mirage), San Diego County (Carlsbad, Del Mar, Pacific Beach) and Ventura County (Thousand Oaks).
The world’s most valuable brands are…

For the third consecutive year, Apple and Google came out on top in a ranking of the 100 most valuable brands in the world.

Valued at a whopping $170.3 billion in Interbrand’s 16th annual Best Global Brands report, Apple increased its brand value by 43% over last year. Google, valued at $120.3 billion, increased its value by 12%. (The top 10 brands are listed at the end of this article.)
Target previews an updated look for Minn. store

Target is showing off an updated look at its redone store in Minnetonka, Minn.

The remodeled SuperTarget is serving as a testing ground overall for store updates with bolder, more playful signage, new displays and various new concepts in the grocery area.

The chain is also putting the spotlight on its “Made to Matter—Handpicked by Target” collection of healthy-living brands, with more prominent signs on the ends of aisles.