News

Research Triangle Park, N.C. -- Forty-one percent of online retailers plan to offer free shipping and returns as a strategy to increase holiday sales this year, according to a new survey by Channel Advisors, and free shipping also ranked as the most successful service feature for generating a higher level of customer satisfaction. The Multichannel E-Commerce Study also reveals that 86% of surveyed retailers expect to increase their year-over-year online holiday sales in 2014.

New York -- Costco Wholesale Corp will stop accepting American Express cards at its stores in Canada, effective January 1, 2015.

“The credit card relationship between American Express and Costco Wholesale Canada will not be renewed when it expires on Dec. 31,” the company stated in an e-mail to Canadian customers.

Costco’s U.S. locations will continue to accept American Express Cards, with the exception of TrueEarnings and American Express Platinum Cash Rebate cards issued in Canada, the chain said.

Camp Hill, Pa. -- Rite Aid Corp. on Thursday reported better-than-expected profit and sales for the second quarter. But the chain cut its full-year profit outlook, citing lower reimbursement rates and anticipated lower profitability from new generics and generic drugs that recently lost exclusivity.

Rite Aid’s second-quarter profit surged to $129.2 million, up from $32.8 million in the year-earlier period,

Ace Hardware has expanded its partnership with eBay Enterprise to enhance its omnichannel capabilities as the company ramps up its efforts to stay competitive, drive sales and acquire new customers.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has appointed Sue Pifer as VP of compliance and Tiffin Shewmake as the director of the Center for Retail Compliance (CRC).

“The experience and skills that Sue and Tiffin possess make them uniquely suited for delivering exceptional value to our member companies on a broad range of compliance issues. We are excited to have them join the RILA team,” said RILA president Sandy Kennedy.

Two new Kindle e-readers from Amazon hit the market next month with a host of new features beyond the typical thinner and lighter claims.

Gordon Brothers Group, a global advisory, restructuring and investment firm specializing in the retail, consumer products, industrial and real estate sectors, has promoted Kenneth S. Frieze to the role of CEO.

Frieze has more than 20 years of leadership experience in restructuring, consulting, brand redevelopment, appraisal and asset disposition. He has held various roles at the firm since 2003, serving most recently as president. Prior roles included leading the firm's brand, appraisal and business development efforts.

Solid same store sales growth at Rite Aid caused second quarter profits to surge but looming pressure on pharmacy margins prompted the company to reduce its full year outlook.

The WhiteWave Foods Company, a leading consumer packaged food and beverage company in North America and Europe, has agreed to acquire So Delicious Dairy Free from its existing shareholders, led by Wasserstein & Co., for approximately $195 million in cash.

Omnichannel investments are driving solid top line growth at Pier 1 Imports but having the opposite effect on profits as the company transitions to an integrated digital business model.